Location: Gloucestershire
Salary: £75,000 - £94,000
Contract: Full Time | Permanent | September 2026
We are seeking an inspiring and experienced Headteacher to lead a specialist education school in Gloucestershire, supporting children and young people with SEND, including autism spectrum conditions, MLD, and associated needs.
This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate leader to shape the strategic direction of a growing provision, driving excellence in teaching, learning, safeguarding, wellbeing, and inclusion. This wonderful school is happy to consider a current Headteacher or an experienced Deputy Headteacher who is ready to undertake their first Headship.
The Role
As Headteacher, you will provide visionary leadership across all aspects of school life. You will lead a committed multidisciplinary team, foster a culture of high expectations and collaboration, and ensure every pupil receives an outstanding, individualised educational experience.
You will play a key role in:
Leading school improvement and strategic development
Driving high standards in teaching, learning, and pupil outcomes
Creating a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic learning environment
Developing and supporting staff through coaching and professional development
Ensuring compliance with safeguarding, SEND, and Independent School Standards
Building strong relationships with families, external agencies, and the wider community
Supporting innovative curriculum design tailored to individual needsThe Ideal Candidate
We are looking for an experienced senior leader with a strong understanding of specialist education and inclusive practice.
You will ideally have:
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Proven leadership experience as a Headteacher or senior school leader
Experience working with pupils with SEND and/or SEMH needs
A strong track record of school improvement and staff development
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
A commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and pupil wellbeing
The ability to inspire, motivate, and lead teams effectivelyAn NPQH or NPQSL qualification would be advantageous but is not essential.
What They Offer
The opportunity to lead and shape a specialist provision
A supportive and collaborative leadership environment
Ongoing professional development opportunities
The chance to make a genuine difference to the lives of young people and families
Competitive salary package based on experienceThis Headteacher opportunity is subject to enhanced DBS clearance and satisfactory references. The Education Network is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
If you are interested in this Headteacher opportunity, please “Apply Now” or contact The Education Network Birmingham for more information. Not the role for you? Ask about our other leadership vacancies or refer a colleague and ask about our excellent referral scheme.
The Education Network Offer:
Our specialist team have a combined experience of over 25 years and have unrivalled reputation within the education market, taking great pride in the extremely high service levels that we provide to both our schools and our candidates. Our service is honest and efficient and, in addition to our recruitment solution, we offer the opportunity for additional training and development for our candidates. You will also receive personalised career support from the team.
The opportunity to work in friendly, caring and supportive atmosphere where every child matters. Highly supportive, committed and hard working Consultants who will endeavor to find assignments suited to your needs.
An opportunity to extend your professional development as well as excellent rates of pay.
The Education Network is committed to safe guarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Appointments will be subject to our stringent vetting procedures, including enhanced DBS checks and references.-
The Education Network is committed to Safer Recruitment and recruits to Compliance+ standards. Any appointment will be subject to an enhanced DBS check in addition to other safeguarding checks. The Education Network is an equal opportunities employer. The Education Network is acting as a recruitment agency in relation to this vacancy.
Due to the expected high-volume of applications we receive only short-listed candidates will be contacted within 3 days
Salary description
£75000.00 - £94000.00 per year