Head Teacher

Overstoneparkschool; England; On-site; GBP 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent therapeutic school in Northampton is seeking a Head Teacher to provide visionary leadership and ensure a high-quality, holistic education. The successful candidate will lead strategic school improvement and maintain a compassionate and inclusive environment. This role requires Qualified Teacher Status and extensive experience in senior leadership, particularly in SEND. A salary of £65,000 per annum is offered, with a start date at the beginning of the Spring Term 2026.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a senior leader, preferably as a Deputy Head Teacher.
• Strong understanding of SEND and therapeutic education.
• Successful record of raising standards and improving outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Provide strong, inspirational leadership rooted in Christian values.
• Lead the development and implementation of a robust strategic plan.
• Ensure a rich, broad and creative curriculum that meets the needs of all pupils.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic thinking

Emotional intelligence

Decision-making

Inclusivity

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Graduate-level education

Tools

Digital tools

IT systems

Job description

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Pay range

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Base pay range

Head Teacher – Overstone Park Independent Therapeutic School

Start Date: Beginning of the Spring Term 2026.
Salary: £65,000 per annum (subject to tax and National Insurance).
Holidays: 13 weeks per year.
Contact: [e-mail] | Tel: [phone].
Location: Overstone Park Independent Therapeutic School, Overstone Park, Northampton, NN6 0DT.

Main Responsibilities

The Head Teacher provides visionary, compassionate, and values‑led leadership grounded in Christian principles of love, service, integrity and respect. The role ensures that every pupil receives a high‑quality, holistic education within a safe, caring and inclusive therapeutic environment.

• Leadership and Vision
  • Provide strong, inspirational leadership rooted in Christian values.
  • Develop and articulate a clear vision that integrates high academic standards, moral development and emotional well‑being.
  • Promote a culture of inclusion, empathy and respect for all.
  • Encourage creativity, resilience and self‑belief.
  • Ensure the school’s mission focuses on improving life chances for all pupils.
• Strategic Direction and School Improvement
  • Lead development and implementation of a robust strategic plan.
  • Set high expectations for pupil achievement, behaviour and well‑being.
  • Use performance data and self‑evaluation to identify strengths and address weaknesses.
  • Foster a culture of accountability and professional pride.
  • Maintain effective communication with the Proprietor and Governing Body.
• Curriculum and Teaching
  • Ensure a rich, broad and creative curriculum that meets diverse needs.
  • Promote high‑quality teaching and learning that inspires and challenges pupils.
  • Integrate moral and spiritual development into the curriculum.
  • Celebrate different cultures and beliefs.
  • Monitor teaching quality and provide professional development.
• SEND Leadership and Therapeutic Practice
  • Lead the school’s SEND provision to ensure inclusion, progress and well‑being.
  • Embed therapies and interventions into learning experiences.
  • Work collaboratively with families and professionals to provide holistic support.
  • Ensure compliance with the SEND Code of Practice and statutory requirements.
• Safeguarding and Welfare
  • Take overall responsibility for safeguarding and child protection.
  • Implement safeguarding policies and safer recruitment practices.
  • Prioritise physical, emotional and mental well‑being.
  • Ensure all staff are trained and confident in safeguarding responsibilities.
• Staff Leadership and Development
  • Recruit, lead and inspire a highly skilled, committed team.
  • Ensure staff training and support.
  • Oversee central record and safer recruitment compliance.
  • Implement performance management, coaching and mentoring.
  • Support staff well‑being and professional growth.
• Management, Organisation and Finance
  • Manage financial and physical resources effectively.
  • Oversee timetabling, staff deployment and pupil admissions.
  • Manage examinations in collaboration with the Examinations Officer.
  • Maintain compliance with Independent School Standards and DfE expectations.
  • Ensure health, safety and risk assessments are up to date.
  • Use resources to promote high‑quality learning and value for money.
• Governance and Compliance
  • Be accountable to the Proprietor and Governing Body.
  • Ensure full compliance with Independent School Standards, Ofsted, DfE and safeguarding regulations.
  • Maintain accurate policies, records and documentation.
  • Report regularly to the Governing Body on progress, finances and improvement priorities.
• School Improvement and Evaluation
  • Lead self‑evaluation, development planning and evidence‑based improvement.
  • Use data, lesson observation and pupil feedback to drive standards.
  • Embed a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Prepare for Ofsted and compliance inspections.
• Pupil Progress and Achievement
  • Monitor academic progress, attendance, behaviour and personal development.
  • Set ambitious, individualised targets.
  • Ensure interventions and support strategies are in place.
  • Celebrate pupil success and maintain high expectations.
• Community and Outreach
  • Build partnerships with parents, carers and the wider community.
  • Develop relationships with local authorities, health and care agencies.
  • Promote community cohesion through celebrating diverse cultures.
  • Represent the school with professionalism, integrity and compassion.
• IT Skills and Digital Leadership
  • Demonstrate strong IT competence and management systems.
  • Ensure effective use of digital technology for teaching and management.
  • Oversee IT security, filtering and monitoring systems.
  • Promote safe, responsible and ethical use of technology.
• Faith, Values and Ethos
  • Uphold and promote the school’s Christian foundation.
  • Encourage love, forgiveness, respect and service.
  • Provide opportunities for reflection and spiritual growth.
  • Ensure the ethos inspires achievement and empathy.
• Health and Safety
  • Ensure compliance with all health, safety and safeguarding regulations.
  • Promote shared responsibility for a safe environment.
• Other Duties
  • Undertake reasonable tasks as required by the Proprietor or Governing Body.
  • Uphold the vision, values and inclusive Christian ethos in all decisions.

Person Specification

Education and Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) – Essential.
• Graduate‑level education – Essential.
• NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship) – Desirable.
• Evidence of senior leadership professional development – Essential.

Experience

• Proven experience as a senior leader (Deputy Head Teacher or equivalent).
• Successful record of raising standards and improving outcomes.
• Strong experience in SEND and therapeutic education.
• Experience in financial management and resource planning.
• Experience managing examinations in line with awarding body requirements.
• Evidence of positive relationships with parents, professionals and local authorities.
• Experience in staff recruitment, timetabling, admissions and compliance management.

Skills and Attributes

• Visionary leadership with strategic clarity and moral purpose.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Competence in digital tools, IT systems and safeguarding monitoring.
• Strong analytical and decision‑making skills.
• Emotional intelligence and resilience under pressure.
• Ability to motivate, inspire and challenge others.
• Commitment to inclusion, diversity and equality.

Personal Qualities

• Deep commitment to the education, care and well‑being of children and young people.
• Guided by Christian principles of love, service and integrity.
• Inclusive and respectful of all faiths and cultural backgrounds.
• Reflective, humble and committed to personal and professional growth.
• A visible, approachable and compassionate leader.

Disclaimer

This job description outlines the main duties and responsibilities of the role. It is not exhaustive, and the Governing Body reserves the right to make reasonable amendments as required. All duties are to be carried out in accordance with the inclusive Christian ethos, vision and therapeutic values of Overstone Park Independent Therapeutic School.

Applications and Enquiries

Email: [e-mail]
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]

About Overstone Park School

A non‑selective independent school registered with DFE and ISI for boys and girls aged 5 to 18 years.