Principal

Principal | National Online School (NOS)

Location: Based from Wimbledon, London

Start date: September 2026 (or earlier by agreement) 

A rare opportunity to lead a nationally recognised online specialist provision for pupils with SEND. 

National Online School (NOS), the first Department for Education accredited online SEND school, is a growing provision across the UK, currently supporting around 300 pupils nationally and continuing to grow, with a steady intake of new placements requiring careful capacity planning and quality assurance. Many of our young learners, with complex needs, including autism and social, emotional and mental health needs, have experienced significant disruption to their education, including emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA) and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

NOS represents a distinctive model of education, combining therapeutic practice with digital delivery to meet the needs of pupils who cannot access traditional settings. 

This is a pivotal leadership role with full accountability for educational standards, safeguarding, operational performance and strategic development of NOS. 

The Role - Principal | National Online School

As Principal, you will provide clear, credible and values-driven leadership across the school. You will lead both the operational performance and long-term strategic direction of NOS, ensuring consistently high standards in teaching, learning and pastoral care. 

You will lead a multi-disciplinary senior leadership team to deliver high-quality, inclusive education through a strong model of digital pedagogy and therapeutic practice. You will ensure that all systems, academic and pastoral, are aligned to support pupil regulation, engagement and sustained success. 

You will champion high expectations for all pupils and staff, embedding a culture of professionalism, consistency and ambition. Through strong relationships with families, Local Authorities and external partners, you will build confidence in the quality and impact of the provision. 

You will lead the continued development of a therapeutic, trauma-informed model, working closely with Clinical Services to ensure staff are equipped to meet the needs of pupils with complexity and vulnerability. You will ensure that barriers to learning are systematically identified and removed, enabling all pupils to achieve meaningful outcomes. 

Working closely with the Director of Education, you will contribute to the sustainable growth of NOS, including capacity planning, financial oversight, commissioning relationships and the development of scalable systems, ensuring that growth does not compromise quality, safety or relational practice. 

Key responsibilities | Principal:

• Provide overall leadership of NOS, setting clear strategic direction and ensuring high standards across all areas of the school 

• Be accountable for safeguarding, educational outcomes, quality of teaching, and operational performance 

• Lead and develop the senior leadership team, embedding a culture of high expectations, consistency and professional accountability 

• Ensure the delivery of a therapeutic, trauma-informed model that meets the needs of pupils with SEND 

• Build strong, credible relationships with families, Local Authorities and external partners 

• Contribute to sustainable growth through effective planning, resource management and system development 

You will be:

• A champion of therapeutic education and advocate for young people, with similar values to ours:

  • Expect the very best from each other; Develop a strong work ethic;

  • Respect and appreciate all difference; Include everyone and exclude no one; Listen to and involve everyone;

  • Never give up on each other!

• An experienced and credible school leader with a strong track record of leading complex or SEND provision.

You will bring:

• Successful leadership experience at Headteacher or Principal level 

• Strong experience of improving outcomes for pupils with SEND, including autism and SEMH 

• Proven leadership of safeguarding in complex or high-risk contexts

• Highly developed digital literacy, with the ability to lead and optimise online learning systems 

• A clear track record of delivering strategic improvement with measurable impact

• Experience of embedding inclusive, therapeutic and trauma-informed practice

• The ability to lead, coach and develop senior leaders and staff

• High levels of emotional intelligence, professionalism and integrity 

• Commercial awareness, with the ability to contribute to sustainable organisational growth.

Principal | Online SEND School

National Online School was established as part of a specialist therapeutic education group and has developed a strong national reputation for supporting pupils with SEND who require a personalised, flexible approach to education.

NOS supports children and young people aged 7 to 19, many of whom have experienced multiple placement breakdowns and extended periods out of education. The provision delivers highly personalised programmes that integrate education, therapy and pastoral support.

Our model combines universal, targeted and intensive therapeutic approaches, enabling pupils to access consistent, high-quality support within their home environment while re-engaging with learning and building long-term success.

In return we offer:

• Competitive salary and terms & conditions.

• An opportunity to join a leading provider of specialist education in one of the most rewarding sectors whilst directly contributing to the positive outcomes for pupils with SEMH and ASC.

• Comprehensive induction process, and excellent CPD opportunities with all staff provided an individual Learning & Development Plan to support career development.

• Regular half termly staff wellbeing days.

• A range of employee support and wellbeing benefits including our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), counselling and contributions towards medical costs and an exclusive rewards platform.

• Gym & Active Health discounts.

To apply:

Please apply by sending through a CV. Shortlisted candidates will need to complete a formal application form as per safer recruitment practices in Education.

Interviews will take place between 20th and 27th April.

NOS are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects all staff to share this commitment. The appointment is subject to all relevant checks such as references, medical clearance and a satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure.

We are an equal opportunity employer.