training and education
Safeguarding & Prevent
Job Title: Principal (Special Educational Needs)
Location: Hull
Working Pattern: Full time, Permanent
Salary: £75,000
The Opportunity:
Are you an established educational leader with deep expertise in the special educational needs sector? We are partnering with an outstanding independent special education provider to recruit a Headteacher for a brand new school launch. This is an exceptional greenfield project that demands practical execution and robust experience within the SEN space. Because this school is being built from the ground up, the role requires a leader who already understands how to navigate complex needs and shape a specialist staff culture. Mainstream transitions will not suit the immediacy of this project; our client needs a proven expert ready to execute a clear vision from day one.
In return, you will step into an environment that offers incredible operational backup. Supported heavily by a dedicated Chief Operating Officer who brings a wealth of experience in managing Ofsted inspections and internal policy, you will be freed from overwhelming compliance isolation. This allows you to focus on leading through action, cultivating emotional intelligence across your team, and actively mentoring staff on the floor.
About the Setting:
Situated on a beautiful 10 acre facility in Hull that formerly functioned as a nursery and school, this newly refurbished setting is preparing to open its doors this autumn. The school will accommodate up to 60 students aged 5 to 19 who have diagnosed additional needs.
The setting specialises in supporting young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and associated speech, language, and communication needs. The pupil profile focuses on low acuity social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) behaviours that are explicitly linked to these pre-existing profiles.
The Approach / Pedagogy:
The curriculum is delivered across three distinct, ambitious pathways mapped to each student's EHCP. These pathways blend formal academic progress, including GCSEs and Entry Level certifications, with functional English, Maths mastery, and vital independent life skills. Grounded in a trauma informed ethos, the school utilises specialised, positive behaviour management strategies to help students self regulate.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities:
- Maintain a highly visible leadership presence across the school floor, ensuring you are accessible to staff and students rather than being office bound.
- Provide steady, calm energy and direct support to class teams during challenging or dysregulated moments.
- Collaborate hand in hand with the internal executive team and the Chief Operating Officer to maintain robust school operations.
- Foster a collaborative, supportive team culture where educators are empowered to bring their unique strengths and therapeutic insights into the classroom.
- Build strong, trusted partnerships with parents, carers, and local authority placement teams to champion student retention and progress.
What We Are Looking For:
- Qualifications: Valid Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) along with a completed, recognised postgraduate educational leadership qualification (such as an NPQH, NPQSL, or equivalent).
- Characteristics: Proven practical execution and extensive prior leadership experience within a specialist SEN or alternative provision setting. You must demonstrate high emotional intelligence, a hands on "doer" mentality, and the resilience needed to launch a school from scratch.
- Commute: Ability to reliably commute, or relocate, to the Hull area. Flexibility to spend initial time immersed within the provider's established sister setting in Redford ahead of the official launch is highly preferred to fully integrate into their core values.
Safeguarding & Compliance:
This position is subject to a mandatory Enhanced DBS check, verification of right to work in the UK, and satisfactory professional references. Applicants must provide a complete, chronological employment history that explicitly accounts for any gaps in employment or training since leaving full time education.
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