Founding Headteacher (Transitioning to Headteacher upon Successful Registration)

An exceptional opportunity to establish and lead a new independent school.

Do Talk Write is looking to appoint an ambitious, inspirational and experienced senior leader as our Founding Headteacher from January 2027\.

This is a unique opportunity to lead the transformation of our successful alternative provision into a registered independent school, creating an exceptional learning environment for children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and other additional needs.

Working closely with the Director, you will lead every stage of the school's registration with the Department for Education before transitioning into the role of Headteacher once registration is achieved.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to shape a school's vision, culture and future from the very beginning.

About the Role

As Founding Headteacher, you will provide strategic leadership for the school's development, ensuring successful registration as an independent school while establishing the foundations for long\-term success.

You will:

• Lead the school's registration with the Department for Education and ensure compliance with the Independent School Standards


• Develop an ambitious vision and strategic direction centred on inclusion, aspiration and excellence


• Build an outstanding curriculum and educational offer tailored to the needs of vulnerable learners


• Establish robust safeguarding, governance and quality assurance systems


• Recruit, develop and inspire a skilled and committed staff team


• Develop positive relationships with families, local authorities, commissioners and partner agencies


• Create a nurturing school culture where pupils feel safe, valued and able to thrive

Following successful registration, you will continue to lead the school as Headteacher, driving continuous improvement and securing excellent outcomes for pupils.

About You

We are seeking an experienced senior leader who can demonstrate:

• NPQH or equivalent leadership qualification


• Significant leadership experience within an alternative provision, a PRU, specialist provision or an inclusive mainstream setting


• A strong understanding of safeguarding, school improvement and regulatory compliance


• Experience of working with pupils with SEMH and complex additional needs


• The ability to lead organisational change with confidence and integrity


• Excellent communication, interpersonal and leadership skills


• A genuine commitment to improving life chances for vulnerable children and young people


• Experience of opening a new school, leading school conversion or supporting independent school registration

Why Join Do Talk Write?

This is an opportunity to build something exceptional.

You'll have the autonomy to shape a school's culture, curriculum and systems from the outset while working with a passionate organisation committed to delivering outstanding education.

We are looking for a leader who is values\-driven, resilient and ambitious for every child, someone who believes that the right education can transform lives.

Safeguarding

Do Talk Write is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, online searches and all other safer recruitment pre\-employment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

The closing date is Thursday 16 July 2026 at midnight. To apply, please email Rebecca Bergin (HR Manager) at rbergin@dotalkwrite.co.uk for an application form and job description.

Job Type: Full\-time

Pay: £65,000\.00\-£85,000\.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress


• Company events


• Company pension

Work Location: In person

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