Headteacher – Specialist School (Autism & SEMH)
Location: Manchester
Full-Time | Permanent
Salary: £75,000 - £85,000 ( Negotiable )
We are seeking an experienced and values-driven Headteacher to lead a specialist independent school supporting young children.
This is a pivotal leadership opportunity to take an established provision into its next phase of development, building on recent progress and shaping a positive, therapeutic learning environment where both pupils and staff can thrive.
About the School
The school is a specialist therapeutic provision supporting pupils, delivered by a dedicated team of staff.
The provision offers a nurturing, structured environment tailored to pupils with complex needs, combining education with therapeutic and pastoral support.
The Opportunity
This role offers the chance to:
- Lead a committed and skilled staff team through the next stage of its journey
- Embed a strong, positive culture focused on high expectations and therapeutic practice
- Drive continued improvement in outcomes, quality of education, and staff development
- Play a key role in shaping future growth
- Work closely with an experienced executive team providing strategic oversight and support.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across the school
- Ensure high-quality teaching, learning, and outcomes for all pupils
- Lead and develop a strong, cohesive team
- Maintain a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment for pupils.
- Oversee safeguarding, compliance, and regulatory standards
- Drive staff performance, development, and wellbeing
- Build strong relationships with families, external professionals, and stakeholders
About You
We are looking for a leader who:
- Has substantial senior leadership experience within specialist or SEND education
- Demonstrates a strong understanding of Autism and SEMH needs
- Has a proven track record of school improvement and raising standards.
- Can inspire, motivate and develop teams
- Is committed to delivering outstanding outcomes for vulnerable young people
- A Headship qualification (or working towards)
Recruitment Process
- Initial informal screening call (via Teams)
- Formal face-to-face interview with senior leaders
Contact Details:
To apply, or for more information and an informal confidential discussion please contact Jordanna Osborn at 02394211147 or josborn@compassltd.co.uk
Compass Recruitment Solutions Ltd is acting as a Recruitment Consultancy for this permanent vacancy; we offer £500 vouchers for each successful recommendation.