Headteacher (Founding SEN Headteacher)

Headteacher – Founding Leader of a New Independent School

A Rare and Exceptional Leadership Opportunity

AppleCast is developing an exciting new independent school at the inspirational AppleCast site. We are seeking a highly inspirational, motivated, and visionary Headteacher to lead this school from its foundation. This is a distinctive, career‑defining opportunity for an exceptional leader who is passionate about creating a school where children’s needs, rights, and aspirations are at the heart of every decision.

As our Headteacher working with trustees you will pioneer a model that seamlessly blends high-quality academic standards with a unique, "outdoor and practical" ethos. The charity has 20 years of a successful Alternative Provision working with ASC pupils to create a positive platform for progression.

Our Vision: Education Reimagined

The new school will offer pupils a bespoke, personalised curriculum that blends academic ambition with practical, outdoor, and therapeutic experiences. Set within a tranquil environment featuring animal care, angling facilities, horticulture, and vocational workshops, the school will champion the ethos of “Thinking and Learning Differently.”

We pride ourselves on a bespoke approach to learning, deeply understanding each individual’s needs to unlock their full potential.

Your Mission as Founding Headteacher

As the first Headteacher, you will:

- Establish a culture of high aspiration, inclusion, and wellbeing.

- Ensure children’s wellbeing, safety, and voice are prioritised.

- Partner with our Trustees and Senior Leader to lead the strategic development and registration of the school, ensuring total compliance with Independent School Standards.

- Curriculum Innovation: Design and embed an ambitious, therapeutic curriculum that weaves literacy and numeracy into hands-on experiences such as horticulture, animal husbandry, angling, and conservation.

- Recruit, lead, mentor, and inspire a multi-disciplinary team dedicated to supporting pupils with SEMH, ASD, and complex communication needs.

- Serve as a high-profile ambassador within the Borough’s SEND Partnership, forging strong bonds with parents and local authorities

Who We Are Looking For

We need a visionary leader who breathes the rural, hands-on ethos of our charity. You must possess the confidence to articulate a bold future to our Board of Trustees, looking far beyond the traditional classroom to transform our eco-site into a world-class therapeutic learning environment.

As a seasoned SEND professional, you will bring the professional knowledge required to navigate the complexities of a school start-up, balanced with the heart to ensure our outdoor-led tutoring remains child-centred at all times.

We are looking for a Headteacher who is:

- Visionary, inspiring, and courageous.

- Passionate and child‑centred.

- Experienced in educational leadership.

- Skilled in developing new schools or leading major change.

- Emotionally intelligent and resilient.

- Collaborative and community‑minded.

- Expert in SEND practice and inclusive pedagogy.

Essential Requirements:

Proven Leadership

Experience as a Headteacher or Deputy within a specialist SEN or Independent School.

Launch Experience

Ideally, a track record in new school registrations or significant school improvement projects.

Specialist Expertise

Deep mastery of ASC, SEMH, and trauma-informed practice.

Qualifications

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a relevant degree.