Principle - Independent SEN School

Principal / Headteacher - Specialist SEN School

Location: Cheshire
Contract: Full-time
Salary: Competitive (dependent on experience)

We are proud to be working in partnership with a specialist independent school to appoint an experienced and inspirational Principal / Headteacher. This is a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated team supporting pupils with autism and associated learning needs within a highly supportive and specialist setting.

As the school continues to grow, you will play a key role in shaping its strategic direction, ensuring high-quality provision and delivering outstanding outcomes for pupils.

As Principal / Headteacher, you will:

• Provide clear strategic leadership and direction for the school

• Lead on the quality of education, ensuring a broad, balanced, and personalised curriculum

• Foster a positive, structured, and inclusive environment tailored to pupils with autism

• Drive school improvement, maintaining high standards of teaching, learning, and behaviour

• Oversee safeguarding, compliance, and regulatory requirements

• Lead, support, and develop a multidisciplinary team

• Build strong relationships with families, external professionals, and stakeholders

We are seeking a committed and experienced leader who:

• Has a proven track record in a Headteacher, Principal, or Senior Leadership role

• Holds relevant professional qualifications

• Has strong experience supporting pupils with autism and/or complex needs

• Demonstrates a clear understanding of specialist or independent school settings

• Has experience leading school improvement, growth, and change management

• Possesses strong knowledge of safeguarding, SEND legislation, and inspection frameworks

• Brings a resilient, compassionate, and child-centred approach

• Independent specialist provision for pupils with autism

• Small class sizes with high staff-to-pupil ratios

• Strong focus on personalised learning and therapeutic support

• Backed by a wider network, including clinical and operational teams

• A growing school with a clear and ambitious vision for the future

• Competitive salary and benefits package

• Opportunity to lead and shape a developing specialist provision

• Access to strong central support functions (HR, clinical, operational)

• A highly rewarding leadership role with genuine impact on pupils' lives

All applications are subject to strict safeguarding and compliance checks, including:

• An Enhanced DBS Disclosure

• Professional reference checks and, where applicable, overseas police clearances

• A full employment history (covering the last 10 years where possible)

• Proof of right to work in the UK

• Attendance at a registration interview

This role is ideally suited to a passionate and forward-thinking leader who is committed to delivering exceptional outcomes in specialist education.

For further information or to express your interest in this confidential opportunity, please get in touch or submit your CV today.