Executive Headteacher

Job description

Lead an exceptional organisation. Shape the future of inclusion. This is a rare opportunity to lead one of London's most influential and ambitious SEND organisations. The Federation of Westminster Special Schools and the Bi-Borough Inclusion Service brings together Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee School, College Park School and the Bi-Borough Inclusion Service, creating a unique partnership that combines outstanding specialist education with system-wide inclusion support across Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea. Together, we are improving outcomes and opportunities for children and young people with SEND, whilst supporting schools and services to develop increasingly inclusive practice. We are proud of what we have achieved, but even more excited about what comes next. As the landscape for SEND and inclusion continues to evolve, we are uniquely placed to influence practice, develop partnerships and shape provision across local, regional and national systems. We are seeking an exceptional leader to build on our strong foundations and lead the next phase of our development. About Us The Federation exists to improve outcomes for children and young people, particularly those with complex needs, through high-quality specialist education, effective services for schools and strong system leadership. Our organisation is united by a shared purpose: Connecting people, practice and opportunities. Our mission is to improve outcomes and opportunities for learners with SEND and their families through an ambitious, multidisciplinary approach. We aspire to be an exceptional inclusive learning community where everyone belongs and is empowered to thrive and achieve. Our values underpin everything we do: Celebration Compassion Challenge Creativity Collaboration About the Role As Executive Headteacher, you will provide strategic leadership across the Federation and the Bi-Borough Inclusion Service, inspiring colleagues and partners to deliver the very best outcomes for children and young people. You will work closely with governors, senior leaders, local authority partners and wider stakeholders to: Provide outstanding strategic leadership across the Federation. Drive continuous improvement and innovation. Champion inclusion and excellence in SEND education. Develop and strengthen partnerships locally, regionally and nationally. Build leadership capacity and support succession planning. Ensure high-quality provision across schools and services. Position the Federation as a recognised leader in specialist education and inclusion. This is far more than a traditional executive headship. It is an opportunity to influence systems, shape policy and extend the impact of specialist expertise well beyond individual school communities. About You We are looking for an inspiring, strategic and values-driven leader who: Has a successful track record of senior leadership within special education and inclusion. Is passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND. Can articulate a compelling vision and bring others with them. Builds strong relationships and collaborative partnerships. Can identify new opportunities for growth, innovation and influence. Demonstrates resilience, integrity and ambition. Is committed to creating inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. You will be excited by the opportunity to lead an outward-facing organisation that is ambitious for its learners, families, staff and communities. Why Join Us? You will be joining: Two highly regarded special schools and a respected inclusion service. Talented and committed multidisciplinary teams. A strong and ambitious governing board. A Federation with an excellent reputation across Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea. An organisation that is committed to collaboration, innovation and system leadership. Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people with SEND and to help shape the future of inclusive education. Be part of something exceptional. If you are an outstanding leader who shares our ambition for children and young people with SEND, and who is ready to lead a successful Federation into its next chapter, we would be delighted to hear from you. Together, we can transform lives, influence practice, and create opportunities for every learner to thrive. Visits Welcome We strongly encourage prospective applicants to visit our schools and meet our leaders. There is no better way to understand the warmth, ambition and expertise of our Federation community. Visit Dates Thursday 15 October, 10.00am to 3.00pm Tuesday 20 October, 10.00am to 3.00pm Visits must be booked by 13 October for the visit on 15 October, and by 16 October for the visit on 20 October. To arrange a visit, please contact: ssaarnio@westminster.gov.uk. How to Apply Please complete the application form, if you have any questions please contact: s.jacobs@qe2cp.westminster.sch.uk Key Dates Closing Date: Friday 6 November 2026, 12 noon Shortlisting: Monday 9 November 2026 Interview Dates: Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 November 2026 Start Date: 1 May 2027 or earlier by agreement Safeguarding At the Federation of Westminster Special Schools, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. In line with KCSIE 2026 and safer recruitment practices, the school will conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates. You will be sent a link from Social Media Check to carry out an online search, as part of our Safer Recruitment process. The online search is part of our safeguarding checks and will seek publicly available information on candidates’ suitability to work with children. DBS: Because of the nature of the job, it will be necessary for an Enhanced criminal record Disclosure to be undertaken (DBS). Therefore, it is essential in making you application you disclose whether you have any pending charges, convictions, bind-overs or cautions and, if so, for which offences, this post will be exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendments) Order 1986. Therefore, applicants are not entitled to withhold information about convictions which for other purposes are ‘spent’ under the provision of the Act, and, in the event of the employment being taken up, any failure to disclose such convictions will result in dismissal or disciplinary action by the school. The fact that a pending charge, conviction, bind-over or caution has been recorded against you will not necessarily debar you from consideration for this appointment. Prevention and detection of fraud The council is committed to the highest ethical standards and expects its employees to act with integrity, to be honest and trustworthy and to comply with all laws and regulations which apply to council business. The council collects information for a variety of local authority purposes including Housing Benefit. The information collected about you may be used for any local authority purpose. Information on you provided by you or by a third party may be checked with other information held by the council. This information may also be used by the council or supplied to other bodies to prevent or detect crime or protect public funds. Use of information about you and disclosures to anyone outside the council will only be carried out where law permits. If you have any queries about information held about you, all of which is held under the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998, please contact the Director of Finance at Westminster City Hall, Victoria Street, London SW1E 6QP.