Head of School

Head of School - Cherry Tree School (Walsall) Independent Special School Contract type: Full Time, Permanent Salary L10 - L15 on the National Teachers' Leadership Scale (dependent on experience) Start Date: 01/09/2026 Cherry Tree School in Walsall is part a rapidly growing group of independent special schools with locations in the West Midlands, Cheshire and the Northwest, providing specialist education and therapeutic support to children and young people, aged 3 to 19, with social, emotional and mental health needs, autism, cognition and learning needs, including severe learning difficulties. About Us At the Hopedale Group, we are passionate about transforming the lives of children and young people with Special Educational Needs. We believe every child deserves to feel safe, valued and understood. Across our family of schools, experienced educators and therapists work together within a therapeutic community model, ensuring each pupil receives personalised provision built around their individual strengths and needs. Our school provides a nurturing, therapeutic and ambitious learning environment where pupils are supported to achieve academically, socially and emotionally. We pride ourselves on creating a culture where relationships matter, staff wellbeing is prioritised, and every child is encouraged to thrive. We are now seeking an exceptional and inspirational Head of School to join our leadership team and help shape the next stage of our development. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic leader who is committed to outstanding safeguarding practice, high-quality education, and making a genuine difference to the lives of vulnerable children and young people. Our schools are consistently recognised for high standards, strong outcomes and nurturing environments where pupils grow in confidence, independence and resilience. About the Role Working closely with the Executive Head and Proprietorial Group, the Head of School will provide operational leadership across the school and will play a central role in driving excellence in teaching, learning, safeguarding and school improvement. The successful candidate will:

• Lead the day-to-day management of the school
• Promote a positive, inclusive and ambitious culture for pupils and staff
• Ensure the highest standards of safeguarding and child protection as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
• Support and develop a highly effective staff team
• Drive school improvement and maintain high educational standards
• Ensure compliance with statutory responsibilities, Independent School Standards and safeguarding frameworks
• Build strong relationships with pupils, families, external professionals and the wider community
• Champion therapeutic and trauma-informed approaches to education and behaviour support
This role requires a visible, compassionate and resilient leader who can inspire others while maintaining high expectations and accountability. About You We are looking for someone who:
• Has successful leadership experience within education, ideally within SEN or specialist settings
• Has a strong understanding of safeguarding, child protection and SEND practice
• Is passionate about improving outcomes for vulnerable pupils
• Leads with integrity, empathy and professionalism
• Can motivate, support and develop staff teams
• Demonstrates excellent organisational, communication and leadership skills
• Is committed to continuous school improvement and reflective practice
• Has experience of working collaboratively with parents, professionals and external agencies
• Has a secure understanding of curriculum development, behaviour support and inclusive education
You will be someone who believes that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed and who is committed to building a safe, supportive and aspirational school culture. Why Join Us? At Cherry Tree School, we recognise the importance of supporting and valuing our staff. We are proud to offer a positive working environment with a strong focus on wellbeing, development and teamwork. We can offer you:
• Wonderful, thriving pupils
• A happy, humorous and supportive staff team
• Excellent career progression opportunities
• The National Teachers' Pension
• A high level of support from a very experienced team of leaders, TAs and therapists
• Initial training for aspects of the role with which you are not familiar
• The opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of pupils and their families
• A comprehensive on-going training package
Employee Benefits Include:
• Life Assurance Cover with Unum (3x annual salary death in service benefit)
• Employee Assistance Programme - Help@Hand by Unum
• Blue Light Card membership
• Free confidential support from our in-house Therapy Team
• Annual Staff Wellbeing Day
• Monthly Wellbeing Breakfasts
• Free school meals
• Free staff uniform
• Free flu vaccinations
• Comprehensive ongoing CPD and leadership development
• Teachers' pension scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Electric Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Optional healthcare and wellbeing benefits including:
+ Critical illness cover + Dental insurance + Health cash plan Most importantly, you will join a caring and dedicated team where your contribution truly matters and where you will have the opportunity to make a lasting difference to children's lives every day. Safeguarding Statement Cherry Tree School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to rigorous safeguarding and recruitment checks, including enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

We are looking for someone who:
• Has successful leadership experience within education, ideally within SEN or specialist settings
• Has a strong understanding of safeguarding, child protection and SEND practice
• Is passionate about improving outcomes for vulnerable pupils
• Leads with integrity, empathy and professionalism
• Can motivate, support and develop staff teams
• Demonstrates excellent organisational, communication and leadership skills
• Is committed to continuous school improvement and reflective practice
• Has experience of working collaboratively with parents, professionals and external agencies
• Has a secure understanding of curriculum development, behaviour support and inclusive education
You will be someone who believes that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed and who is committed to building a safe, supportive and aspirational school culture.

Cherry Tree School in Walsall is part a rapidly growing group of independent special schools with locations in the West Midlands, Cheshire and the Northwest, providing specialist education and therapeutic support to children and young people, aged 3 to 19, with social, emotional and mental health needs, autism, cognition and learning needs, including severe learning difficulties., At the Hopedale Group, we are passionate about transforming the lives of children and young people with Special Educational Needs. We believe every child deserves to feel safe, valued and understood. Across our family of schools, experienced educators and therapists work together within a therapeutic community model, ensuring each pupil receives personalised provision built around their individual strengths and needs. Our school provides a nurturing, therapeutic and ambitious learning environment where pupils are supported to achieve academically, socially and emotionally. We pride ourselves on creating a culture where relationships matter, staff wellbeing is prioritised, and every child is encouraged to thrive. We are now seeking an exceptional and inspirational Head of School to join our leadership team and help shape the next stage of our development. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic leader who is committed to outstanding safeguarding practice, high-quality education, and making a genuine difference to the lives of vulnerable children and young people. Our schools are consistently recognised for high standards, strong outcomes and nurturing environments where pupils grow in confidence, independence and resilience.

We can offer you:
• Wonderful, thriving pupils
• A happy, humorous and supportive staff team
• Excellent career progression opportunities
• The National Teachers' Pension
• A high level of support from a very experienced team of leaders, TAs and therapists
• Initial training for aspects of the role with which you are not familiar
• The opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of pupils and their families
• A comprehensive on-going training package
Employee Benefits Include:
• Life Assurance Cover with Unum (3x annual salary death in service benefit)
• Employee Assistance Programme - Help@Hand by Unum
• Blue Light Card membership
• Free confidential support from our in-house Therapy Team
• Annual Staff Wellbeing Day
• Monthly Wellbeing Breakfasts
• Free school meals
• Free staff uniform
• Free flu vaccinations
• Comprehensive ongoing CPD and leadership development
• Teachers' pension scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Electric Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Optional healthcare and wellbeing benefits including:
+ Critical illness cover + Dental insurance + Health cash plan Most importantly, you will join a caring and dedicated team where your contribution truly matters and where you will have the opportunity to make a lasting difference to children's lives every day. Safeguarding Statement Cherry Tree School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to rigorous safeguarding and recruitment checks, including enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.