Executive Headteacher

Polaris Education
Executive Headteacher
Reports to: Managing Director of Education
Location: South East and East of England
Salary: Circa £70,000 per annum plus car allowance
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Start Date: ASAP

Job Description

Overview

Polaris Education is seeking an Executive Headteacher to lead the Polaris South East and East of England region, overseeing up to six schools, including leading the opening of at least one new school. This is an exciting and influential role for a visionary leader with a strong background in curriculum, school improvement, SEND, and commercial acumen.

The successful candidate will report to the Managing Director of Education and will work collaboratively with the leadership team to support and embed the Care Connect Consolidate strategy across the portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership and School Improvement

• Provide visionary leadership for up to six schools within the specified region, focusing on maintaining high educational standards and fostering a positive school culture
• Work alongside organic growth project managers to spearhead the opening of new schools, managing all aspects of the provision, including regulatory compliance, staffing and operational readiness
• Drive school improvement initiatives, working closely with Headteachers to deliver high-quality outcomes for students, particularly those with complex SEND needs
• Oversee the implementation of the Care Connect Consolidate strategy across the schools, embedding Polaris’ core values and ensuring consistency of approach
• Work closely with the Managing Director of Education and colleagues within the central team to ensure that schools are suitably resourced and supported effectively to achieve the best outcomes for children
• Lead on assigned key strategic projects and initiatives across the portfolio to enhance school performance
• Collaborate with other senior leaders across Polaris to support shared best practices

2. Line Management and Staff Development

• Line manage Headteachers, providing mentorship, supervision, guidance, and performance management to ensure that each school meets its educational and operational goals
• Support professional development and leadership growth within each school’s senior leadership team, fostering a collaborative and supportive leadership culture
• Work with the Learning and Development team to deliver training programmes for school leaders on building and maintaining effective relationships with external stakeholders
• Provide guidance on managing HR issues, including grievance and disciplinary procedures, and support in conducting investigations
• Facilitate training on interviewing, candidate selection, and best practices in HR management

3. Curriculum, Teaching and Learning Quality Assurance

• Lead the rigorous monitoring, evaluation and continuous improvement of the curriculum, teaching and learning across all schools, ensuring provision is ambitious, inclusive and responsive to the individual needs of pupils
• Ensure that curriculum design and delivery provide appropriate stretch, challenge and aspiration for all learners, particularly those with more complex SEND profiles
• Maintain a clear focus on preparing pupils effectively for their next steps, including further education, employment and independent living, through carefully sequenced learning, meaningful experiences and personalised pathways
• Embed robust and proportionate progress tracking systems that accurately capture small-step progress and inform teaching
• Ensure pupils have access to appropriate, recognised and accredited qualifications wherever possible
• Regularly review and refine provision to ensure alignment with current frameworks, statutory requirements and regulatory expectations, including Ofsted and ISSR, and promote the consistent use of evidence-informed and developmentally appropriate pedagogical approaches to secure strong outcomes for every child

4. SEND Expertise and Stakeholder Engagement

• Ensure schools are compliant with the SEND Code of Practice and oversee provision for children with complex needs such as Autism, ADHD, FASD and trauma-related needs
• Champion therapeutic and trauma-informed practices, working closely with staff to embed the Polaris therapeutic model, providing child-centred individualised support that promotes emotional resilience and self-regulation
• Ensure all schools meet the requirements of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and offer high-quality, inclusive educational experiences
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including local authorities, community organisations and industry partners
• Communicate effectively to manage expectations and foster positive collaborations
• Engage with stakeholders to support school improvement and secure additional resources or support

5. Strategic Safeguarding Responsibility

• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the region, providing guidance and support on safeguarding issues and liaising with external agencies as necessary
• Develop and implement a strategic safeguarding framework across all schools in the region
• Ensure that safeguarding policies and procedures are robust, up-to-date, and compliant with legal requirements
• Oversee the implementation of safeguarding practices, including training for staff on child protection and safeguarding
• Monitor and review safeguarding practices and address any areas of concern promptly and effectively

6. Regulatory and Compliance

• Ensure all schools within the portfolio meet the Independent School Standards (ISS), Ofsted requirements and safeguarding regulations
• Lead inspections and external reviews, ensuring that schools are always prepared for regulatory scrutiny
• Oversee risk management and quality assurance processes across the schools

7. Business Model and Commercial Acumen

• Lead with a strong commercial understanding of the business model, ensuring schools are financially sustainable and operationally efficient
• Strategically manage consultations and referrals from local authorities, overseeing admissions, initial assessments and funding negotiations, including pupil premium grants
• Engage with schools and external stakeholders to manage at-risk placements and ensure that each child’s needs are met through personalised educational plans and interventions
• Oversee budget management for the schools, ensuring effective utilisation of resources, cost-effective procurement of goods and services and financial sustainability
• Understand and manage EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) to achieve financial targets
• Take responsibility for revenue generation and utilisation, including managing pupil premium grants and other funding sources

8. Care, Compassion and Growth Mindset

• Foster a caring, compassionate and empathetic school culture, with a focus on emotional wellbeing for pupils and staff
• Demonstrate a growth mindset and inspire others to continually improve their practice and strive for excellence
• Build strong relationships with pupils, staff, parents, colleagues in residential services and the wider community to promote a shared vision for inclusive education

Person Specification

• Essential: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with significant experience in educational leadership roles such as Regional Director, Education Lead or Principal
• National qualification for Headship (NPQH) National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL)/ Higher degree in Education leadership
• Desirable: Multi-site leadership experience with proven ability to lead new school openings and manage large-scale projects
• Essential: Proven experience in leading SEND provision and working with children with complex needs, including Autism, ADHD, FASD and trauma-related conditions
• Essential: Strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice, Independent School Standards (ISS) and Ofsted regulatory requirements
• Essential: Demonstrated school improvement experience with a track record of raising educational standards
• Essential: Therapeutic and trauma-informed approach to education and behaviour management
• Essential: In-depth knowledge of strategic safeguarding practices and experience in leading safeguarding initiatives
• Essential: Excellent commercial acumen and experience in managing financial sustainability in schools, including handling local authority consultations and referrals
• Essential: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders
• Compassionate and empathetic, with a passion for improving outcomes for vulnerable students

What We Offer

• The opportunity to lead a growing portfolio of specialist schools within a supportive and innovative organisation
• A platform to drive meaningful change in SEND education, with autonomy to shape the future of the schools you lead
• A collaborative leadership environment, offering opportunities for professional development and career progression
• A chance to make a significant impact on the educational experiences of pupils with complex needs

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and cover letter to Zoe.Chittenden@polariscommunity.co.uk or call for an informal chat on 07920 212308.

Join Polaris Education and lead a region of schools dedicated to providing exceptional, inclusive education for children with complex needs!