St Paul's Community Development Trust

Together St Paul's Trust - a long-standing, community anchored charity with over 46 years of impact - is seeking an exceptional Headteacher to lead St Paul's Independent School , our specialist SEMH provision for secondary and post16 learners. This is not a traditional Headship! This is your chance to join a values-driven organisation where education, youth work, family support, wellbeing services and even a city farm come together to create a fairer and brighter future for communities. What You'll Lead A specialist SEMH school with a strong identity and a commitment to trauma-informed, inclusive practice. A culture of ambition, improvement and innovation, ensuring every pupil receives the high-quality education they deserve. A dedicated staff team through strong, values-based leadership, supervision and professional growth. Trust-wide collaboration that joins education seamlessly with youth, family and community services. What You'll Be Responsible For Driving school improvement with pace, clarity and impact. Ensuring curriculum excellence tailored to SEMH needs. Maintaining inspection readiness and high-quality self-evaluation. Growing pupil numbers and strengthening key relationships with commissioners and SEND teams. Overseeing safeguarding as a central, non-negotiable priority. Managing finances, operations and governance with transparency and confidence. Who We're Looking For An inspiring educational leader who is: Experienced in SEMH or specialist SEN provision Skilled in strategic school improvement and Ofsted preparation A confident people leader who supports, motivates and challenges Collaborative, community-minded and aligned with our values Calm, resilient and therapeutic in their approach Passionate about holistic support for young people Ready to be an integral part of the Trust's senior leadership If you're committed to inclusion, driven by purpose, and ready to lead a school that transforms lives - we want to hear from you. Why St Paul's? A strong culture rooted in values, care and community A school that is ready for its next chapter of growth and impact The opportunity to be part of something much bigger than one school For further details and an application form please visit our website: Closing date: 7th April noon Interviews: 23rd April 2026 All members of staff employed by the Trust have an individual responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of the children/young people and vulnerable adults that they are responsible for, or come into contact with. It is a condition of employment that the successful candidate obtains a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Disclosure.