Head Teacher

The Abbey School is an ‘outstanding’ special school (Ofsted 2009, 2012 and 2016) for 104 students aged 11–16, with a range of special educational needs, including autistic spectrum conditions and speech, language and communication difficulties. 

The Governing Body is seeking an outstanding, positive and enthusiastic individual to lead our dynamic Senior Leadership Team and dedicated teachers and support staff. 

There are two key priorities for the new Head Teacher: to ensure the continued delivery of excellent provision for learners of all abilities, enabling them to fulfil their expectations and maximise their future opportunities; and to work with the Governing Body, Senior Leadership Team and other key stakeholders to develop and pursue a shared vision and a bold strategic plan for the School in a changing educational landscape.

The successful candidate will be: 

• an experienced and exemplary teacher who shares our high expectation of students’ learning and behaviour that underpins the school’s vision. 

• able to demonstrate recent first-hand experience of senior management and leadership roles. 

• creative and innovative, with the vision and drive to lead the next stage of The Abbey’s development.  

• an outstanding communicator with strong interpersonal and presentational skills, who can engage successfully with students, stakeholders and outside agencies. 

• a coach and mentor to other professionals and staff.

In return, you will enjoy strong support for your own further professional development, working alongside highly committed and supportive colleagues, with motivated and well-behaved students who enjoy learning. You will have the opportunity to shape and drive a new and exciting future for the school, capitalising on the school’s strong foundations to increase the impact the school has on the special needs community. 

For a full job specification and application pack, see our school website, www.abbey.surrey.sch.uk, or contact Theresa Sorsby, School Business Manager, Tel: 01252 725059; email: tsorsby@abbey.surrey.sch.uk  

All candidates are encouraged to visit the school. Applications close at 12.00 noon on 3 March 2017. Shortlisting 10 March 2017. Interviews 28–29 March 2017. 

The Abbey School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and Children’s Barred List clearance.