A rare opportunity to open and lead a brand‑new all‑through SEND school, shaping vision, culture and provision from the ground up, supported by a leading specialist trust and driven by ambition for children and young people with complex needs.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to actively share this commitment. All appointments will be subject to pre-employment checks, including an enhanced check with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS), as well as scrutiny of employment history, robust referencing and online searches, in line with Safer Recruitment guidance and the need to maintain a safe culture.  It is an offence to apply for a role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity. 

Our safeguarding culture is underpinned by policies and procedures which encourage and promote safe working practice across the Trust.  On joining you will be required to undergo continuous professional development to maintain safe working practice and to safeguard our children and young people.

Strategic Leadership and School Development 

Create, articulate and embed a shared vision and ethos, aligned to Astrum values and shaped collaboratively with pupils, families, staff and the local Havering community. 

Lead the strategic planning, establishment and phased growth of a brand new all through SEND provision, ensuring readiness for opening and long term sustainability. 

Work closely with the CEO, trust leaders and local governors to deliver trust strategy, statutory duties and school improvement priorities.

Teaching, Learning and Curriculum 

Design and implement a high quality personalised SEND curriculum across all phases, informed by current research and best practice.

Champion excellence in teaching and learning, ensuring robust assessment, tracking and intervention systems that secure strong progress for all pupils. 

Promote innovation in SEND pedagogy, communication, independence and wellbeing, including well planned transitions throughout the school and into post‑16 destinations. 

Leadership of People and Culture 

 Recruit, develop and retain a skilled, inclusive and values driven staff team, fostering high expectations, professional learning and staff wellbeing. 

Implement effective performance management, coaching and succession planning within Astrum frameworks. 

Model integrity, professionalism and aspiration, establishing a positive, safe and collaborative school culture from day one. 

Safeguarding, Ethos and Community 

 Ensure the highest standards of safeguarding, pupil welfare and risk management. 

Build strong, trusting relationships with families and work closely with health, social care and other partners to deliver holistic support. 

Position the school at the heart of the Havering community, promoting inclusion, dignity, equality and British values. 

•  Expert central support in finance, HR and operations, allowing you to focus on educational leadership

  Access to Specialist therapy services and professional expertise embedded within the trust 

  A strong peer network of experienced SEND leaders and practitioners 

  A culture of collaboration, professional learning and shared responsibility 

  The stability, governance and shared values of an established and trusted organisation, alongside the autonomy to shape your own school. 

   The Ideal Candidate 

   You will: 

  • Be an experienced senior leader with significant SEND leadership experience, with a strong understanding of complex and diverse needs. 
  • Have a proven track record of building positive culture, improving outcomes and developing others. 
  • Be passionate about inclusive education and ambitious for pupils with complex needs 
  • Be a strategic thinker and excellent communicator with strong people leadership and change management skills, confident in working with families, local authorities, health professionals and the wider Community
  • Collaborative, reflective and valued driven 
  • Be energised and excited by the challenge and opportunity to design and lead a school from its inception 

• Employee Assistance & Wellbeing Programme
• Generous Pension Schemes
• Family-friendly working policies
• Extensive support and development opportunities
• Refer a friend scheme
• Free onsite parking
• Free tea and coffee
• Great location close to TfL Elizabeth and Central Lines
• And more…

Astrum values diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity for all staff, and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.    We celebrate and embrace unique individuality, background and heritage.

We are a ‘Disability Confident Employer’ and all our application forms hide your personal information so we can focus solely on your experience, skills and qualities. 

We believe in fostering a work environment that supports work-life balance. We are open to flexible working arrangements, including remote work, flexible hours, and part-time opportunities.

We reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the advert closing date.  With this in mind, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.