Required April 2025
Willow Bank school is a day maintained special school for children with social, emotional, and mental health difficulties in the borough of St Helens, Merseyside. We cater for 65 young people from Year 4 to Year 11. We are a highly inclusive and innovative establishment. We believe we are a centre of best practice for personal development, pastoral care and teaching and learning.
Governors are seeking an exceptional Headteacher to drive our vision of creating a safe, inclusive, and aspirational learning environment where every pupil can thrive. The successful candidate will lead our dedicated team of staff who are committed to building strong, trusting relationships with pupils and families, fostering resilience and unlocking each child’s potential.
As Headteacher, you will:
• Provide visionary leadership and direction to the school.
• Inspire and empower staff to deliver high-quality education and support.
• Ensure the school maintains a culture of high expectations and achievement for all pupils.
• Develop and implement innovative strategies to meet the needs of pupils with SEMH challenges.
• Build positive professional relationships with staff, pupils, their families, external agencies, and the wider community.
• Oversee all operational, financial, and safeguarding responsibilities in line with statutory requirements.
We are seeking an experienced and compassionate leader who:
• Has a strong track record of success in a senior leadership role within a SEND educational setting, particularly in an SEMH school.
• Demonstrates a deep understanding of SEMH needs and evidence-based approaches to support them.
• Is passionate about inclusion and committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable pupils.
• Possesses excellent communication, collaboration and decision-making skills.
• Is resilient, adaptable and able to inspire confidence in others.
What We Offer:
• A vibrant and supportive school community.
• A dedicated and skilled team of staff.
• Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth.
• A learning environment tailored to the needs of pupils.
• The opportunity of working with resilient, inspiring pupils who are eager to overcome challenges and achieve their potential.
• The opportunity to collaborate with families and external partners to support pupil success.
• A clear vision and strong support from governors and the wider school leadership team. • The chance to make a profound difference in the lives of young people with SEMH needs.
If you share our passion for unlocking the potential of every pupil and have the skills and determination to lead our school to become an outstanding SEMH specialist provision, we would love to hear from you.
Visit to School Thursday 9th January 2025 A visit to the school is strongly encouraged and can be arranged by contacting Rachel Savage (School Business Manager) on 01744 678745
To apply for this role, please go to the job vacancies section of St Helens Council website (www.sthelens.gov.uk) and apply online using the St Helens Council application form.
Closing date: Friday 17th January 2025 8:30am.
Shortlisting will take place 23rd January 2025, with interviews and tasks taking place on Monday 10th February and Tuesday 11th February 2025
Willow Bank School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
This post is subject to satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Section Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure Certificate.
