Headteacher

About the Role

Headteacher – Independent School, Glossop (SK13)

Ofsted GOOD (2024) | Outstanding in Personal Development and Behaviour & Attitudes

A unique leadership opportunity in a truly supportive and pupil-centred setting

This small, long-established, well-regarded Independent School is part of a forward-thinking residential care group that promotes re-engagement with learning, personal growth, and long-term success through the provision of tailored education for looked-after children aged 11–17.

Job Opportunity

The School:

This well-regarded Independent School is part of a forward-thinking residential care group. Established in 1997, the school provides tailored education for looked-after children aged 11–17. We pride ourselves on offering an individualised and nurturing approach that promotes re-engagement with learning, personal growth, and long-term success; meaningful outcomes that enable our pupils to take greater control of their lives as they transition into further education, training or work.

Recognised as Outstanding in Personal Development and Behaviour and Attitudes, we use a range of innovative strategies – including one-to-one classroom teaching, ASDAN and outdoor education – to build confidence, resilience, and a love of learning in every pupil.

The Opportunity:

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Headteacher to lead our small and committed team of 6 staff from as early as possible in 2026. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the educational direction of up to a maximum of 18 pupils at any one time, while ensuring high standards of teaching, learning, and wellbeing for all students.

This is a key leadership role within both the school and the wider care group providing the kind of autonomy, flexibility and genuine opportunity to improve the lives of young people that many in a more mainstream environment can only dream of. And it’s a role that provides for greater work/life balance too, with no homework or parents' evenings eating into your time away from work. 

Remuneration:

• Financial package in the region of £55,000-£65,000 (depends on qualifications, experience & performance in role);
• Loyalty and referral bonuses;
• Teacher’s Pension including Death in Service benefit; and
• 24/7, 365 Employee Assistance programme. 

Essential Skills

What We’re Looking For:

• A proven track record of effective and inspiring school leadership;
• A flexible, forward-thinking approach with the ability to engage and motivate vulnerable young people;
• Strong experience working with pupils with complex SEMH needs or those who are looked after;
• A collaborative leadership style that fits within a supportive and adaptable working culture; and
• A passion for making a meaningful difference to the lives of young people.

Safeguarding Statement:

Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks, DfE checks and thorough referencing. In this role you will act as a designated safeguarding lead and relevant safeguarding training will be provided. 

To Apply:

If you’re a compassionate and visionary leader ready to make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you. Apply Now by sending your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role and why you are interested in working in a setting like ours.

Interview Date: TBC (as soon as possible)

DE&I

Arnfield Care Ltd and Arnfield Independent School stand against discrimination, oppression, and exclusion in any form. We have created working environments in which all individuals can make the best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment. We endeavour to make all necessary reasonable adjustments for individual employees and base all decisions relating to an individual's employment purely on merit.

We value diversity in our workforce highly. Whether it's your ethnicity, cultural heritage, religion, sex, gender identity, age or any other trait that you think might count against you, it won't. If you're disabled, have a criminal record, or left school with no qualifications or come from a care-experienced background, don't let it stop you from applying for a role with us. The very nature of what we do makes us non-judgemental. It's not about pieces of paper or the look of someone, it's about the person, what they have on the inside and, crucially, what they can give to the young people in our care.

We don't just pay lip service to the regulations either. We are an accredited level two disability-confident employer and we were one of the first businesses nationally to sign up to become a fully-fledged age-friendly employer. All staff are equally responsible for safeguarding and promoting equal opportunities and for challenging any behaviour or practice that discriminates against any young person or colleague.