Where a Love of Learning Grows 

Head of School

Salary: Leadership Scale L17- L21 (£76,772 - £84,699 per annum)

Hours: 32.5 Hours per week; 52 Weeks per year

Contract type: Full-time; Permanent

Location: Birch Wood School (across Birch Wood Vale, Ashton House & Birch Wood College)

Reports to: Associate Headteacher

Safeguarding Requirement: Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)

Birch Wood School is an ambitious, vibrant and nurturing SEND community where we ENABLE choices within communities. Every pupil is supported to achieve their personal best. Our expert staff, strong culture of aspiration and inclusive ethos make Birch Wood an exceptional place to learn and work.

We are now seeking an inspirational Head of School to lead Birch Wood Vale, Ashton House and Birch Wood College - a combined provision serving approximately 130 pupils, predominantly aged 11–19. The majority of learners follow semi‑formal or formal curriculum pathways, with most pupils going on to complete GCSEs or Entry Level qualifications at the end of Key Stage 4.

This is a particularly exciting time to join us. Birch Wood is in a strong and confident position with consistently positive outcomes, and the outgoing postholder - retiring after almost a decade of dedicated, impactful leadership - leaves behind a legacy of stability, ambition and genuine care.

Having recently joined Discovery, we are already making the most of the benefits afforded to us through increased collaboration, access to wider expertise and opportunities for professional growth. Being part of a forward‑thinking Trust is helping us strengthen our provision and broaden what we can offer our pupils and staff.

Looking ahead, our priorities include further developing PedTech innovation and exploring potential school expansion. This presents an ambitious leader with a rare opportunity to shape the next phase of Birch Wood’s development and play a key role in driving continued improvement across our community.

About Birch Wood Vale, Ashton House & Birch Wood College

Our secondary and post‑16 sites provide a rich, personalised and aspirational learning experience for pupils with a wide range of needs. Across the three settings, pupils benefit from:

• A purposeful and supportive learning environment
• High-quality teaching from skilled SEND practitioners
• An ambitious curriculum shaped around formal and semi-formal pathways
• Strong pastoral care and preparation for adulthood
• Specialist environments designed to promote independence, communication and personal growth

You will play a central role in maintaining and strengthening the identity, culture and high expectations across these three interconnected sites.

About the Role

As Head of School, you will provide visible, confident and operational leadership across Birch Wood Vale, Ashton House and Birch Wood College. You will work closely with the Associate Headteacher and Executive Headteacher to translate strategic priorities into everyday practice - ensuring exceptional teaching, outstanding care and a culture where every pupil can thrive.

You will:

Lead with Purpose

• Provide strong, visible leadership across all three sites.
• Coordinate daily operations, staffing and routines, ensuring smooth and consistent practice.

Drive Excellent Teaching & Learning

• Support a curriculum that enables pupils to achieve GCSEs, Entry Levels and meaningful qualifications.
• Ensure statutory responsibilities, assessment cycles and reporting are all delivered to high standards.

Champion Behaviour, Wellbeing & Safeguarding

• Lead behaviour culture using evidence-informed systems.
• Promote wellbeing for pupils and staff, working closely with families and agencies.
• Serve as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL).

Enhance Operations & School Life

• Ensure each site is safe, compliant and well‑managed.
• Oversee enrichment, events, transitions and wider opportunities for learners aged 11–19.

Strengthen Community & Partnerships

• Lead parental engagement and communication across sites
• Oversee admissions and transitions
• Represent Birch Wood within the community, the Trust and with external partners.

Monitor, Evaluate & Improve

• Track progress, attendance and behaviour for all learners across sites.
• Use feedback from pupils, staff and families to inform continuous improvement.
• Contribute to school development planning and long‑term strategy.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from experienced senior leaders from both mainstream and specialist settings. You will be:

• An experienced and inspirational leader with a passion for SEND.
• Highly effective in overseeing the operational day‑to‑day running of a busy school, including the management of staffing, cover, HR processes, attendance systems and daily routines.
• Confident in coordinating practice across multiple sites and ensuring smooth, well‑organised operations.
• Values‑driven, emotionally intelligent and motivated by moral purpose.
• Ready to embrace innovation and lead Birch Wood Vale, Ashton House and Birch Wood College into the future.

To arrange an informal conversation with Phil Leaney, Executive Headteacher, or to book a visit, please get in touch. We would be delighted to welcome prospective candidates to our sites and give you the chance to experience the Birch Wood community firsthand.

 Please refer to the Job Description to support your application.

Why Join Us?

Professional Growth & Support

• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Access to learning networks and visits to other organisations.
• Supportive leadership and a highly committed team.
• Highly committed and motivated Team.
• A role which has the opportunity to make a real difference whilst having fun.
• A established Central Services Team who support schools and wider colleagues. 

Work-Life & Wellbeing Benefits

• Flexible working options.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Defined benefit pension scheme.
• Be an integral member of the team in a vibrant school.
• Create an outstanding learning environment for the success of all of our children.
• Play a significant part in continuing to develop our school.
• Be part of a wider community of Discovery Schools Trust.
• Free childcare.

 Additional Perks

• Free parking.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• Gym discounts.
• Eyecare vouchers.
• Dental support.
• Retail discounts.
• Annual incremental pay increases within the pay scale.

Equal Opportunities & Accessibility

We welcome enquiries from everyone and value diversity in our workforce.
Applications are welcome from all sections of the community regardless of gender identity, ethnic origin, disability, age or sexual orientation. If you require assistance completing your application, please contact hrsupport@discoverytrust.org for support.

Depending on your role, occasional travel between Discovery locations may be required. A valid driving license and appropriate business insurance are necessary, and you will need to provide evidence of these documents

More about Discovery Schools Trust

Discovery Schools Trust is dedicated to improving learning and teaching by creating a culture that promotes excellence. The needs of all children are placed at the heart of all decision making regardless of the school they attend. Teaching and learning excellence are shared through learning networks, sharing of ideas and materials as well as leading practitioners between schools. Discovery has developed a school improvement system which focuses on improving outcomes for all children. It also places staff development, talent management and succession planning at the heart of achieving outstanding organisations.

Please note that interviews for this position may be made earlier than the stated closing date if a suitable candidate is identified. Therefore, we encourage interested applicants to submit their applications promptly. Early submission will not only ensure consideration for the position but also increase the likelihood of being invited for an interview. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to receiving your application.

Safeguarding Statement

We are committed to safeguarding our pupils; therefore, the successful applicant will require an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and references.

AI

While we acknowledge the advantages of AI in crafting personal statements for applications, we strongly encourage and expect applicants to personalise and tailor responses. Please note that the Trust may utilise AI checking solutions during the application review process and will be considered when shortlisting. 

Apply Now!
If you are ready to make a difference in children's lives, apply today!