Headteacher

We are looking for a new Headteacher to open, shape and lead a new independent special educational needs day school for 76 young people aged 5-19. We are developing a custom-built site with leading vocational facilities in the Wrens Nest National Nature Reserve close to Dudley. You will design the curriculum as well as a nurturing and therapeutic environment to meet a range of needs including social, emotional, behavioural, communication and learning difficulties. Your school will be outstanding and a leading light for our young people and their families. 

About the role

This is your chance to join a high achieving team at Acorn Care and Education – the single largest private sector provider of specialist education and care services to local authorities across England, Scotland and Wales.

You will work with Executive Principal, Matt Storey, who already oversees the Ofsted Outstanding sister schools, Longdon Park and Longdon Hall, in the west midlands. You will be instrumental in the promotion, staff recruitment and setup of the school in advance of the September 2018 opening.

As Headteacher, you will promote a relentless focus on the quality of education and delivery of a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum that meets the needs of children and young people and produces positive outcomes. A place at The Wenlock School will ensure improvements in behaviour, confidence and self-belief, which can then be transferred into appropriate and accelerated learning inside the classroom and beyond.

Working with your Deputy Headteachers, you will ensure the school has effective management and the required team capability to continually improve.

You will be joining a high achieving company and executive team, leading your own outstanding school and positively impacting the lives of many young people. As part of our team you will focus on developing self-esteem and wellbeing, as well as academic performance and development. 

Who are we looking for?

We are looking to hear from experienced Headteachers or rising Senior Leaders with experience of inspiring multi-disciplinary teams to deliver outstanding learning for children and young people with special education needs.

We are looking for someone who knows how to bring a creative and innovative approach to improving performance and support for our pupils and their families. An excellent communicator, you will act as an ambassador for The Wenlock School, and will have demonstrable experience of working in partnership with parents, commissioners, local authorities and other stakeholders.

If you are a truly inspirational, highly motivated and forward-thinking leader, with the energy and passion to change lives coupled with proven experience of whole school development and improvement, this could be an excellent opportunity for you.

In return for your experience and commitment we offer outstanding career opportunities, access to a network of great Headteachers within the Acorn Care and Education Group.

Want to explore further?

A site visit is taking place on Friday 24th November at 12pm. This will be a tour of the current undeveloped site with the Executive Principal and members of the project team. This will give you a chance to talk through the current plans and visualise the finished product. Please contact hr-enquiries@acorncare.co.uk (or phone 01204 558 058) by midday on Thursday 23rd November to book a place on the tour whether you have submitted an application or you are considering it. Please note that this site visit is only available for prospective Headteacher applicants and there will be other tours for additional recruitment drives over the coming months.

Interviews are yet to be confirmed but are provisionally booked for week commencing 11th December 2017.

This position is due to start in April 2018.

Closing date for applications: 29th November 2017

Acorn Care and Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young people in our care. Successful applicants will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.