Jobs in Gadshill

This Founding Headteacher role is a rare opportunity to build a school from the ground up. You will shape the culture, establish outstanding practice, recruit and inspire a committed team, and create an environment where pupils feel safe, understood and empowered to thrive.

At Our Rock Academy, we believe every child deserves respect, dignity and the opportunity to succeed. We are opening a new specialist school in Rochester focused on supporting pupils aged 8–16 with autism and additional needs, and we are seeking an exceptional Founding Headteacher to lead the school from day one.

What’s in it for you

Salary of £60,000 – £65,000 per annum
The opportunity to lead and shape a brand-new specialist school from day one
A chance to establish a culture centred on inclusion, respect and high expectations
The autonomy to build your own leadership team and educational vision
The ability to make a lasting impact on the lives of children with autism

As Founding Headteacher, you’ll be responsible for:

Leading the development and launch of a new specialist autism provision
Working with a specialist consultancy to secure Department for Education registration
Designing the school’s culture, curriculum and inclusive learning environment
Recruiting, developing and inspiring a high-performing staff team
Building strong relationships with local authorities, agencies and the wider community

To succeed as Founding Headteacher, you’ll bring:

Senior leadership experience within special education
Deep knowledge and understanding of autism and additional learning needs
A strong track record of raising standards and improving outcomes
The strategic vision and resilience required to build a school from the ground up
A commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and pupil wellbeing

Our Rock Academy is establishing a school built on a powerful belief that every child deserves the opportunity to flourish. This Founding Headteacher role will be central to creating a nurturing, structured and aspirational environment where pupils can succeed both academically and personally.

If you are ready to lead with purpose and shape the future of Our Rock Academy we would love to hear from you. Shared Ambition Consulting is supporting Our Rock Academy with this appointment.

To be considered or for a confidential discussion click the apply link online and Melanie Pye of Shared Ambition Consulting will be in contact.

Closing : Sunday 29th March 2026
First stage interviews: w/c 6th April 2026

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and as part of the selection process a criminal check by the Disclosure and Barring Service will be required. Our Rock Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment