Headteacher

Are you looking to make a difference to the lives of children and young people with autism? Are you passionate about ensuring that children and young people with autism receive the very best education? If so, this is a fantastic opportunity for you to lead and inspire the next generation of pupils and staff at Step by Step School.

Step by Step School is an independent special school located in Sharpthorne, just south of East Grinstead in East Sussex, set in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the edge of the Ashdown Forest. Our mission is to maximise the potential of children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through evidence-based, individually tailored, outstanding teaching, enabling them to thrive and lead happy, confident lives. We provide specialist teaching for primary, secondary, and sixth-form pupils aged 4-19.

The defining aspect of our school is individualised teaching for each pupil based on applied behaviour analysis. Currently, we have 37 wonderful pupils on roll and there are plans to increase to 40 pupils in the near future. Our most recent Ofsted inspection in October 2022 rated the school outstanding in all areas, commending staff for encouraging independence, building skills, particularly in communication, and maximising pupils’ potential. The governing body is seeking an exceptional individual who is well-qualified, forward-thinking, experienced, and energetic to lead our school into its next exciting phase of development.

As our new headteacher, you will:

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction in partnership with the governing body and through consultation with the school community
• Build on the school’s current success with inspiration and vision
• Lead and inspire others to make a lasting, positive difference to the lives of pupils with autism, promoting our strong ABA ethos and preparing pupils for life beyond school
• Drive educational excellence and ensure the continued success and growth of our school community
• Ensure the effective implementation of school improvement strategies
• Manage financial resources appropriately, efficiently and fairly

What we can offer you:

• A supportive and welcoming team, committed to supporting amazing children
• A competitive salary
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Generous employee benefits, including DC pension scheme, Employee Assistance Programme and Death in Service benefit
• Excellent school facilities, including free, on-site parking and gym 

We are seeking a passionate and experienced leader who is either a current headteacher, deputy headteacher, or an experienced senior leader who can lead our school through its next phase of development. Ideally, you will have experience in leading a multi-disciplinary team to deliver high-quality teaching and learning pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Your ability to lead and manage people effectively will be essential, as will your experience in supporting a governing body and working with statutory bodies. Please see the candidate information pack attached for further details. You can also find out more about our wonderful school at www.stepbystepschool.org.uk

To arrange a conversation or meeting to discuss the post, please contact Shaun Jarvis at Jarvis Education, our specialist recruitment partner, on 07984 645089 or by emailing stepbystepheadteacher@jarviseducation.co.uk. Completed applications should be sent to stepbystepheadteacher@jarviseducation.co.uk by noon on Monday 3rd March 2025.