Head of School Therapeutic SEMH School
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FULL DESCRIPTION
Head of School Therapeutic SEMH School
The Head of School will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership and operational running of the school, including staff management, safeguarding, and oversight of both educational and therapeutic provision. You will work closely with a wider senior leadership team and play a key role in maintaining the high standards the school is known for.
At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a special school focused on therapeutic relationships and support for pupils with SEMH needs.
- Company: A well-established independent special school in Essex dedicated to nurturing students.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £70,000, permanent contract, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in SEMH settings and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to providing a structured and nurturing educational experience.
About the School
This well-established special school supports secondary-aged pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. Many of the young people have experienced trauma and adverse childhood experiences and require a structured, nurturing environment where trust, stability and emotional regulation are central to enabling learning. The school operates with small class sizes and a high staff-to-pupil ratio, and benefits from integrated clinical support - a genuinely therapeutic model rather than simply an educational one.
The Role
The Head of School will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership and operational running of the school, including staff management, safeguarding, and oversight of both educational and therapeutic provision. You will work closely with a wider senior leadership team and play a key role in maintaining the high standards the school is known for.
The successful candidate will:
- Have significant experience leading within an SEMH, PRU or alternative provision setting
- Be confident managing and developing staff teams
- Understand the complexities of supporting pupils with trauma histories and complex emotional and behavioural needs
- Have a warm, child-centred approach and a commitment to therapeutic practice
- Be an experienced senior leader ready to step into a Head of School or similar role
Key Details
- Location: Essex
- Salary: Up to £70,000 (negotiable)
- Contract: Permanent
- Start: As soon as possible
- Setting: Independent special school (SEMH)
- Age range: Secondary (approx. 11-16)
To find out more or to express interest, please get in touch with us directly and we will be happy to share further details.
Head of School Therapeutic SEMH School employer: [Employer hidden — view at passion-project.co.uk]
As a leading independent special school in Essex, we pride ourselves on fostering a nurturing and therapeutic environment that prioritises the emotional well-being of our pupils. Our commitment to small class sizes and high staff-to-pupil ratios ensures that every child receives the personalised support they need to thrive. We offer exceptional professional development opportunities for our staff, encouraging growth and innovation within a collaborative and supportive work culture, making us an outstanding employer for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people.