Headteacher

Lead a Specialist School Where Every Child Can Thrive

Are you an inspirational and values driven school leader with a passion for transforming the lives of children and young people with special educational needs?

At Aurora, we believe in empowering uniqueness and helping every student achieve their potential. We are seeking an exceptional Headteacher to lead our specialist school, providing strategic direction, educational excellence, and a nurturing environment where students, staff, and families can flourish.

As Headteacher, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the school, ensuring outstanding educational outcomes, maintaining the highest standards of safeguarding and compliance, and leading a dedicated multidisciplinary team committed to making a lasting difference.

About the Role

Reporting to the Operations Director, the Headteacher will be accountable for all aspects of educational and operational performance within the school. This is a rewarding opportunity to lead a specialist setting supporting children and young people with EHCPs, ensuring every learner receives the personalised support they need to succeed.

You will:

• Develop and deliver a clear vision and strategic direction for the school.
• Lead and inspire a high-performing team across education, therapy, care and support services.
• Drive continuous school improvement, maintaining ambitious standards and striving for excellence.
• Ensure outstanding safeguarding, health and safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Build strong relationships with families, Local Authorities, and external partners.
• Oversee financial performance, budget management, and sustainable school growth.
• Create an inclusive and engaging learning environment where students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
• Support students to achieve positive outcomes and successful transitions into further education, training, employment, and adulthood.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for an experienced senior leader who combines strategic thinking with a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

Essential Experience and Skills

• Significant experience within a specialist education setting.
• Experience as a Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, Assistant Headteacher, Acting Headteacher, or equivalent senior leadership role.
• Experience teaching and supporting pupils with additional needs, including SEN.
• A strong track record of school improvement, self-evaluation, and raising student achievement.
• Experience leading curriculum development and assessment strategies.
• Knowledge of EHCPs, individualised learning approaches, and inclusive educational practice.
• Understanding of school budgets and resource management.
• Experience of OFSTED preparation, inspections, and post-inspection action planning.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and people management skills.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and educational regulations.
• Good ICT and organisational skills.

Qualifications

• NPQH qualification or willingness to work towards achieving it.

Why Join Aurora?

At Aurora, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer the opportunity to lead a school that genuinely changes lives, supported by a collaborative organisation that values innovation, professional development, and excellence.

You'll join a passionate team dedicated to providing exceptional education and care while benefiting from ongoing leadership development, professional support, and the chance to shape the future of specialist education.

How to Apply: 

Please complete the online application form in full, including all employment and education details, and provide a personal statement that makes us keen to speak to you.

Visits to site are encouraged for this position, please make an application then get in touch with the recruitment team using the details below with your availability to arrange a visit.

If you need any assistance or would like any more information, please contact Betsy in the Aurora Group Recruitment Team at betsy.walley@theauroragroup.co.uk

Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks including an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Aurora Group is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

The Aurora Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young adults in our care and is a disability confident and equal opportunities employer.

This advert could be taken down at any point in time without prior notice if the position is filled.

Please note that candidates that are shortlisted might be subject to an online search.

As part of our safer recruitment procedures for senior leadership roles, we will endeavour to complete a range of safeguarding checks prior to interview where possible. These include references, online searches, a Prohibition from Teaching check and a Section 128 direction check.