Head Teacher SEND School

Location: Darwen
Contract: Full-time, Permanent (40 hours/week)
Salary: dependent on experience
Start Date: September 2026

Overview

Simply Education is recruiting a Head Teacher for a well-established primary and secondary special education school in Darwen. The school serves up to 64 students aged 10-19, primarily with ASC (Autism Spectrum Conditions) and/or ADHD. It provides a calm, nurturing environment with a curriculum aimed at building confidence, developing skills, and achieving meaningful outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

As Head Teacher, you will be responsible for:

• Vision & Strategic Leadership: Driving the school's mission, culture, and educational direction.
• Educational Performance: Ensuring high-quality teaching, learning, and outcomes.
• Operational Management: Overseeing financial performance, compliance, and resource management.
• Safeguarding & Wellbeing: Promoting student and staff welfare.
• Leadership of Staff: Managing, mentoring, and developing teachers and support staff.

The role requires creativity, collaboration, and inclusion, with a genuine passion for supporting learners with additional needs.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Relevant professional qualifications
• Head Teacher qualification (e.g., NPQH/SNLP) or willingness to pursue one
• Proven Head Teacher experience in a specialist school
• Knowledge of DfE guidance and Independent School Standards (ISS)
• Understanding of SLD (Severe Learning Difficulties) and ASD
• Experience with lesson observations, quality assurance, and performance management
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills

Benefits

• Career development and training opportunities
• Cycle to Work and Car schemes
• Enhanced annual leave and sick pay
• Enhanced pension and life assurance

How to Apply

If you are interested in this role, then please click apply by sending your CV or alternatively if you would be interested in an informal conversation about the position then please contact Simply Education in Cheshire.