Head of Education

Wings School Cumbria have an exciting opportunity for our next Head of Education. You will be an integral part of our team who put the children and young people at the heart of everything we do. We are proud of our work, the team that we are, and the care that we offer, resulting in our Good Ofsted inspection in November 2021. Education at Wings Cumbria was highly praised, with inspectors grading the school as “Good with Outstanding features”, particularly noting the “excellent behaviour” of pupils who show “highly positive attitudes to their work” and the “outstanding” behaviour and attitudes of pupils as well as their personal development.

About the role:

This is a challenging but hugely rewarding role, with the core purpose of providing professional leadership and management to the education team within the school under the guidance of the Principal.  

You will be providing and promoting a secure foundation from which to achieve high standards in all areas of the school’s work whilst ensuring high quality education by effectively managing teaching and learning and using personalised learning to realise the potential of all children. You will establish a culture that promotes excellence, equality and high expectations of all pupils and be one of the schools Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL’s) with specific responsibility for education.

You will have the full support and direction from the Principal who has a wealth of experience allowing you to flourish within the role, and you will also have access to the knowledge of wider group team.

About you:

This role is perfect for you if you’re currently a Head Teacher or Head of Education looking for your next step or if you’re a Deputy Head aspiring for Headship as we will support you every step of the way to get there. 

If you hold QTS and have strong leadership and management experience within a specialist education environment and share our passion and commitment to developing confident and capable young people by meeting their educational, health and social care needs in structured, nurturing school and home provisions we want to hear from you!

You will be an enthusiastic and motivational person who leads from the front, showing dedication to the lives of our young people. You will have experience of working with children with SEMH difficulties, including Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) and will be a successful leader of whole school change management. You will have a good understanding of School Improvement Planning and implementation, experience of partnership working with parents, governors/external school improvement partners and the wider community including external agencies and be successful and varied teaching experience in appropriate phase(s). 

If this sounds like you please call 015395 62006, and our Principal would welcome an informal chat about the role and discuss the next steps.

Why work for us?

• a competitive salary and generous annual leave entitlement

• a comprehensive induction programme so you can hit the ground running

• continued professional development and training

• enhanced contributions to your pension

• a friendly, passionate team committed to getting the best outcomes for our young people

Benefits include:     

• £500 refer-a-friend bonus

• OFSTED bonuses

• life assurance/death in service – 2 x salary 

• cycle to work scheme and laptop loans

• discounts on cinema trips, electronics, fashion, home and garden, travel, groceries, gifts, utilities, health and fitness

• birthday treats

• long service and employee of the month awards

• employee assistance and counselling service, wellbeing support and advice

• optional flu jab

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible. 

About us:

Wings School Cumbria, part of Kedleston Group Limited, is an independent specialist residential and day school in Kendal for children and young people aged between the ages of 9 and 17. We support and care for children and young people who have identified social, emotional and mental health needs. They may also have learning difficulties such as autistic spectrum disorders including Asperger’s Syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, moderate learning difficulties and other specific learning difficulties.

Kedleston Group Limited is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its children and young people and we expect all staff to share this commitment. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. You will be expected to engage in annual safeguarding training, be familiar with key policies and ensure you know the steps to take should you be made aware of a safeguarding or child protection concern. You will remain vigilant and act swiftly if you have concerns about a child and be an appropriate role model for both children and colleagues at all times.

The successful candidate is required to provide references and will be expected to undertake an enhanced DBS check. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.