Head of School

Head of School – Alternative Provision (Wirral)

Salary: £55,000 – £60,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Wirral (Alternative Provision)
Vacancies: 1

About the Role

A well-established alternative provision in Wirral is looking for an inspiring and forward‑thinking Head of School to lead a small, committed team. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced educational leader who is passionate about making a real difference in the lives of young people who thrive in a more personalised, supportive environment.

As Head of School, you will play a central role in shaping the vision, driving improvement, and ensuring the highest standards of teaching, learning, and pastoral care. You will bring innovation, resilience, and a hands-on leadership style to guide staff and empower learners to achieve their full potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide clear strategic and operational leadership across all areas of the school.
• Inspire, motivate, and positively engage learners, ensuring they feel supported, valued, and encouraged to succeed.
• Lead, support, and develop staff teams while upholding high expectations and a strong safeguarding culture.
• Oversee curriculum planning and delivery—particularly in English, Maths, and Science—ensuring high-quality teaching and strong outcomes.
• Maintain full compliance with Independent School Standards and all relevant regulatory requirements.
• Promote positive behaviour, emotional wellbeing, and inclusive practice throughout the provision.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with parents, carers, professionals, and external agencies.
• Drive school improvement, taking a proactive approach to problem‑solving and enhancing pupil progress and overall provision performance.

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Knowledge

• Engagement Skills: Able to motivate, inspire, and connect with learners; brings new ideas and creativity to the school environment.
• Emotional Support: Passionate about creating positive, lasting change for young people, particularly those with additional or complex needs.
• Academic Background: Degree in a relevant subject area.
• Teaching Qualifications: QTS, QTLS, or equivalent.
• Leadership Experience: Proven leadership in an educational setting (e.g., Head of Department, SLT, Headteacher). Experience in alternative provision or similar settings is highly advantageous.
• Management Experience: Confident managing small cohorts and leading staff teams effectively.
• Knowledge Base: Strong understanding of alternative provision, Independent School Standards, and supporting learners with SEN or additional needs.
• Problem‑Solving: Able to identify issues promptly and implement effective, sustainable solutions.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Values: Strong commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity, inclusion, wellbeing, and British values.
• Time Management: Highly organised and able to balance leadership, curriculum oversight, and compliance responsibilities.