Head of School

Inspire. Lead. Transform Lives. We're looking for an exceptional Head of School to lead a vibrant, specialist learning community where every child and young person is supported to achieve their full potential. This is a pivotal role for a dynamic leader who can drive outstanding outcomes, champion safeguarding, motivate staff, and ensure the school thrives both educationally and commercially. As Head of School, you'll shape the vision, culture and strategic direction of the school, ensuring it operates to the highest standards and reflects the values of Acorn Education. What You'll Do As part of our committed team, you will:

• Lead the school to deliver outstanding outcomes for children and young people across academic, personal and social development.
• Ensure a safe, nurturing environment, with robust safeguarding, health & safety and compliance systems.
• Oversee a high-quality, engaging curriculum supported by strong assessment, therapeutic input and behaviour strategies.
• Build a motivated, skilled workforce through effective recruitment, performance management and CPD planning.
• Maintain full statutory compliance with DfE, Ofsted and all regulatory requirements.
• Drive the school's commercial success, including occupancy, cost control and effective referral management.
• Lead strategic planning, self-evaluation and continuous improvement across all areas of school life.
• Foster strong relationships with pupils, families, local authorities and external partners.
• Promote Acorn Education's values and contribute to wider organisational development.
• Ensure clear communication, reporting and accountability to stakeholders, including Ofsted, LAs and the School Group Manager.
  
  We are looking for someone who:
• QTS or equivalent required
• Inspirational leadership and a passion for transforming the lives of children and young people.
• Deep understanding of SEND, safeguarding and high-quality teaching and learning.
• Strong strategic thinking, operational management and people-leadership skills.
• A commitment to excellence, collaboration and continuous improvement.
If you are committed to helping young people achieve more than they ever thought possible, we would love to hear from you.

Welcome to Parkside House School, an SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) Independent Special School with sites in Backworth and Ashington. We provide specialist teaching, small class sizes, bespoke timetables, and a nurturing, friendly environment for pupils aged KS2 Year 6-KS5. Our school supports students with SEMH needs and associated learning difficulties, including autism, ADHD, attachment disorders, and oppositional defiance disorder. Pupils thrive academically, socially, and personally, guided by a passionate, experienced team dedicated to unlocking their potential. Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people's lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact. We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running.

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" - mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
+ Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits + Hundreds of UK and international discounts + Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme + Critical illness cover + Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support