Headteacher

Headteacher - SEMH School (Birmingham) Start Date: September 2026 Contract: Permanent (via 12‑week temp‑to‑perm through Aspire People) Salary: Leadership Spine L1-L7 Hours: Full time Contact: Josh - Aspire People * (phone number removed) * About the School Aspire People is proud to be recruiting on behalf of a long‑established, values‑driven SEMH school in central/south Birmingham. Part of a wider community charity with over 46 years of service, the school provides a nurturing, holistic and highly personalised education for pupils with SEMH and ASD needs, supported by specialist environments such as workshops, agricultural centres and therapeutic spaces. The school is a core part of the Trust's identity and works collaboratively with services including the Nursery, Family Hub, City Farm and Community Programmes. This is a setting where relationships, creativity and community shape every aspect of education. The Opportunity The Trust is seeking a visible, values‑led and ambitious Headteacher to lead secondary and post‑16 provision for 45-57 pupils with SEMH and ASD EHCPs. This is a rare opportunity to shape an innovative, culturally rich and community‑rooted school. The Headteacher will be an active member of the Senior Management Team, working closely with the CEO and wider Trust leaders to ensure the school thrives as part of a connected ecosystem-not as a standalone setting. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership Lead the School Improvement Plan with ambition and pace Ensure high‑quality SEMH education and continuous improvement Maintain inspection readiness and strong SEF/SDP processes Model ethical, collaborative and values‑aligned leadership Staff Leadership & Development Lead and develop all teaching and non‑teaching staff Deliver structured performance management, supervision and CPD Promote staff wellbeing and sustainable working practices Manage underperformance effectively and support succession planning Curriculum, Standards & Inclusion Design and implement a broad, balanced and engaging SEMH curriculum Oversee teaching quality, assessment and data‑driven improvement Embed trauma‑informed behaviour systems Ensure compliance with the SEND Code of Practice Community & Partnerships Build strong relationships with parents/carers Work closely with Youth & Community Services to create joined‑up pathways Liaise with LA partners, specialist agencies and other schools Growth, Sustainability & Profile Lead pupil‑number growth to ensure financial sustainability Build strong relationships with SEND teams, commissioners and EPs Champion the school's unique SEMH offer across the region Finance, Operations & Compliance Manage the school budget with the Trust Finance Team Ensure compliance with safeguarding, H&S, data protection and statutory duties Maintain safe, well‑managed premises Act as DSL or oversee the Deputy DSL Governance Report regularly to the CEO and Governing Body Present high‑quality reports on performance, safeguarding, finance and risk Maintain accurate governance documentation Person Specification Essential QTS NPQH (or willingness to undertake) Strong understanding of SEMH, SEND, safeguarding and specialist provision Significant senior leadership experience in SEMH/SEN settings Experience leading school improvement and preparing for Ofsted Strong communication, data analysis and behaviour‑management skills Collaborative, resilient, reflective and community‑focused Desirable NASENCo Experience in community/youth services Experience raising a school's profile or growing pupil numbers Trauma‑informed or therapeutic practice experience Safeguarding The Trust and Aspire People are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will require an Enhanced DBS. How to Apply Send your CV or call (phone number removed) for an informal conversation. Aspire People Limited provides services as an Education Agency and an Education Employment Business. Aspire People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects every candidate to share this commitment. Placements are subject, to appropriate Child Protection screening, including checks with former employers and the Disclosure and Barring Checks