Interim Headteacher (Alternative Provision)

The Opportunity We are seeking a highly experienced, strategic, and resilient educational leader to join us as an Interim Headteacher. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping a newly Ofsted-registered Alternative Provision (AP) school.

Working initially alongside the current Headteacher, you will provide critical strategic support to build the provision’s foundations, drive standards, and ensure robust preparation for our upcoming Ofsted inspections. With the current Headteacher transitioning out of the role over the next 24 months, this position offers a structured handover period, providing the right candidate with the platform to eventually take full operational and strategic ownership of the provision.

About the Role This role requires a dynamic leader who excels in transitional environments. You will balance the immediate need of Ofsted readiness with the long-term vision of scaling a high-quality, inclusive Alternative Provision.

You will be tasked with embedding a culture of excellence, ensuring statutory compliance, and developing a curriculum that meets the complex academic, social, and emotional needs of our students. You will inspire and mentor staff, working collaboratively with the Senior Leadership Team to establish a provision that is recognised for its transformative impact on children and young people.

Key Responsibilities

• Ofsted Readiness & Compliance: Lead the strategic preparation for upcoming Ofsted inspections, ensuring all frameworks, safeguarding protocols, and educational standards exceed regulatory requirements.
• Leadership Transition: Work closely and collaboratively with the current Headteacher to ensure a seamless transition of leadership responsibilities, maintaining operational stability and staff confidence throughout the 24-month handover.
• Building the Provision: Design, implement, and scale the operational and educational infrastructure of the newly registered AP, driving continuous improvement in teaching, learning, and assessment.
• Curriculum Development: Oversee the implementation of a tailored, engaging, and high-impact curriculum (both academic and vocational) designed specifically for students requiring alternative education pathways.
• Staff Empowerment & Development: Coach, mentor, and performance-manage staff, fostering a culture of high expectations, resilience, and continuous professional development.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong, communicative partnerships with parents, carers, local authorities, and multi-agency professionals to secure the best possible outcomes for our students.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Substantial senior leadership experience (Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, or Head of School) within an Alternative Provision, SEN, or highly complex mainstream environment.
• NPQH qualification (or actively working towards), or equivalent senior leadership training.
• A proven track record of leading schools through successful Ofsted inspections, with deep, up-to-date knowledge of the Education Inspection Framework (EIF).
• Extensive experience in strategic school development, including setting up new provisions, expanding cohorts, or leading significant organisational change.
• Exceptional understanding of SEND, behavioural management, and trauma-informed practices.
• High-level emotional intelligence, with the ability to manage change, build relationships, and collaboratively navigate a leadership transition.
• Absolute commitment to the highest standards of safeguarding, safer recruitment, and child protection.

Desirable:

• A proven track record of leading schools through successful Ofsted inspections, with deep, up-to-date knowledge of the Education Inspection Framework (EIF).

Our Values

Our provision intrinsically follows core values that we expect all leadership to model and embed:

• Children First
• Respect
• Fairness
• Dignity
• Excellence
• Teamwork
• Sustainability

What You Can Expect From Us

• Highly competitive salary reflective of the interim, high-impact nature of the role.
• Comprehensive induction and seamless integration into the wider Senior Leadership Team.
• Funded professional development and continuous in-house training.
• Company Sick Pay Scheme and Workplace Pension Scheme.
• Access to the Reward Gateway benefits platform.
• On-site parking.
• Enhanced DBS check fully covered.

Compliance & Safeguarding We are strictly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate child protection screening, including comprehensive employment references and an Enhanced DBS check.

Please note: The organisation is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers for this role. All successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK.