Head of School

Head of School North Birkbeck PRU

Full-Time Permanent Position

Scale:                         Leadership L8 – L14 (£67,940 – £78,074)

Closing Date:            9^th December 2026

Interview Date:          16^th December 2026

Start Date:                  23^rd February 2027

Lead a small provision with the opportunity to make a lasting difference.

The Hawkswood Group is seeking an ambitious, compassionate and effective Head of School to lead North Birkbeck PRU, a satellite provision of Burnside Secondary PRU.

North Birkbeck provides a personalised learning environment for secondary-aged pupils who need additional support to engage with education and move forward successfully. Our work centres on building trusting relationships, strengthening attendance and behaviour, addressing gaps in learning and preparing pupils for reintegration into mainstream school or an appropriate next placement.

We are looking for a leader who combines high expectations with an understanding of the challenges our pupils face. You will recognise their potential, create a strong sense of belonging and ensure that every placement has a clear purpose, measurable targets and a well-supported transition plan.

The role

As Head of School, you will lead the day-to-day operation and continued development of North Birkbeck, working closely with the Headteacher and the wider Hawkswood leadership team.

You will lead a consistent approach to safeguarding, teaching, behaviour and pastoral support, ensuring that pupils receive an ambitious education tailored to their needs. You will support and develop staff, evaluate the impact of provision and build effective partnerships with families, referring schools, the local authority and external professionals.

As a member of the wider leadership team, you will also contribute to improvement across the Hawkswood Group and work with the Management Committee to strengthen provision and outcomes for pupils.

We are looking for a leader who:

• Has a successful record of improving teaching, learning and outcomes across the secondary phase.
• Understands the purpose of alternative provision and the importance of timely, well-planned reintegration.
• Places safeguarding and pupil welfare at the centre of decision-making.
• Combines clear boundaries and high expectations with a trauma-informed and restorative approach.
• Can lead a small staff team with clarity, consistency and care.
• Uses assessment, attendance and behaviour information to identify priorities and evaluate impact.
• Builds constructive relationships with pupils and families, including those who have found it difficult to engage with education.
• Works effectively with mainstream schools, SEND services and other agencies to secure appropriate support.
• Remains calm under pressure and approaches challenges with sound judgement and a focus on solutions.
• Is committed to inclusion, professional development and improving opportunities for every pupil.

What we offer

• The opportunity to shape the continued development of a recently established provision.
• Collaboration and professional support within the Hawkswood Group.
• A role in which your leadership can have a direct impact on pupils’ education and future opportunities.
• Membership of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
• On-site parking and access to public transport links.
• Access to the cycle-to-work scheme.

Equality and inclusion

We want our staff to reflect the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented within our workforce, including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people and LGBTQI+ people.

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and will make reasonable adjustments to support applicants.

Safeguarding and safer recruitment

The Hawkswood Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Appointment is subject to satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check, a children’s barred list check and all other applicable pre-employment checks. In accordance with current Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, online searches will be undertaken on shortlisted candidates as part of our safer recruitment process.

The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships and boundaries with children and young people.

How to apply

Please apply using TES Quick Apply. Read the job description and person specification and explain in your supporting statement how your experience, skills and approach meet the requirements of the role.

Visits to the school are encouraged and available on request. To arrange a tour, please contact admin.northbirkbeck@hawkswoodgroup.org.uk.  out prior to appointment.