Head of School

Headteacher - Alternative Provision

Location: Littlehampton, West Sussex
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Contract: Permanent, full-time, term time
Start Date: ASAP - flexible for the right candidate

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, passionate and committed Headteacher to lead an established Alternative Provision in Littlehampton, overseeing both the secondary site and a nearby primary provision.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced school leader with a strong background in Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and Alternative Provision. We are looking for someone who can provide clear strategic direction, inspire and support staff, and ensure that pupils who face barriers to mainstream education receive the guidance, structure and opportunities they need to succeed.

The successful candidate will bring proven leadership experience as a Headteacher or Head of School, alongside a strong understanding of maintained school settings, local authority partnerships and the wider education system.

We are keen to find the right person for this important role and are willing to wait for an exceptional candidate. The successful applicant will be offered a permanent position directly with the provision.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversee the effective day-to-day running of both the primary and secondary sites.

• Develop and maintain a positive, inclusive and safe learning environment for pupils with SEMH needs and additional barriers to education.

• Lead, motivate and support staff, promoting high standards of teaching, learning, safeguarding and pastoral care.

• Drive improvements in pupil engagement, attendance, behaviour, progress and outcomes.

• Ensure provision meets statutory requirements, safeguarding expectations and relevant educational standards.

• Work collaboratively with the local authority, maintained schools, families and external agencies to secure the best possible outcomes for pupils.

• Build strong relationships with partner schools and council services to support successful transitions and reintegration where appropriate.

• Oversee school improvement planning, quality assurance, staff development and performance management.

• Promote a consistent, trauma-informed and relationship-based approach to behaviour and emotional regulation across both sites.

Essential Experience and Requirements

The ideal candidate will have:

• Previous experience as a Headteacher or Head of School, with demonstrable leadership and management experience.

• Substantial experience working with pupils with SEMH needs.

• Direct experience working within an Alternative Provision setting.

• Experience working within maintained schools and a strong understanding of the maintained education sector.

• Proven experience working collaboratively with local authorities and council services.

• A strong understanding of safeguarding, behaviour management, inclusion and school improvement.

• The ability to lead, inspire and develop staff across two sites.

• Excellent communication, organisational and decision-making skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with pupils, staff, families and external partners.

What's on Offer?

• A permanent position directly with the provision.

• A competitive salary, dependent on experience.

• The opportunity to lead across primary and secondary Alternative Provision settings.

• An opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives and educational outcomes of vulnerable young people.

• An ASAP start, with flexibility to wait for the right candidate.

All appointments are subject to satisfactory safeguarding and safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.