Headteacher, Sir Peter Hall School, Bury St. Edmunds

School opening September 2022

Proposed PAN 80

This is a unique opportunity to work as part of the Unity Schools Partnership team to create, develop and lead a new SEMH Special Free School in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.  Your initial priority will be to undertake pre-opening project work and work with our trust teams to ensure the school is ready to open in September 2022.  We are welcoming applicants who have a passion for educating children with SEMH and will use their experience to create a special school that staff, students and the local community are proud of.

The overarching vision for the school is to provide individualised support for all students in their transition phases of education and prepare them to become successful independent adults that fully make a positive contribution to their community hence becoming valuable members of a better society.

You will be a senior leader with a track record and understanding of Good or Outstanding provision and can demonstrate excellent leadership and managerial skills. These will be complemented by good interpersonal skills along with successful inter-agency working. Your understanding of the curriculum and assessment for children with social, emotional and mental health needs will be essential. You will be required to develop a clear vision for the school and what will set you apart will be your commitment to achieving high standards of teaching and learning and your passion for improving outcomes for students with SEMH.

Sir Peter Hall School will be educating children and young people at upper key stage 2 to key stage 4 (aged 9 – 16) and will be located at Airfield Road, Bury St Edmunds as a new single storey building. Each of these phases will have distinctive features and an appropriate curriculum offer. Each child is likely to have an Education, Health and Care Plan and our vision will be to ensure that these are delivered fully through joined up multi-agency support and co-operation.

The school will be part of a collaborative, forward thinking Academy Trust of 30 schools. Unity Schools Partnership will be creating a network of specialist provisions working together as we have been approved to open new special schools in Romford, as well as already having a special school in Haverhill and Ipswich.  You will be supported in your role by experienced special education leaders who will be available to offer any advice and guidance as the school moves forward under your leadership.

The trust expects its work to be characterised by ethical leadership, an ambition for improvement at pace and the expectation that remarkable improvements can be achieved.

For more information, to arrange a visit or an informal discussion about the role please contact Lucie Calow, Director of SEND by email lcalow@unitysp.co.uk or phone 0758466540 6

Closing Date: 9.00 am, Monday 28 June 2021

Interviews: 9 July 2021

To apply, please visit https://candidate.unitysp-careers.co.uk/138158TES

If you are a current employee of Unity Schools Partnership, please use the following link to apply https://candidate.unitysp-careers.co.uk/138158INT

Unity Schools Partnership is committed to equal opportunities, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required.

This post is likely to come under the requirements of the Childcare (Disqualification) 2018 Regulations and the successful applicant will be required to complete a declaration form to establish whether they are disqualified under these regulations.