Headteacher

Shape a new school

We are seeking an exceptional educational practitioner to open, shape and lead a new independent day SEMH School for up to 66 pupils aged 11-19. As Head Teacher you will design the curriculum and grow a nurturing and therapeutic environment to meet the needs of children and young people and produce positive outcomes. Your school will be outstanding and a leading light for our young people and their families.

Wetheringsett Manor School site is currently going through significant refurbishment and is based in Suffolk, East Anglia. The Manor House is located in 17 acres of parkland with wooded boundaries and sits on the edge of the village of Wetheringsett. The accommodation also provides several other buildings including a converted stable block, a cottage and two industrial units. This a great opportunity for us in the Suffolk area to expand and complement our current SEMH provisions that are struggling to facilitate for all referrals due to full capacity.

About the Group

We are part of Acorn Care and Education and can promise you plenty of challenges, and a rich variety of opportunities to develop your career.

We provide Education and Care across a number of schools and residential homes nationally. Our specialist SEN provision, coupled with our expertise within residential care means we offer thousands of vulnerable children and young people across the UK a holistic, wraparound care, residential and education service, empowering them with everything they need to flourish. It is by no accident that 94% of our homes are rated as Outstanding or Good.

We welcome staff who share our commitment to help children experience better days and better lives. Through ongoing development and training, we ensure our staff are well prepared for their jobs and given every opportunity to extend their skills. 

About the role

You will work with Nick Simpson, Assistant Director of Education, who oversees a number of successful schools in the area. You will be instrumental in the staff recruitment and setup of the school in advance of opening in Autumn 2020.

As Head Teacher, 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 along with producing positive outcomes.  You will ensure the school has effective management and the required team capability to continually improve as the school grows. A place at Wetheringsett Manor School will equip pupils with the best opportunity to prepare them for the next phase of their education.

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 SEND professionals with the ability and ambition to inspire a multi-disciplinary team 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 become an ambassador for Acorn Care and Education, as the role will include working in partnership with parents, local authorities and other stakeholders.

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

Experience of opening and registering a new school would be advantageous. 

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

Want to explore further?

Call the Recruitment team on 01204 558055 for an informal discussion or email recruitment@acorncare.co.uk

We will be hosting an open day for the school once shortlisting has been completed. The site is undergoing significant refurbishment but this is a great opportunity to see our vision for the site and learn first-hand about Wetheringsett Manor School and hopefully help you to decide if we are the right school for you. 

We offer an auto enrolment defined contribution pension. Please note this is not part of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme. A Headteachers bonus scheme is available if annual quality measures are met, which is up to 10% of the basic salary.

This position is due to commence in April 2020. An earlier or a later start could be possible. The school will be opening in Autumn 2020 once DfE approval has been secured.

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.