Headteacher – New Restorative, Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) School

This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in the development and leadership of our first Restorative , SEMH school, opening in 2027 in Calderdale. We are seeking an inspiring and ambitious education leader with recent and demonstrable experience of leading within a specialist education setting.

The school has huge potential for developing specialist facilities designed to best support children’s mental health and wellbeing and to provide a state-of-the-art learning environment for children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

Pre-opening Stage

During the pre-opening phase, you will work closely with our senior leaders and development specialists to help shape the school’s vision and future success. You will contribute to curriculum design, support the commissioning programme and registration process, working collaboratively with a range of internal and external stakeholders.

Once Operational

Once the school is registered, you will take overall responsibility for leading and developing the provision, fostering a culture of excellence in education, inclusion and pastoral care. You will build and inspire a high-performing team, ensuring the school not only meets but exceeds regulatory requirements while delivering exceptional outcomes for every child and young person.

Essential criteria:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent
• NPQH (National professional qualification for headship) or willingness to work towards
• Substantial, demonstratable senior leadership experience within a SEN/SEMH secondary setting
• Strong experience teaching and supporting children with autism spectrum condition and associated social, emotional and mental health needs
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills
• Strong communication skills and with the ability to communicate with a variety of stake holders

You will report to the Service Manager and Directors in your day-to-day work and receive individual mentoring and full support to help you in your role, and progress. Training and career opportunities are excellent at Restorative, as well as the potential for personal development, in a friendly, approachable and communicative team.

Why work for us?

• Annual pay progression?
• A comprehensive induction programme so you can hit the ground running
• Benefits package?
• The chance to lead and develop a school from ground up
• A friendly and passionate care group committed to getting the best outcomes for our young people

About us

Restorative Social Care Services use a value‑based, evidence‑informed model of care that prioritises respectful, supportive relationships. Staff listen carefully, show empathy, work in collaboration and encourage young people to express their feelings, needs, and perspectives. This approach helps young people participate in decisions that affect their lives and supports them to develop the skills needed for a fulfilling future.

Our mission is to nurture young people through holistic education, preparing them for their next steps in education, work and life.

We put our pupils at the heart of everything we do, keeping them safe through listening and understanding their individual needs.

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting children and we expect all colleagues to share this commitment. We will do everything possible to ensure that only those who are suitable to work with children are recruited to work for us. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020 and is subject to a range of vetting checks including a criminal records disclosure through the DBS.