Head Teacher

We are seeking to appoint an outstanding leader who will be our next Head Teacher

A little about us  

High Well School is a special school which caters for pupils aged 9 -16-year-olds who have an Education Health & Care Plan for profound and severe social, emotional and mental health needs as well as other learning difficulties. The school meets the needs of some of Wakefield’s most complex and vulnerable young people.

High Well endeavours to provide a nurturing environment with personalised support and specialist teaching to enable pupils to re-engage in learning, develop their social and emotional skills and leave with not only appropriate qualifications but the skills required to succeed in life after school. This is reflected in our vision of ‘Preparing for Positive Futures’.

Wellbeing is very important to us at High Well and in 2022 the school achieved Mental Health Charter status for our investment in wellbeing support to both staff and students.  Staff provided annual feedback in our staff engagement survey and told us that High Well is ‘a great place to work’ and our students told us that they feel ‘safe, listened to and respected’. In our 2022, Ofsted inspection we retained our good status and OFSTED commented that High Well continues to be a ‘Good school with effective and focused leadership’. We are exceptionally proud of who we are.

What we offer all our staff

You can be assured a supportive, flexible, and rewarding working environment at High Well School. We place staff wellbeing and work life balance at the forefront of all our decision-making. There’s no late-night working expected of you, and you are trusted to do your job the right way. To say a thank you for working so hard, you will be able to purchase a subsidised daily lunch, enjoy a free Wellbeing Breakfast each Friday, plus have your birthday off. If this sounds exciting, please read on!

So, here’s what we are looking for and what you will be doing.

The Governors are seeking to appoint an inspirational leader who is passionate about delivering an exceptional education for our students; you will also be passionate about SEN. You will guide the school through its next stage of development and inspire ethical, supportive, and thoughtful leadership across the whole school, including our offsite provisions. You will be a leader who can take people with you, communicate shared success and place staff and student wellbeing at the top of the agenda.

Your key responsibilities will entail: the provision of strategic leadership, curriculum management, staff, resource management and accountability for success and attainment. You will work alongside a team of talented and dedicated senior leaders and be invested in always aiming higher.

We want our Head Teacher to consistently demonstrate the following qualities and skills:

• Successful senior leadership experience
• Excellent leadership and management skills, with a proven track record of motivating and inspiring others.
• Distribution of leadership throughout the school and forge teams that support each other and work together effectively.
• Promote and safeguard the welfare of all young people within the school and off-site provisions.
• Create an outward-facing school which works with other schools to champion best practice and secure excellent outcomes for all young people
• Strong financial management capabilities
• Ability to build an outstanding partnership with governors.
• Lead by example - with passion, integrity, creativity, resilience and clarity

In return for your contributions, we also offer:

• A comprehensive LA and school induction package followed up with outstanding CPD.
• Auto-enrolment into the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
• A talented and supportive Senior Leadership Team and dedicated Governing Body
• Access to Wakefield’s Special Head’s Forum, Schools Advisory Service (SAS) and other wellbeing platforms, including cycle to work and (EAP), as well as onsite HR Management support.

If you like the idea of working with a talented and supportive school team, we would love to hear from you!

How do I apply and where do I return my application?

To apply for this post, you must fully complete the school’s Application Form available to download by visiting the school website. You should also enclose a letter of no more than 2 sides of A4 paper telling the Appointing Panel what experience you have, your professional impact and how you would be the best fit for our school. Full details are available within the Recruitment Brochure and on our website by visiting https://www.highwellschool.org.uk. 

Applications must be returned to Michael Davis by email to: HRManager@highwell.org.uk in advance of the closing date.

If you are considering an application to be our next Head Teacher, and would like an informal conversation about this role or to arrange a visit to High Well we would welcome this. Visits are likely to be available on, or around, 12th September 2023, and you are encouraged to telephone or email our HR Manager, Michael Davis, to register your interest by emailing: HRManager@highwell.org.uk or contacting him on 07825 935008.

Closing date:          18/09/2023 at 9.00 am.

Shortlisting:            19/09/2023

Interview dates:    26/09/2023 – 27/09/2023

Prospective applicants should note that appointment will be subject to verification of qualifications, satisfactory enhanced DBS with barred list check, two satisfactory references and evidence of the right to work in the United Kingdom. The appointing panel may review applications as they are received and could, if considered appropriate, bring the closing date forward. Therefore, early applications are encouraged.

Wakefield Council is wholly committed to ensuring children and young people are fully supported and safe. We are dedicated to the safeguarding of all children and young people whilst promoting their welfare and expect all staff and volunteers to share this responsibility. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.