Principal/Headteacher

Cuckmere House 

Principal

Full-time, Permanent

Leadership pay range

L22 £70,745 to L28 £81,942 p.a.

A unique opportunity has arisen for the post of Principal at Cuckmere House School in Seaford, East Sussex.

Cuckmere House School is an ‘Outstanding’ all-through special school that makes provision for children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs (key stage 1-4).  

Cuckmere House School is a vibrant, aspirational and diverse school.  The school includes a primary Flexible Learning Provision (FLP) for pupils at risk of exclusion or have been excluded from mainstream school and a specialist ASD facility in its second year of operation, this facility is based half a mile from the main school site.  Cuckmere is also linked to an educational facility within a secure residential establishment in Hailsham.

Cuckmere House is part of The SABDEN Multi Academy Trust, which provides specialist education in East Sussex to young people with complex Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. The Trust consists of three SEMH special schools, a new vocational alternative provision free school and a Pupil Referral Service.  The Trust is also in the pre-opening phase of opening a new SEMH Free School on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent. SABDEN is a supportive employer committed to creating a warm, caring, stable, supportive environment in which staff and pupils feel safe.

Cuckmere House School is a unique school to be part of; it is committed to ensuring that each child can access the highest possible standard of education and where they can be supported to better manage their behaviour, emotional and mental health needs.  Cuckmere House provides an engaging learning environment that encourages learners to become independent and self-motivated.  Through its skilled staff, the team builds strong and supportive relationships with pupils and their parents/carers, which creates an excellent foundation to work together. This helps to achieve the schools aim of ensuring that each young person can learn and develop the skills to be able to engage purposefully in their education and, as they move through the school, be able to make well-informed choices about their future and therefore contribute positively to their community.

Cuckmere House offers an outstanding curriculum within engaging classroom environments, which promote well-being and independence. Regular outdoor and off site activities enrich the broad and balanced curriculum and enable pupils to thrive within school and their community. Personalised plans, consistent practice and expert staff enable pupils to gradually self-manage their behaviour and develop skills to engage fully in their educational offer. Safeguarding processes are rigorous and ensure pupils are safe and well cared for. All staff strive to continuously improve outcomes for all pupils, both in their academic studies and in their personal development. Robust attendance mechanisms are in place and increasing attendance for the hardest to reach pupils is an ongoing priority.

The new Principal will join the school and Trust at an exciting time of change with the appointment of new SABDEN CEO. The new Principal will work closely with the new CEO, the Executive Leadership Team and School Senior Leadership Team to further develop and strengthen the work and reach of the school in securing outstanding outcomes for all pupils.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a proven track record of outstanding teaching, leadership & management experience and a comprehensive understanding of SEMH needs. They will have the ability to inspire and develop skilled staff, hold staff to account and to maintain a supportive and aspirational culture within the school. They will be solution focused, resilient and an exceptional communicator. They will have the ability to demonstrate high-level organisation and operational management skills. 

The successful candidate will be able to confidently analyse and act upon data, both internal and national to maintain and continuously develop the highest quality of education for Cuckmere House pupils. They will be astute with sound evaluative and development planning skills. The successful candidate will be inspirational, influential and committed to working as part of a small but growing specialist Multi-Academy Trust. 

The new Principal will be accountable to The SABDEN Multi Academy Trust working closely under the guidance and with the support of the CEO and Executive Leadership Team.

If you would like to find our more information, interested candidates are invited to contact Jo Foulkes (Assistant CEO and CEO Designate) via jo.foulkes@sabden.org.uk  or on 07841 212737.

For an application pack, please visit the vacancy section of the SABDEN Multi Academy Trust website here: http://www.sabden.org.uk/216/vacancies 

The closing date for completed applications is by 12 noon, Monday 17th May 2021.

Please send completed applications to recruitment@sabden.org.uk .

Please note CVs will not be accepted.

The school has a proven commitment to 'Equality of Opportunity' and actively promotes the welfare and safeguarding of young people. Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced check from the Disclosure and Debarring Service (DBS).