Headteacher

Location: North Lancashire / Yorkshire Border Area
Salary: £47,000 - £53,000 per annum (DOE) + £3,000 Location Allowance
Contract: Full-Time | Permanent
Start Date: November 2026 (or dependent on notice period)

Teaching Personnel are delighted to be supporting a highly regarded specialist independent school in the recruitment of an inspirational and dedicated Headteacher.

This is a fantastic opportunity to lead a small, nurturing provision for pupils with complex needs. The school is currently rated Good with Outstanding features and benefits from a strong culture of care, respect and ambition for every learner. Following the retirement of a long-standing and successful Headteacher, the school is seeking a passionate leader to build on its excellent foundations and continue driving positive outcomes for pupils.

Located within easy reach of Lancaster, Morecambe, Carnforth, Kirkby Lonsdale, Settle and surrounding areas, the school provides a calm, structured and highly supportive environment where young people can re-engage with education and achieve meaningful academic, social and emotional progress.

About the Role

As Headteacher, you will take overall responsibility for the strategic leadership, management and day-to-day operation of the school. Working closely with senior colleagues and external stakeholders, you will ensure the highest standards of education, safeguarding and pupil wellbeing are maintained.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and delivering a broad, balanced and differentiated curriculum
• Driving high standards of teaching, learning, behaviour and attendance
• Ensuring robust safeguarding and child protection practices
• Monitoring pupil progress and implementing effective school improvement strategies
• Leading, developing and inspiring a dedicated staff team
• Building strong relationships with families, carers and multi-agency professionals
• Maintaining inspection readiness and statutory compliance
• Managing school resources, budgets and staffing effectively

The school currently supports up to 12 pupils and benefits from a close-knit team, allowing for a truly hands-on leadership approach and meaningful impact on the lives of young people.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a compassionate and ambitious educational leader who can combine high expectations with a trauma-informed and pupil-centred approach.

Essential requirements:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Experience working with pupils with complex needs
• Proven ability to raise standards and improve pupil outcomes
• Strong understanding of assessment, target setting and performance management
• Ability to build positive relationships with pupils, families and professionals
• Excellent leadership, organisational and communication skills
• Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions in challenging situations
• Full UK Driving Licence

Desirable experience:

• Previous senior or middle leadership experience
• Teaching background in English
• Experience working with looked-after children
• Experience of multi-agency working

Why Apply?

• Lead a well-established specialist school with an excellent reputation
• Small pupil numbers allowing for genuine impact and personalised education
• Supportive wider organisation with strong educational values
• Dedicated CPD and professional development opportunities
• Friday afternoons allocated to PPA, CPD and team development
• Competitive salary plus annual location allowance

A recent Ofsted inspection highlighted:

"The school provides exceptionally well for pupils' personal development. Pupils benefit from a highly personalised offer that reflects their individual needs. As a result of this positive work, pupils develop remarkably well from their differing starting points."

Safeguarding

Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS and safeguarding checks in line with safer recruitment requirements.

For more information or to apply, please contact Teaching Personnel today.