Principal

Integrity Education Solutions are supporting a SEN multi academy trust that provides specialist education and support for children and young people with complex needs across a range of settings, from early intervention through to post-16 provision. They are seeking to appoint an experienced Principal from January 2027 for a rare and career-defining opportunity to open and lead a brand-new, all-through SEND school for pupils with severe learning difficulties (SLD), based in East London. This is a unique chance to shape vision, culture, curriculum and provision from the ground up, while benefiting from the support, expertise and infrastructure of a highly respected specialist trust. The new school will sit at the heart of an established community, with excellent transport links via the Elizabeth Line. The school reflects a strong commitment to partnership working with families, professionals and the wider community to deliver outstanding outcomes for children and young people with complex needs. The Role: * The Principal will be accountable to the CEO and Trust Board for the successful establishment and leadership of the new school. This includes shaping its ethos, leading its phased growth and ensuring high-quality education and care from day one. * In the initial stages, the appointed candidate will work closely with the CEO, Quality of Education Lead and experienced Principals across the Trust, benefiting from a structured induction, mentoring and collaboration programme ahead of the school opening. * This role offers a unique blend of autonomy and creativity, alongside the stability and support of an established SEND trust. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership & School Development * Develop and embed a shared vision and ethos aligned with Trust values * Lead the planning, opening and growth of a new SEND provision * Work in partnership with Trust leaders and governors to deliver strategic priorities Teaching, Learning & Curriculum * Design and implement an innovative, personalised SEND curriculum * Ensure excellence in teaching, assessment and pupil progress * Promote best practice in SEND pedagogy, communication and independence Leadership of People & Culture * Build and develop a high-performing, values-driven staff team * Foster a positive, inclusive and ambitious school culture * Lead performance management, coaching and professional development Safeguarding & Community Engagement * Uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and pupil welfare * Build strong partnerships with families and external agencies * Position the school as a central part of the local community Operational Leadership * Work with central teams on finance, HR and operations * Establish effective systems and processes for sustainable school operation * Maximise the impact of integrated therapy and specialist services The Ideal Candidate * Be an experienced senior leader with significant SEND expertise (Preferably SLD | Complex needs) * QTS | QTLS qualified * Demonstrate a strong track record of improving outcomes and developing teams * Be passionate about inclusive education and ambitious for all learners * Possess strong strategic, communication and leadership skills * Thrive on collaboration with families, professionals and communities * Be motivated by the opportunity to lead a school from its inception Why Join? As Principal, you will benefit from: * Expert central support across finance, HR and operations * Access to embedded specialist therapy services * A strong peer network of SEND leaders * A culture of collaboration and professional growth * The security of an established Trust alongside the freedom to lead Salary: £117,500 - £136,000 FTE (Dependent on experience) Closing date for CV applications: Friday 29th May 2026 Interviews to be held on the 16th and 17th June 2026 – Visits and initial discussions with the CEO of the MAT also advised and can be arranged. Integrity Education Solutions is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks, employment history scrutiny, references and online searches in line with safer recruitment practices