Head of School, Therapeutic Setting

The position

Bright Futures is proud to be working in partnership with a specialist education provider to recruit a Head of School for a therapeutic setting in Essex.

It's a unique opportunity to lead a small, nurturing school supporting children and young people with SEMH needs and associated challenges. The provision takes a trauma-informed, therapeutic approach, with a strong focus on relational practice, personalised learning and holistic development.

As Head of School you'll take full responsibility for day-to-day leadership and operational management, shaping the school's vision, driving improvement and ensuring consistently high standards across education, behaviour and safeguarding. Working alongside a wider leadership and therapeutic team, you'll lead a multidisciplinary staff group and create an environment where pupils and staff thrive.

The role

• Lead the overall running of the school, ensuring a safe, structured and nurturing environment.
• Drive high standards in teaching, learning and behaviour support.
• Embed a strong therapeutic, trauma-informed ethos across the provision.
• Oversee safeguarding and pupil wellbeing as the highest priority.
• Lead, support and develop staff, promoting accountability and professional growth.
• Ensure compliance with Ofsted and regulatory standards.
• Manage budgets, resources and staffing effectively.
• Build positive relationships with families, local authorities and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to strategic development and school improvement planning.

About you

We're looking for an experienced, values-driven leader with a passion for working with vulnerable learners.

Essential

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Senior leadership experience in a school (for example Deputy Head, Head of School or equivalent).
• Experience working with SEMH, SEND or alternative provision.
• A strong understanding of safeguarding and behaviour frameworks.
• Experience of Ofsted inspections and driving school improvement.
• The ability to lead and motivate multidisciplinary teams.

Desirable

• NPQH or an equivalent leadership qualification.
• A SENCo qualification or strong SEND knowledge.
• Experience in therapeutic or trauma-informed environments.
• An understanding of EHCP processes and local authority commissioning.