Head of School – Alternative Provision (Wirral)

Salary: £35,000 – £45,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Employment Type: Full Time
Hours: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Location: Wirral (Alternative Provision)
Vacancies: 1

About the Role

An established alternative provision in Wirral is seeking a dynamic and inspirational Head of School to lead its small, dedicated team. This is a pivotal role for an experienced educational leader who is passionate about transforming the lives of young people who require additional support and a more personalised learning environment.

The Head of School will oversee daily operations, drive high-quality teaching and learning, and foster a positive, nurturing school culture where every learner can thrive. The successful candidate will bring creativity, resilience, and a proactive approach to leadership within a specialist setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across all aspects of the school.
• Inspire, motivate, and engage learners—ensuring they feel supported, valued, and encouraged to achieve their ambitions.
• Lead and develop staff teams, ensuring excellent practice and a strong safeguarding culture.
• Oversee curriculum delivery with particular focus on English, Maths, and Science, driving improvements in teaching and learning outcomes.
• Ensure full compliance with Independent School Standards and all relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Promote positive behaviour, emotional wellbeing, and inclusive practice across the provision.
• Strengthen relationships with external stakeholders, including parents, carers, and local agencies.
• Drive continuous improvement, proactively addressing challenges to enhance pupil outcomes and school performance.

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Knowledge

• Engagement Skills: Demonstrates the ability to inspire, motivate, and influence learners. Brings fresh ideas and creativity to the school environment.
• Emotional Support: Committed to creating positive, meaningful change for young people, particularly those with additional needs.
• Academic Background: Degree in a relevant subject area.
• Teaching Qualifications: QTS or QTLS (or equivalent).
• Leadership Experience: Proven leadership background in an educational setting—Head of Department, SLT, or Headteacher level. Experience working within an alternative provision or similar environment is highly desirable.
• Staff & Cohort Management: Experience managing small school cohorts and leading staff teams.
• Knowledge Base: Strong understanding of alternative provision, Independent School Standards, and supporting learners with SEN or additional needs.
• Problem-Solving: Able to identify challenges and implement effective, long-lasting solutions.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Values: Commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity, wellbeing, and British values.
• Time Management: Strong organisational skills with the ability to balance leadership responsibilities, curriculum oversight, and compliance.