Headteacher

About the school

Snowhill School is a small independent school in Stoke on Trent that supports students who may have previously experienced difficulties accessing mainstream education. The school is committed to ensuring all students learn and engage in an appropriate programme of study that enables them to re-engage with education and achieve their best outcomes.

The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum that enables pupils to undertake examinations and gain qualifications including GCSEs, BTECs and functional skills. Pupils also have access to a wide range of adventurous subjects including water sports, mountain biking, archery and horse-riding.

Snowhill School is part of Keys Education, a national network of alternative learning solutions and pathways designed to support learners with diverse needs.

The role

The Headteacher is the lead professional and role model for the school community. The postholder will provide visionary and operational leadership that ensures high-quality education, safeguarding and wellbeing for pupils with complex needs and challenging behaviours. The role requires a commitment to the school’s ethos of trauma-informed, therapeutic practice and the EPIC values of Excellence, Passion, Integrity and Caring.

Key responsibilities

• Establish and sustain the school’s ethos, strategic vision and direction.
• Create a culture where pupils and staff experience a positive, enriching and safe school life, promoting respect, inclusion and high aspirations.
• Foster a trauma-informed and therapeutic environment.
• Establish and sustain high-quality, expert teaching across all subjects and phases, based on evidence-informed practices.
• Lead curriculum design and implementation, ensuring a broad, balanced, structured and coherent entitlement tailored to pupils’ individual needs, including vocational and therapeutic elements.
• Develop and support subject leaders and teaching staff through professional networks, coaching and research-informed continuous training.
• Establish and maintain high expectations for pupil behaviour and courteous conduct, underpinned by clear rules, routines and positive relationships.
• Ensure effective pastoral care systems that support pupils’ mental health, wellbeing and personal development in partnership with families and external agencies.
• Ensure the school meets statutory SEND requirements and provides tailored, high-quality support for pupils with additional needs.
• Lead the SENDCO and pastoral teams to monitor and review Individual Education Plans and personalised learning pathways.
• Foster collaborative partnerships to secure appropriate provision and support.
• Manage resources effectively, including staffing, finance and facilities, ensuring alignment with educational priorities and compliance with statutory requirements.
• Ensure compliance with Independent School Standards and all relevant health and safety regulations.
• Work closely with the governing body to provide accurate information, strategic advice and support for governance effectiveness.
• Encourage staff to engage in sustained, high-quality professional development aligned with the Staff Code of Conduct.

Requirements

• Proven leadership experience in a special school or complex educational setting.
• Deep understanding of the Ofsted independent school inspection framework, statutory duties and safeguarding.
• Commitment to the Nolan Principles and highest standards of professional conduct.
• Ability to develop and implement a clear vision and strategic plan for school improvement.
• Strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• QTS is a requirement; NPQSL or equivalent is desirable.

Benefits & package

• Salary of £55,000 – £75,000 for a full-time role of 40 hours per week.
• Fully funded CPD training for all staff.
• Enhanced pay scales that recognise both qualifications and experience.
• Extensive senior management support from Regional Managers and Regional Directors.
• Centralised head office function offering supportive delivery of finance, payroll, HR and recruitment.
• Established network of collaborative Headteachers across the group, including regular conferences and peer support.
• Group-wide budgets for estates, job boards and learning and development.
• A dedicated School Administrator to provide administrative support.
• Access to in-house Principal and Assistant Educational Psychologists.
• Support from the Clinical Team, including Psychologists and Attachment Aware Training.
• Weekly Headteacher wellbeing drop-in sessions.
• Enhanced programme of 10 INSET days.
• Enhanced company maternity and paternity pay.
• Access to a blue light discount card.
• Staff Referral Scheme with a £500 bonus.
• Life assurance.

How to apply

Candidates can apply via TheTeacherJob or request the school contact after signing in. School tours are welcomed as part of the interview selection process. All posts require an enhanced DBS check. An online search will be carried out on shortlisted candidates as part of due diligence checks.