Headteacher, Maidstone

At Octavia House Schools, we have a passionate team delivering high-quality trauma-centred therapeutic education, supporting and building relationships with pupils who have adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and complex social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, as well as other associated special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

We provide a specialist educational setting, we proactively welcome enquiries from both experienced mainstream and specialist colleagues, from varying disciplines, who would like to extend their skill base.

We are pleased to announce that we are now advertising for the role of Headteacher at our new site in Maidstone, starting in the September / Autumn term 2026. This is a fantastic opportunity for those looking to take the next step in their career and play a key role in shaping one of our schools. You will play a pivotal role in the DfE pre-registration inspection, as well as the expansion alongside further material change inspections to build your staff team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

●      Our Headteacher has strategic responsibility for their school cluster, demonstrating a level of creativity, ambition and compliance of the highest standard.  We are looking for someone that can lead with confidence, enabling provision excellence and high levels of progress for our children.

●      In collaboration with heads of school and other leaders, the Headteacher strategically manages aspects of the daily operation of schools including placements, timetable and staff deployment (ensuring full compliance with the ISS), school resourcing and people structures, safety, resources and quality of provision and reputation, ensuring all pupils’ EHCPs are reviewed, and their needs met, in accordance with legislation.

●      Aspires to achieve high rates of attendance, improving all pupils’ attendance from their starting points, and maintaining low rates of suspensions across all schools

●      Responsible for placing children in the school, working closely with the Head of Referrals, leading on pupil admissions, placement numbers and associated school staffing levels

●      Leads on and ensures the sites are managed effectively, achieving expected safety standards, and creating an environment conducive to the delivery of therapeutic provision, enabling positive learning outcomes

●      Leads engagement with families and the management of complaints, giving clear expectations and guidance to all colleagues, ensuring policies in the People and Leadership Handbooks are implemented and complaints are responded to in a timely and efficient way

●      Champions and strengthen further OHS’ reputation, including in relation to pupils’ outcomes and through research and PR activity with placing authorities, for providing sector-leading therapeutic education both internally and externally to the organisation.

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT OHS INCLUDE:

●      Highly-competitive pay

●      Being a part of a unique, seamless therapeutic team

●      Vitality's private healthcare package which includes health, medical and dental insurance, lifestyle benefits, heavily-discounted gym membership and various rewards

●      Opportunities for high-quality professional development and career progression, and financial support of up to 100% towards relevant professional qualifications

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged.