Principal

Southwick Park School in Gloucestershire is an ambitious, progressive and caring independent residential school for up to 40 young people aged 7– 19 with complex needs, including autism, moderate and severe learning difficulties. It is on a beautiful site with excellent facilities which provide exciting and varied learning opportunities and is only a short drive from the M5 and M50 motorways.

The school has faced challenges in recent times but responded positively to these, has now stabilised and is ready to fly. There is huge potential at the school and it is now looking to appoint a new Principal who shares their ambition, commitment to excellence and to enabling the young people to achieve their personal best, however it is defined by them or for them.

There are well-established relationships with a number of commissioning bodies, particularly those nearby. This is built around a staff team who care deeply about the school and its young people. The new Principal will harness that commitment and provide the clear leadership and direction that will ensure the school is outward looking, embracing new ideas and leading new initiatives that will result in it consistently providing the highest standards of education and care.

The school is part of Cambian Children’s Services whose vision is to be the leading provider of specialist children’s services within the UK by strengthening their offering and expanding their portfolio across the country. This is an exciting time to join Cambian as it grows and develops and they want senior leaders who share their ambition and commitment to excellence. Their commitment to enabling individuals to achieve their personal best applies equally to staff and you will receive comprehensive support to ensure you build your career and develop professionally.

The new Principal will share the school’s commitment to a multi-disciplinary provision, providing dynamic and inspirational leadership to all areas creating a shared strategic vision. If you are a senior education leader, with a successful track record of sustained improvement and a determination to maximise the opportunities available then this role offers an excellent opportunity to challenge yourself in a new environment. Previous experience in residential settings is not essential but you will recognise the importance of providing a comprehensive 24-hour curriculum that constantly evolves to meet the needs of students.

You must be ambitious and forward thinking with the ability to inspire and lead change but also the focus to ensure successful outcomes are reached. You will have a ‘can-do’ attitude able to build, lead and inspire effective teams and to be an effective team member. Above all you will share the school’s passion and belief that students, their learning, their care and developing their potential is at the heart of all decisions.

To find out more about this exceptional opportunity please visit www.hays.co.uk/jobs/cambian-group or contact Martin Blair at Hays Leadership for a confidential discussion, to arrange a visit to the school or to discuss making an application. Please do not use any online ‘Apply’ facilities.

E: martin.blair@hays.com 
T: 07736791138

Closing date: 9am on Monday 18th September
Interviews: 26th September

The school and the Cambian Group are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced disclosure from the DBS

Southwick Park School, Gloucester Road, Tewkesbury, GL20 7DG
www.hays.co.uk/jobs/cambian-group