Lady Zia Wernher is a community special school for children with severe or profound learning difficulties, including physical, sensory, communication and medical needs. The school works across two sites in Luton and will continue its expansion to accommodate 300 pupils by 2026. The curriculum is shared across both sites (“one school, two sites”) and focuses on engagement, personalised learning and strong family partnerships.

The Governing Body is recruiting a Headteacher following the planned retirement of the current Headteacher, Hilary Davies. The school is very stable, well-regarded and forward-looking. The new Headteacher will guide the next stage of development, supporting staff, pupils and families across both locations.

What the school offers

• A collaborative culture grounded in shared values
• Experienced and committed staff across both sites
• Opportunities for personal growth and development

What the school is seeking

• A values driven, strategic and innovative leader with strong SEND knowledge and experience in the primary phase and exemplary safeguarding credentials
• Senior leadership experience in a specialist or SEND setting (experienced Deputy Heads are encouraged to apply, as well as substantive Heads)
• Ability to motivate and develop staff, inspire our children and build strong relationships with parents and other key stakeholders

How to apply

• Further information: in the first instance please contact our retained search consultant Alpha Parish at Academicis: aparish@academicis.co.uk | 07436 971517
• Arrange a visit: you can email the school to arrange a visit: personnel@lzwschool.co.uk. A visit to both school sites is strongly encouraged
• Apply: via MyNewTerm. We highly recommend getting in touch with Alpha and arranging a visit before applying
• Closing date: 19^th January 2026
• Shortlisting: 29^th January 2026
• Interview date(s): Week Commencing 2^nd February 2026

Applicants for this public-facing post will need to demonstrate the ability to converse, and provide effective help or advice, fluently in spoken English.

This post meets the definition of ‘Regulated Activity’ as defined in the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (as amended).

Because of the nature of this job, it will be necessary for an enhanced DBS check to be undertaken. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and therefore applicants are required to declare all unspent cautions and convictions; and also any adult cautions (simple or conditional), and spent convictions that are not protected as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020). A person’s criminal record will not in itself prevent a person from being appointed to this post. Applicants will not be refused posts because of offences which are not relevant to, and do not place them at or make them a risk in, the role for which they are applying. However in the event of the employment being taken up, any failure to disclose such offence, as detailed above, will result in dismissal or disciplinary action by the Authority.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Scheme.

Please note the school reserves the right to close adverts prior to the closing date if a sufficient response is received. Early applications are advised in light of this.