Head of School

Inspire - Enable - Achieve Interviews: Thursday 28th May 2026 The Vale Federation is seeking an inspirational and strategic Head of School to lead Stocklake Park School, our secondary special school with 102 students on roll.The school works closely within the Federation alongside Booker Park School (Primary). The post holder will work under the direction of the Federation Principal, supported by central Federation services including HR, finance and estates. The Role The Head of School will provide day‑to‑day leadership and management, securing high‑quality teaching, strong outcomes and positive experiences for pupils with SLD and PMLD. You will lead staff, drive continuous improvement, and ensure safeguarding, inclusion and wellbeing remain central to all aspects of school life. Key Responsibilities Lead and manage senior and middle leaders, promoting a positive and professional culture Secure high‑quality teaching and learning through effective monitoring, support and challenge Lead curriculum, assessment and personal development across the school Use data and self‑evaluation to drive school improvement Build strong partnerships with parents, governors, external agencies and the wider community Line manage key staff, including the Family Support Officer, with oversight of attendance and family engagement Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Support staff development, wellbeing and succession planning The Ideal Candidate Will Have: Qualified Teacher Status and leadership experience within an SEN setting Strong knowledge of the SEN Code of Practice, particularly SLD/PMLD A proven ability to inspire, motivate and develop staff Excellent communication, organisational and data‑analysis skills A warm, approachable leadership style with high expectations A clear commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and pupil wellbeing (NPQH desirable) We Offer: A small, inclusive school within a supportive Federation Centralised business, HR and finance support Ongoing professional support from the Federation Principal A strong Health and Wellbeing programme Other Benefits include: Free onsite parking

Large staffroom with resourced kitchen with complimentary hot and cold beverages

Employer contribution pension scheme, with Life Cover

Access to employee benefits including discounts on travel and purchases from local shops, cafes and restaurants

24 hour free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme

Annual Flu Vaccination Visits to the school are warmly welcome. To arrange a visit or to find out more about the role, please contact Lisa Snook (HR Officer) We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, should we appoint an appropriate candidate If you have not been contacted within three weeks of the closing date you must assume that your application has, on this occasion, been unsuccessful The above post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Any offer of emp