About Us
Furze Down is an outstanding special school based across two sites in Winslow and Buckingham.  We provide education for 220 pupils aged 4–19 with communication and interaction differences. We are incredibly proud of our nurturing, inclusive environment, where our multi-disciplinary teams place pupils and families at the heart of everything we do.

Our vision is “to promote our inclusive philosophy, so all thrive and flourish.”  We value personal responsibility and respect, fostering an ethos where every individual’s views, beliefs and differences are recognised and celebrated. 

Why Join Furze Down?

• A warm, inclusive and highly supportive school community.
• The opportunity to work alongside inspiring children and young people and make a meaningful difference.
• A strong, multidisciplinary team working collaboratively in the best interests of pupils and their families.
• Access to extensive, personalised professional development for all staff.
• Opportunities to develop skills, gain qualifications and explore clear career pathways.
• A positive culture that values wellbeing, mutual respect and professional trust
• Our work is underpinned by our values:

-Respect for Self
- Respect for Others
- Respect for Learning
- Respect for the Environment
- Respect for Actions

About the Role

We are seeking to appoint an experienced and motivated leader to take on the role of Head of Evolve, our Specialist Provision Hub for pupils aged 9–16 who are experiencing significant barriers to attending school and require a bespoke learning package to support engagement and attendance.  This is a key leadership role within the school, working closely with the Deputy Head (Cognition) to further develop and lead a high‑quality, innovative Specialist Provision. The successful candidate will play a central role in shaping and sustaining our vision to become a recognised Hub for Specialist Provision.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership and day‑to‑day management of the Evolve team, acting on behalf of the Deputy Head when required
• Lead the continued development of high‑quality Specialist Provision, ensuring strong outcomes for pupils
• Oversee pastoral provision, placing pupil wellbeing, engagement and safeguarding at the centre of practice
• Lead on curriculum development and assessment within Evolve to ensure appropriate, meaningful and progressive learning pathways
• Plan and implement timetables and staffing arrangements that reflect pupil needs and curriculum priorities
• Support the development of a skilled and reflective team, including leading and coordinating CPD alongside senior leaders and therapists
• Monitor and evaluate pupil progress and outcomes, adapting provision where necessary
• Work in partnership with external providers to secure appropriate curriculum pathways
• Provide specialist leadership across the school, particularly in supporting pupils experiencing Emotionally Based School Non‑Attendance (EBSNA)
• Undertake the role of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), supporting robust safeguarding practice

About You

We are looking for a candidate who:

• Has strong leadership experience within a specialist or alternative provision setting
• Demonstrates a deep understanding of SEND, communication needs, and complex barriers to learning
• Is committed to inclusive practice and improving outcomes for vulnerable pupils
• Has experience of leading teams, curriculum development, and pupil support strategies
• Is able to work collaboratively with staff, families, and external agencies
• Is passionate about developing innovative and flexible provision to meet diverse needs

What We Offer

• The opportunity to lead and shape a growing and ambitious Specialist Provision Hub
• A supportive and collaborative leadership team
• Access to high‑quality CPD and professional development
• The chance to make a meaningful and lasting impact on pupils and families

Safeguarding

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be required to undergo enhanced DBS checks and meet all safer recruitment requirements.

We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion across the school.

We reserve the right to close this position earlier should sufficient applications be received before the advertised closing date. We also reserve the right to interview shortlisted candidates ahead of the closing date. 

Interviews will take place on Monday 8^th June.