Executive Head Teacher

Job Title: Executive Headteacher – Polaris North
Report to: Managing Director of Education

Location: North
Salary: c.£70k   Competitive based on experience
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Start Date: ASAP

Job Description

Overview
Polaris Education Group is seeking an Executive Headteacher to lead the Polaris North region, overseeing up to six schools, including the opening of at least one new school. This is an exciting and influential role for a visionary leader with a strong background in school improvement, SEND, and commercial acumen. The successful candidate will report to the Managing Director and will work collaboratively with the leadership team to support and embed the "Care Connect Consolidate" strategy across the portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership and School Improvement:
• Provide visionary leadership for up to six schools in the Polaris North region, focusing on maintaining high educational standards and fostering a positive school culture
• Work alongside Project managers to spearhead the opening of new schools, managing all aspects of the provision, including regulatory compliance, staffing, and operational readiness.
• Drive school improvement initiatives, working closely with Headteachers to deliver high-quality outcomes for students, particularly those with complex SEND needs.
• Oversee the implementation of the Care Connect Consolidate strategy across the schools, embedding Polaris’ core values and ensuring consistency of approach.
• Work closely with Managing Director for Education and colleagues within the central team to ensure that schools are suitably resourced and supported effectively to get bets outcomes for children.
• Lead on assigned key strategic projects and initiatives across the portfolio to enhance school performance.
• Collaborate with other Senior Leaders across Polaris to support shared best practices.
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2. Line Management and Staff Development:
• Line manage Headteachers, providing mentorship, supervision, guidance, and performance management to ensure that each school meets its educational and operational goals.
• Support professional development and leadership growth within each school’s senior leadership team, fostering a collaborative and supportive leadership culture.
• Work with Learning and development team to deliver training programs for school leaders on building and maintaining effective relationships with external stakeholders.
• Provide guidance on managing HR issues, including grievance and disciplinary procedures, and support in conducting investigations.
• Facilitate training on interviewing, candidate selection, and best practices in HR management.
3. Business Model & Commercial Acumen:
• Lead with a strong commercial understanding of the business model, ensuring schools are financially sustainable and operationally efficient.
• Strategically manage consultations and referrals from local authorities, overseeing admissions, initial assessments, and funding negotiations, including pupil premium grants.
• Engage with schools and external stakeholders to manage at-risk placements and ensure that each child’s needs are met through personalized educational plans and interventions.
• Oversee budget management for the schools, ensuring effective utilization of resources, cost effective procurement of goods and services and financial sustainability. Understand and manage EBITDA to achieve financial targets.
• Take responsibility for revenue generation and utilization, including managing pupil premium grants and other funding sources.
4. SEND Expertise and stakeholder expertise:
• Ensure schools are compliant with the SEND Code of Practice and oversee the provision for children with complex needs such as Autism, ADHD, FASD, and trauma-related conditions.
• Champion therapeutic and trauma-informed practices, working closely with staff to embed the Polaris therapeutic model providing child -centred individualised support that promotes emotional resilience and self-regulation.
• Ensure all schools meet the requirements of children’s EHCPs (Education, Health, and Care Plans) and offer high-quality, inclusive educational experiences.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including local authorities, community organizations, and industry partners.
• Communicate effectively to manage expectations and foster positive collaborations.
• Engage with stakeholders to support school improvement and secure additional resources or support.

Strategic Safeguarding Responsibility:

• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the region, providing guidance and support on safeguarding issues and liaising with external agencies as necessary.
• Develop and implement a strategic safeguarding framework across all schools in the region.
• Ensure that safeguarding policies and procedures are robust, up-to-date, and compliant with legal requirements.
• Oversee the implementation of safeguarding practices, including training for staff on child protection and safeguarding.
• Monitor and review safeguarding practices and address any areas of concern promptly and effectively.

1. Regulatory & Compliance:
• Ensure all schools within the portfolio meet the Independent School Standards and Regulations (ISSR), Ofsted requirements, and safeguarding regulations.
• Lead inspections and external reviews, ensuring that schools are always prepared for regulatory scrutiny.
• Oversee risk management and quality assurance processes across the schools.
2. Financial Management & Commercial Acumen:

• Oversee budget management for the schools, ensuring effective utilization of resources and financial sustainability.
• Understand and manage EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) to achieve financial targets.
• Take responsibility for revenue generation and utilization, including managing pupil premium grants and other funding sources

1. Care, Compassion & Growth Mindset:
• Foster a caring, compassionate, and empathetic school culture, with a focus on emotional well-being for students and staff.
• Demonstrate a growth mindset and inspire others to continually improve their practice and strive for excellence.
• Build strong relationships with pupils, staff, parents, colleagues in residential and the wider community to promote a shared vision for inclusive education.

Person Specification

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with significant experience in education leadership roles such as Regional director, Education lead or Principal – essential
• National qualification for Headship (NPQH) National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership  (NPQEL)/ Higher degree in Education leadership
• Multi-site leadership experience with proven ability to lead new school opening and manage large scale projects - desirable
• Proven experience in leading SEND provision and working with children with complex needs, including Autism, ADHD, FASD, and trauma-related conditions – essential
• Strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice, ISSR, and Ofsted regulatory requirements- essential
• Demonstrated school improvement experience with a track record of raising educational standards.- essential
• Therapeutic and trauma-informed approach to education and behaviour management- essential .
• In-depth knowledge of strategic safeguarding practices and experience in leading safeguarding initiatives. – essential
• Excellent commercial acumen and experience in managing financial sustainability in schools, including handling local authority consultations and referrals- essential .
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders.- essential
• Compassionate and empathetic, with a passion for improving outcomes for vulnerable students.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to lead a growing portfolio of schools within a supportive and innovative multi-academy trust.
• A platform to drive meaningful change in SEND education, with autonomy to shape the future of the schools you lead.
• A collaborative leadership environment, offering opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• A chance to make a significant impact on the educational experiences of students with complex needs.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and cover letter to Zoe.Chittenden@polariscommunity.co.uk or call for an informal chat on 07920 212308. Join Polaris Education Group and lead a region of schools dedicated to providing exceptional, inclusive education for children with complex needs!