Head of School

We are seeking an exceptional and resilient Head of School to lead our specialist secondary alternate provision in Wolverhampton. Our setting supports students aged 11-16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs who require a highly personalised, trauma-informed and inclusive approach to education.

This is a career-defining opportunity for a visionary leader who believes that every young person, regardless of background or challenge, deserves the chance to thrive, achieve and successfully transition into further education, employment or training.

Our school provides:

• A safe, structured and nurturing environment
• High staff-to-student ratios
• Trauma-informed and restorative practice approaches
• Strong multi-agency partnerships
• Bespoke academic and vocational pathways

Many of our students have experienced barriers to mainstream education, including adverse childhood experiences, exclusion, anxiety, attachment difficulties and complex behavioural needs. We pride ourselves on building trust, restoring confidence and unlocking potential.

As Head of School, you will:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across the provision
• Drive a culture of high expectations, inclusion and safeguarding excellence
• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team
• Ensure high-quality teaching, learning and therapeutic support
• Maintain strong partnerships with families, local authorities and external agencies
• Oversee curriculum development tailored to SEMH learners
• Champion attendance, engagement and positive destinations

You will play a critical role in shaping the future direction of the provision and embedding sustainable systems that secure strong outcomes for vulnerable learners.

We are seeking a leader who:

• Has substantial senior leadership experience in secondary or alternative provision
• Demonstrates a deep understanding of SEMH needs and trauma-informed practice
• Has a strong track record of improving behaviour, attendance and outcomes
• Leads with empathy, clarity and unwavering high expectations
• Is confident managing safeguarding, behaviour systems and complex stakeholder relationships
• Is passionate about inclusion and social justice

NPQH (or equivalent leadership qualification) is desirable.

• Opportunity to shape and lead a specialist provision
• A committed and skilled staff team
• Supportive governance and local authority relationships
• Ongoing professional development
• The chance to make a life changing difference every single day

If you are a courageous, compassionate and strategic leader ready to transform lives in Wolverhampton, we would love to hear from you. If you would like to discuss this opportunity in more detail please contact Alanna on or

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date. Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance 'Keeping Children Safe in Education', this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants. We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service. Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website.