This is an opportunity to provide strategic and operational leadership of Oak Tree School during a period of maternity cover. The Headteacher will lead with integrity and clarity to secure high-quality education, inclusive practice and strong outcomes for all students. The role focuses on maintaining high standards of teaching and learning, strengthening staff development and ensuring a safe, supportive and effective school environment aligned with Maiden Erlegh Trust expectations.

Key responsibilities

Teaching and learning

• Lead the development and delivery of a high-quality, inclusive curriculum that meets the needs of all learners, including those with SEND
• Secure consistently high standards of teaching and learning across the school
• Drive school improvement through evidence-informed practice and use of data

Leadership and staff development

• Lead and manage staff, including direct line management of the Senior Leadership Team
• Promote a strong culture of professional development, coaching and accountability

·        Build leadership capacity and support succession planning

School improvement and outcomes

• Provide strategic leadership to improve student achievement, behaviour, attendance and personal development
• Use data, benchmark and feedback to identify priorities and drive improvement

·        Ensure ambitious standards and equality of opportunity for all students

Culture, safeguarding and inclusions

• Maintain a safe, inclusive and orderly environment for students and staff
• Ensure safeguarding, wellbeing and behaviour expectations are consistently upheld.

·        Work with families, carers and external agencies to support student outcomes

Operations and governance

• Ensure effective operational management, systems and processes across the school
• Work with the School Advisory Board to support governance and accountability

·        Lead financial planning and ensure effective use of resources

Trust contribution

• Contribute to Trust-wide leadership and collaboration
• Share effective practice and support wider school improvement across Maiden Erelgh Trust.

What would happen over the appointment?

This 12‑month temporary appointment is ideal for candidates who are eager to deepen their expertise within a specialist education setting and contribute meaningfully to the development of a growing school community. During your time with us, you will have access to high‑quality training, coaching and professional development opportunities through both Oak Tree School and the wider Maiden Erlegh Trust. This fixed‑term role offers you the chance to work closely with skilled, compassionate colleagues, build confidence in supporting learners with complex needs, and develop a strong foundation for future roles in SEND. Whether you looking for more Leadership Experience or looking to broaden your professional skills, this position provides a rich and rewarding opportunity to make a lasting impact while continuing to grow and refine your practice

About Oak Tree School

Oak Tree School is a calm, inclusive and aspirational learning environment where relationships come first and every young person is supported to thrive on their own terms. Our learners, aged 5–19, benefit from a personalised curriculum that blends academic learning with highly specialised therapeutic and developmental support. As a school created in September 2023 to meet the growing need for specialist places across the local community, we pride ourselves on offering a nurturing setting where pupils feel safe, valued and ready to flourish.

Our Ethos

We believe in nurturing potential and encouraging independence, recognising each learner as an individual and supporting them intellectually, emotionally, socially and physically. As part of the Maiden Erlegh Trust, Oak Tree School actively promotes mutual respect, cultural understanding and a strong, collaborative work ethic, ensuring that every child develops confidence, resilience and a sense of personal worth.

Our Learners

Our pupils have a wide range of strengths and needs, including autism and Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN). Our primary cohort includes learners with SLD and high sensory needs who require highly adapted environments. In secondary, many learners have MLD and are more able to engage with formal learning, but still need significant scaffolding. A key focus is supporting both students and staff with the transition from sensory-based to more structured learning, ensuring approaches remain developmentally appropriate rather than age-driven. Many students join us after experiencing barriers in previous settings, so we prioritise connection, consistency and trust. Students are celebrated for every success—big or small—and are supported through carefully sequenced learning and personalised pathways that prepare them for adulthood, independence and fulfilling futures.

What It Means to Work Here?

Working at Oak Tree School means joining a skilled, compassionate and committed team who place children’s well‑being at the heart of everything they do. Staff will have a huge role to play in the development of the culture in the school. As Oak Tree is not yet established working together is important to encourage curiosity, relationships matter, and professional development is supported through the wider Maiden Erlegh Trust Special & AP Hub. You will play an essential role in building an inclusive community that celebrates individuality, ensures progress for all learners, and champions high aspirations

Why You’ll Love This Role?

You will have the opportunity to make a life‑changing difference to young people who deserve to be seen, supported and inspired. Whether helping a child find their voice, navigate a social challenge, or take a confident step into the world, your work will directly shape their journey. Oak Tree School is a place where staff feel valued, where innovative practice is encouraged, and where every member of the team contributes meaningfully to our shared mission

About Maiden Erlegh Trust

Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5,000 students across nine schools, including primary, secondary, special, and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.

We Aim High, Be Inclusive, and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all, through collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities, and our annual MET Staff Conference—a day that unites our whole team in sharing best practice and learning.

Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise; it is about playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.

You can learn more about working with us and hear from colleagues across our Trust by clicking here to visit our website.

Benefits

Further information about working at Maiden Erlegh Trust can be found on our website here. Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work, and colleagues across our Trust benefit from a range of opportunities and schemes designed to recognise their contribution and support their growth.

Pension Scheme: Generous employer contributions, with auto-enrolment into either the Teachers Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme, both Career Average Earning Schemes.

Annual Leave: We offer a generous holiday entitlement, which increases with length of service.

ME Day: Colleagues may request one additional day’s leave each year to attend a special personal event, such as a child’s sports day or graduation, or a family celebration.

Professional Development: We offer a comprehensive programme of professional learning through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, including opportunities to both attend and deliver CPD. Colleagues also take part in our annual Conference, a full day of workshops, networking and learning for all staff.
Colleagues can also access a range of professional development opportunities using Apprenticeship Levy funding, and benefit from professional development networks.

Hybrid Working: For eligible roles, we support a flexible approach to working arrangements, balancing remote and office-based work where appropriate.

Perkbox: Colleagues have access to Perkbox, which offers a wide range of discounts and wellness resources and receive 25 Perk points each month which can be exchanged for goods and services.

Wellbeing and Health: Free flu vaccinations are offered to all staff, and free eye tests are provided to those who are eligible.

Employee Assistance Programme: Incorporating discount vouchers, access to 24/7 support and more.

Mental Health First Aid support.

Recognition and Community: We regularly celebrate staff achievements, milestones and contributions across our schools, reinforcing a strong sense of belonging within the #TeamMET community.

Employee Referral Scheme.

Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger by supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day.

Additional Information

If you believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution to the future of our Trust and its schools, please contact recruitment@maidenerleghtrust.org for an informal discussion.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early as we reserve the right to close the advert and interview at any time.

Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references