Head of School - SEMH Specialist School
Location: Saxmundham, Suffolk
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000, dependent on experience

Are you a dedicated and inspiring leader with a passion for transforming the lives of children with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs? Our client, a highly respected specialist SEMH school in Saxmundham, is seeking a dynamic and compassionate Head of School to drive excellence in education, support student well-being, and empower staff in delivering outstanding learning experiences.

Located in the heart of Saxmundham, this SEMH school is committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment that enables all students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

The school serves a unique student population with diverse needs, offering individualised support and specialised interventions to ensure that each child reaches their full potential.

As the Head of School, you will lead a dedicated team in delivering a broad, balanced, and engaging curriculum, designed specifically to meet the unique needs of SEMH students.

Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic Leadership: Shaping and implementing a clear, ambitious vision for school improvement, enhancing educational outcomes for all students.


• Student-Centered Approach: Ensuring a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where every student feels supported and empowered to succeed.


• Staff Development: Inspiring, managing, and supporting a team of skilled educators and support staff, promoting a collaborative culture with a focus on professional growth.


• Parental and Community Engagement: Building strong relationships with parents, carers, and the local community to foster a supportive and inclusive educational environment.


• Operational Management: Overseeing the school's operational effectiveness, managing resources, budgets, and administration to ensure high standards of delivery.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced leader in SEMH or SEND education, with a proven record of promoting positive outcomes for children with complex social, emotional, and mental health needs.

Key qualifications include:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent, with a strong background in SEMH/SEND education.


• A track record of successful leadership in a school setting, ideally with SEMH or alternative provision experience.


• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire trust, collaboration, and commitment across staff, students, and families.


• Strong strategic planning abilities, financial acumen, and a passion for delivering outstanding outcomes for young people.

This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people, within a school that values creativity, compassion, and innovation.

Our client offers a competitive salary of £50,000 - £60,000, a supportive team environment, and ongoing professional development opportunities.

If you are ready to lead with purpose, drive change, and inspire a team dedicated to transforming young lives, we want to hear from you! Please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your experience and vision for this role.

Our client is an equal opportunities employer, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.