Most leadership roles in education feel disconnected from real impact. You're managing spreadsheets and metrics instead of watching young people with complex needs actually flourish and step into adulthood ready. This role is different: you'll lead with purpose in a specialist setting where your teaching, your mentorship and your vision genuinely transform futures every single day
Picture yourself in a role where you're not just managing staff and strategy, but staying in the classroom too. Fifty per cent teaching time means you stay connected to what actually matters: knowing your students, leading by example, and feeling the direct impact of your leadership decisions on real young people. You'll work with learners who have epilepsy, autism and complex needs, and you'll see them progress through a curriculum you've helped design and champion
You'll lead a high-quality, ambitious team of teachers and Learning Support Assistants who are hungry to improve. Your coaching, mentoring and CPD won't be corporate box-ticking; it'll shape how educators think about inclusion and how they unlock potential in young people with profound and multiple learning difficulties. You'll contribute to strategic planning and inspection readiness, but the heart of it is always learner outcomes and wellbeing
The setting itself supports this work. Sixty acres of Hertfordshire countryside, newly renovated education spaces, free parking, and a supportive team culture that actually lives its values. You'll build partnerships with families, therapists and multidisciplinary professionals, and you'll have structured training and CPD tailored to SEN and post-16 education. This is a place designed for you to do your best work and grow as a leader
What you will be doing
- Lead and develop a high-quality, ambitious, inclusive curriculum for post-16 learners with complex needs, and champion it across the team
- Maintain a 50% teaching commitment, staying in the classroom and leading by example alongside your strategic work
- Inspire, motivate and develop teachers and Learning Support Assistants through coaching, mentoring, observation and high-quality continuing professional development
- Drive continuous improvement and quality assurance, contributing to strategic planning and inspection readiness
- Champion safeguarding, wellbeing and positive learner outcomes, and build strong partnerships with families and multidisciplinary professionals
- Work closely with the Deputy Head of Sixth Form to shape the future direction of Sixth Form provision
Why you will love working here
- Salary on the Senior Leadership Teachers' Pay Scale plus SEN Allowance, dependent on your experience
- Permanent, full-time contract, Monday to Friday during term time only, giving you time and space beyond the school year
- Free on-site parking, countryside setting, newly renovated education spaces and a genuinely supportive, inclusive team culture
- Structured induction, training and continuing professional development tailored specifically to SEN and post-16 education, plus Teachers' Pension Scheme
- Access to our wellbeing platform, staff discounts and benefits, plus a Recommend a Friend bonus scheme. Enhanced DBS paid for by us
Is this you?
- Are you an outstanding classroom practitioner with genuine passion for inclusive education and working with young people with SEND, complex needs and profound and multiple learning difficulties?
- Do you have proven experience in curriculum design, assessment, and driving real learner progress?
- Are you a confident, supportive leader who can motivate and develop others, with knowledge of safeguarding, EHCP processes and post-16 education frameworks?
- Can you communicate with warmth and clarity across a wide range of stakeholders: staff, families, therapists and professionals?
- Are you values-led, with a genuine commitment to making a genuine difference in the lives of young people?
Applications close on 12 October 2026. Great roles like this are filled quickly, so the sooner you apply the better.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.