Headteacher – Specialist School (Autism & SEMH)

Location: Manchester

Full-Time | Permanent

Salary: £75,000 - £85,000 ( Negotiable )

We are seeking an experienced and values-driven Headteacher to lead a specialist independent school supporting young children.

This is a pivotal leadership opportunity to take an established provision into its next phase of development, building on recent progress and shaping a positive, therapeutic learning environment where both pupils and staff can thrive.

About the School

The school is a specialist therapeutic provision supporting pupils, delivered by a dedicated team of staff.

The provision offers a nurturing, structured environment tailored to pupils with complex needs, combining education with therapeutic and pastoral support.

The Opportunity

This role offers the chance to:

• Lead a committed and skilled staff team through the next stage of its journey
• Embed a strong, positive culture focused on high expectations and therapeutic practice
• Drive continued improvement in outcomes, quality of education, and staff development
• Play a key role in shaping future growth
• Work closely with an experienced executive team providing strategic oversight and support.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across the school
• Ensure high-quality teaching, learning, and outcomes for all pupils
• Lead and develop a strong, cohesive team
• Maintain a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment for pupils.
• Oversee safeguarding, compliance, and regulatory standards
• Drive staff performance, development, and wellbeing
• Build strong relationships with families, external professionals, and stakeholders

About You

We are looking for a leader who:

• Has substantial senior leadership experience within specialist or SEND education
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of Autism and SEMH needs
• Has a proven track record of school improvement and raising standards.
• Can inspire, motivate and develop teams
• Is committed to delivering outstanding outcomes for vulnerable young people
• A Headship qualification (or working towards)

Recruitment Process

• Initial informal screening call (via Teams)
• Formal face-to-face interview with senior leaders

Contact Details:

To apply, or for more information and an informal confidential discussion please contact Jordanna Osborn at 02394211147 or josborn@compassltd.co.uk

Compass Recruitment Solutions Ltd is acting as a Recruitment Consultancy for this permanent vacancy; we offer £500 vouchers for each successful recommendation.