Description
Supporting documents
Employer
Location
Inspire - Enable - Achieve
Interviews: Thursday 21st 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 employment will be subject to a satisfactory check supplied by the Disclosure & Barring Service. The check will include any cautions, reprimands or final warnings as well as convictions
The Vale Federation of Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to provide two satisfactory references, undertake pre-employment checks including a health check and have a cleared Enhanced Disclosure & Barring check. An online search (including social media checks) will be carried out for all shortlisted candidates as part of our recruitment process