Head of School -SEN Sixth Form
Highshore School
Southwark
- £90,856 - £99,241 per year
- Expired
- Salary:
- Inner London - Group 6 Leadership Scale L21 – L25
- Job type:
- Full Time, Permanent
- Start date:
- September 2025
- Apply by:
- 7 March 2025
Job overview
Highshore School – Inspiring Futures, Changing Lives
Salary: Inner London - Group 6 Leadership Scale L21 – L25 (£90,856 - £99,241)
Start Date: September 2025
Closing date for applications: 07/03/2025
Interview date: 20/03/2025
UK based applicants only.
Job Overview:
Are you a passionate, forward-thinking leader committed to making a difference in the lives of young people with special educational needs? Highshore School is seeking an exceptional Head of School (Sixth Form) to guide our students on their journey to independence, employment, and fulfilled adulthood.
At Highshore, we understand that education goes beyond the classroom. As a trauma-informed school, we place student well-being at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for a leader who values empathy, resilience, and positive relationships, ensuring every student feels safe, supported, and empowered to achieve their potential.
With a brand-new Sixth Form site opening in 2026, this role presents an exciting opportunity to build and lead an innovative learning space. At Highshore, you’ll be part of a dedicated team, supported by strong leadership, career development, and a positive work-life balance.
If you are ready to take on this rewarding leadership role and be part of an ambitious, forward-thinking school community, we would love to hear from you!
What We’re Looking For:
- A visionary leader with experience in SEND education and a deep understanding of trauma-informed approaches.
- A relationship-builder, committed to working collaboratively with families, external agencies, and the wider community.
- An innovator who can shape an engaging, future-focused curriculum, preparing students for work, further education, and independent living.
- A compassionate and dynamic educator who believes in every student’s ability to thrive.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and develop our Sixth Form provision, ensuring a high-quality, innovative curriculum tailored to individual needs.
- Champion trauma-informed practices, creating an inclusive and nurturing environment where students can thrive.
- Build and maintain strong community links, forging partnerships with employers, further education providers, and local organisations to support real-world learning and employment opportunities.
- Inspire and support a dedicated team of teachers and support staff to deliver outstanding education and pastoral care.
- Ensure students leave Highshore with the confidence, skills, and independence they need to succeed in adulthood.
Context:
Highshore is a complex mixed needs special secondary (age range 11 – 19) school situated in Camberwell, in the London Borough of Southwark. We have 169 pupils on roll. Every pupil has an EHCP. Our pupils have a range of needs, including: Complex medical needs, Downs Syndrome, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Speech, Language and Communication difficulties, ADHD and Physical disabilities.
How to apply:
Apply directly through the TES website or request an application pack from Isla Western, Headteachers PA via iwestern@highshore.southwark.sch.uk If you wish to visit the school or speak to the headteacher please contact Evelina Dimopoulou on 0207 708 6790 or email headteacher@highshore.southwark.sch.uk
Attached documents
About Highshore School
Highshore is a complex mixed needs special secondary (age range 11 – 19) school situated in Camberwell, in the London Borough of Southwark. We have 169 pupils on roll. Every pupil has an Education Health Care Plan.
At Highshore School we enable our pupils to gain the skills, confidence and opportunities needed to progress to employment, meaningful voluntary opportunities and training. Our pupils tell us that they want to make a contribution to society. We are a central London school and expect our pupils to be active citizens.
All of our pupils have severe or moderate learning disabilities (SLD/MLD) and come from a mix of Southwark Primary and Special schools. Our school is oversubscribed. In addition to our teaching staff one full time and one part-time Speech and Language therapist, one day a week Occupational therapy, Family worker and a Full-time work experience coordinator. We also have strong links with CAMHS, the School Nursing Service and with the Early Help team.
Our pupils have a range of needs, including: Complex medical needs, Downs Syndrome, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Speech, Language and Communication difficulties, ADHD and Physical disabilities
Key Stages 3 and 4:
In Key Stage 3 our pupils start the day with Literacy and Numeracy, usually taught by their form teacher. We teach subjects such as Social Communication and Lego therapy, which your child might not have encountered in primary school, as well as the full range of National curriculum subjects. All our Key stage 3 pupils have regular swimming in addition to their PE lessons. In Key Stage 4 pupils work towards a variety of accreditation including Entry Level and Functional Skills.
Key Stage 5
Our Sixth form programme includes one day a week college link and for many pupils one day a week work experience placement. The focus of the sixth form is allowing our pupils to gain as much independence skills as possible. Travel training forms part of our programme for those pupils who are not independent travellers. Highshore has a Specialist dyslexia team who support pupils both in and out of class.
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