Head Teacher

About this role

About School of Coding School of Coding Independent School is a growing education provider delivering practical, career-focused learning to children, young people and adults across the UK. Our School supports young people who may not currently be thriving within mainstream education. We provide a smaller, structured and supportive learning environment where students can rebuild confidence, re-engage with education and work towards positive academic, personal and social outcomes. Our approach combines high expectations with personalised support. We recognise that each learner arrives with different experiences, strengths and barriers, and we work closely with families, schools, local authorities and specialist professionals to provide the right pathway forward.

About the role The Head Teacher will provide strategic leadership and day-to-day management of our School, taking overall responsibility for educational quality, safeguarding, behaviour, attendance, SEND provision and learner outcomes. This is a visible leadership role for someone who can create a calm, consistent and ambitious school culture for young people with diverse and sometimes complex needs. You will ensure that each learner receives a personalised and inclusive education that supports their academic progress, wellbeing and longer-term progression. You will lead the development of the curriculum and teaching practice while ensuring that appropriate pastoral, behavioural and SEND support is embedded throughout the provision. This includes overseeing support for learners with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and other additional needs. Working closely with students, parents and carers, commissioning schools, local authorities and external professionals, you will ensure that Education, Health and Care Plans, individual learning plans and multi-agency interventions are effectively coordinated and delivered. The Head Teacher will also ensure that the provision meets its statutory and contractual responsibilities, maintains strong safeguarding arrangements and is prepared for Ofsted inspection, local authority monitoring and commissioner reviews.

What You’ll Be Doing School Leadership and Improvement Provide clear strategic leadership and effective day-to-day management of the School. Establish a positive school culture based on safety, consistency, inclusion, respect and high expectations. Develop and implement the provision’s vision, priorities and school improvement plans. Evaluate the effectiveness of the provision and take timely action where improvement is required. Ensure that organisational priorities are translated into clear objectives for staff and learners. Provide regular reports and assurance to senior leaders on educational quality, safeguarding, risks and performance.

Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Lead the design and delivery of a flexible, engaging and meaningful curriculum that responds to learners’ individual starting points and needs. Maintain high expectations for teaching, learning, assessment and learner progress. Ensure that learning is appropriately differentiated and accessible to students with a range of additional needs. Monitor the quality of teaching through lesson observations, learning reviews, learner feedback and performance data. Support staff to improve teaching practice through coaching, feedback and professional development. Ensure that learners develop the knowledge, skills, confidence and behaviours required for their next stage of education, employment or training.

SEND and Personalised Support Ensure that learners with SEND are identified, assessed and supported effectively. Oversee the implementation and review of Education, Health and Care Plans, Individual Learning Plans and personalised support strategies. Ensure that statutory reviews, SEND records and associated documentation are accurate, timely and compliant. Promote inclusive practice for learners with SEMH needs, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and other additional needs. Ensure that staff understand individual learner needs and are equipped to apply appropriate strategies consistently. Work with local authorities, educational psychologists, health professionals and other specialists to coordinate effective support. Monitor the impact of interventions and adjust provision where support is not producing the required outcomes.

Safeguarding and Learner Welfare Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead or ensure that effective and appropriately resourced DSL arrangements are maintained. Promote a strong safeguarding culture in which staff understand their responsibilities and concerns are identified and acted upon promptly. Ensure compliance with Keeping Children Safe in Education and all relevant safeguarding legislation and guidance. Maintain effective systems for recording, reporting, escalating and reviewing safeguarding concerns. Ensure that learner welfare, mental health and wellbeing are considered throughout educational and operational decision-making. Work constructively with families, social care, early help teams and other agencies to protect and support learners.

Behaviour, Attendance and Engagement Develop and implement consistent approaches to behaviour, attendance, rewards, consequences and restorative practice. Ensure that behaviour expectations are clear, proportionate and appropriate for the needs of the learner cohort. Monitor attendance, punctuality, engagement, exclusions and behavioural incidents, identifying trends and areas of concern. Put timely interventions in place to address persistent absence, disengagement and barriers to learning. Promote learner voice and ensure that students are involved appropriately in decisions affecting their education. Create an environment in which young people feel safe, understood and able to re-engage positively with learning.

Learner Progression and Outcomes Monitor academic progress, personal development, attendance,…