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We are seeking an exceptional educational leader to become the founding Headteacher of a brand-new specialist school for pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs in Wigan. This school will be registered for up to 44 pupils and is being built from the ground up by an organisation with a strong, established track record in specialist residential care. You will be central to the Ofsted registration process, the development of policies and procedures, and the recruitment of your own leadership team with the full backing of experienced operational and educational consultancy support behind you. Joining in September, you will have a structured preparation period ahead of a planned pupil admission in December/January
Job Responsibility:
Lead the successful pre-opening phase of the school
Oversee final preparations for registration and operational launch
Develop and embed policies, systems and safeguarding procedures
Recruit and build a high-performing staff team including deputy leadership, teachers and support staff
Create a positive, therapeutic and aspirational school culture
Ensure the curriculum meets the needs of pupils with SEMH profiles
Build strong relationships with families, commissioners and external stakeholders
Drive high standards of teaching, behaviour, attendance and outcomes from day one
Lead the school through its first Ofsted inspection and beyond
Requirements:
Previous Headteacher or senior leadership experience within specialist or alternative provision settings
The ability to start in September
Experience of opening a new school or leading significant school improvement projects
Strong understanding of SEMH, SEND and trauma-informed practice
Proven success in achieving Good or Outstanding Ofsted outcomes
Excellent knowledge of safeguarding, compliance and regulatory frameworks
Experience in recruitment, team building and developing staff culture
A collaborative leadership style with the ability to work in partnership with wider organisational stakeholders
Resilience, adaptability and the ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment