Headteacher

Brays School is an inclusive, forward thinking and popular special school for primary-aged pupils with a range of physical, learning and sensory difficulties. The school is part of Forward Education Trust (FET), an established and developing MAT of 6 special schools in Birmingham and Sandwell. This is an exciting time for the school and the Trust and for a new Headteacher to build on the many strengths and provide the strategic and operational leadership which will deliver on the commitment to ensuring the children receive the best possible education, care and life chances.

The school, rated as Outstanding in 2020, has high standards of teaching and learning and is a National School of Creativity. The committed, talented and caring staff team have sought and embraced new ideas and are ambitious to further develop the curriculum, particularly the pre-formal curriculum. The new Headteacher will have the opportunity to harness this talent and ambition so that staff have opportunities to flourish and develop and may become the leaders of the future. 

FET is working through a period of positive change with plans for future expansion including a new school opening in Solihull in September ‘23. Central to the Trust’s development will be a commitment to ensuring its schools develop individual personalities, recognising their own particular characteristics and celebrating the many good things that happen day-to-day. Alongside this is a belief that its staff and leaders are its most important asset and valuing them and utilising their many talents will deliver the best experiences for pupils.

FET has invested in facilities in school including the creative space, light & sound room, soft play area and therapy pool. Investments in technology are planned to unlock and enhance the learning experiences for children. Other capital projects are in motion, in particular a planned refurbishment of the nursery. The school is fortunate to have an on-site NHS medical team including physiotherapists and other professionals working to support the needs of the children.

The Trust believes its staff and leaders are its most important asset and valuing them and utilising their many talents will deliver the best experiences for pupils. You will be empowered to make decisions and to be creative and must be committed to the trust ethos of moving forward together, striving for and achieving opportunities to improve outcomes and providing stability and success for all. Your professional development will also be a key priority and you will have the support of a network of highly skilled and experienced senior leaders alongside the opportunities that will inevitably present themselves from being part of a developing trust.

The successful candidate will be an exemplary leader, teacher and role model with experience of working with children with complex special needs. PMLD experience is preferred but not essential. They will be a dynamic, innovative, proactive and motivated leader with vision and energy which will inspire, enthuse and motivate pupils, staff and the wider school community. They must have the ability to initiate and lead change in a positive way which makes a real difference to learning and above all, share the school’s commitment to ensuring the students are safe and happy and achieve their full potential.

To find out more about this exceptional opportunity, including a video tour of the school and welcome from Simon Dilkes, FET CEO, please visit: www.hays.co.uk/jobs/forward-education-trust

Contact Martin Blair at Hays Leadership for a confidential discussion, to arrange a visit to the school or to discuss making an application.

Closing date: 8am, Tuesday 7th February

Interviews: 16th and 17th February

Start date – September 2023 or in discussion with the appointed candidate

Martin Blair

T: 07736791138

E: martin.blair@hays.com

FET and Brays School value equality and diversity and are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment practises including satisfactory references and the successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check