This is a rare and exciting secondment opportunity for an exceptional SENCO or senior leader who is ready to take the next step towards headship and lead our specialist provision school.
We recognise that there are talented leaders across our Trust who aspire to become a Headteacher or Principal but may be unsure whether school leadership is the right next step for them. This secondment has been designed to provide a unique opportunity to experience headship in a supportive environment, allowing you to develop the skills, confidence and experience required for future leadership, whilst having the security and support of the Trust around you.
We are seeking an ambitious, compassionate and highly capable leader who is passionate about transforming lives and committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of need or circumstance, receives the outstanding education, care and opportunities they deserve. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain invaluable headship experience whilst being supported by experienced Trust leaders and a strong network of colleagues.
Leading a dedicated team and an extraordinary group of pupils, you will have the opportunity to build upon the school's many strengths, further develop its inclusive culture and continue its journey towards becoming a flagship school for specialist provision within the Trust.
This opportunity extends beyond leading a single school. As part of your development into headship, you will work closely with Trust leaders to strengthen inclusive practice, contribute to wider SEND developments and help shape provision for vulnerable learners across our family of schools.
For the right candidate, this is an exceptional opportunity to safely take the leap into school leadership, test whether headship is the right long-term career path for you, and gain first-hand experience of leading a school. At the same time, you will have the chance to make a lasting difference to the lives of some of our most vulnerable children and young people, whilst helping to shape the future of inclusion across the Trust.
About you
You will share the Trust's deep commitment to delivering a truly multi-disciplinary provision, bringing together education, care and therapy through dynamic and inspirational leadership. You will create and communicate a clear, shared strategic vision that ensures all aspects of the school work cohesively to meet the complex and individual needs of our pupils.
A confident and self-assured leader, you will thrive in working collaboratively with placing authorities and families, building strong, trusting relationships that support positive outcomes for children and young people. You will also work effectively alongside a supportive central education team, valuing partnership and recognising the strength of collective expertise.
You will bring extensive specialist knowledge, particularly in areas such as compliance, safeguarding and health and safety. You will have a secure understanding of the responsibilities of senior leadership and demonstrate a rigorous and proactive approach to ensuring the highest standards are maintained.
You will be ambitious and forward-thinking, with the ability to build, lead and inspire high-performing teams. At the same time, you will actively contribute as a collaborative team member, modelling professionalism and integrity.
You will form strong, positive relationships across the school community and beyond, demonstrating empathy, clarity and purpose in your communication. You will embrace challenge with enthusiasm, show resilience in the face of complexity and approach your work with innovation, adaptability and determination.
Apply now
To find out more about this exceptional opportunity, or for an informal conversation, please contact Executive Director of Primary Education, Kimberley Lawton, on klawton1@dret.co.uk ).
To complete our on-line application form, please use the 'apply now' tab.
The David Ross Education Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.
It is our objective to ensure that job applicants and staff are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential. We do not discriminate against any applicants on the basis of any protected characteristics.
The David Ross Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo vetting appropriate to the post, including a social media presence check and Enhanced DBS check. The successful applicant will be expected to adhere to all safeguarding, welfare and health and safety policies and procedures of the Trust.
All pre-employment checks are in line with "Keeping Children Safe in Education" statutory guidance.
