Headteacher

Qualifications

Essential

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Degree or equivalent qualification.
• Evidence of relevant professional development.
• Safeguarding training appropriate to senior leadership responsibilities.

Desirable

• National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) or equivalent.
• Postgraduate qualification in education, leadership or SEND.

Experience

Essential

• Significant senior leadership experience within a special school or SEND setting.
• Experience of leading whole-school improvement.
• Experience of managing staff and resources effectively.
• Experience of working successfully with families and external agencies.
• Experience of safeguarding leadership.
• Experience of monitoring and improving teaching and learning.

Desirable

• Previous Headship experience.
• Experience of working across school partnerships or networks.
• Experience of leading organisational change.

Knowledge and Understanding

Essential

• Excellent understanding of SEND legislation and practice.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding requirements.
• Understanding of curriculum development for pupils with complex learning difficulties.
• Understanding of school self-evaluation and improvement planning.
• Knowledge of financial and resource management.
• Understanding of governance and accountability structures.

Desirable

• Knowledge of national developments within the SEND sector.
• Understanding of research-informed practice and implementation.

Leadership Competencies

Essential

• Ability to articulate a clear vision and inspire others.
• Commitment to inclusion, equality and diversity.
• Strategic thinking combined with operational effectiveness.
• Capacity to build strong relationships and partnerships.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Emotional intelligence, resilience and integrity.
• Commitment to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing.
• Ability to develop leaders at all levels.

Leadership qualities

Essential

• An unwavering belief in the potential of every child and young person.
• The ability to combine high expectations with care, warmth and respect.
• A commitment to seeing pupils as individuals rather than as diagnoses or labels.
• The ability to build trusting and productive relationships with families.
• A commitment to professional learning and staff development.
• The ability to sustain a culture that is structured, ambitious, innovative and inclusive.
• A passion for preparing children and young people for greater independence and fulfilling adult lives.

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Warm, approachable and relational.
• Values-driven and ethical.
• High expectations for all pupils and staff.
• Collaborative and reflective.
• Committed to continuous improvement.
• Adaptable and forward-thinking.
• Passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.