Key Role Information

Salary
L22-L28, £86,803.00 - £100,540.00
Job type
Full Time
Contract type
Permanent
Closing
17/04/2026 17:00
Interview
23rd & 24th April 2026
Start
1 September 2026
Contract term
TTO - Term time only
Pay grade
Leadership | L22 - L28
Department
Kingfisher School
Key stage
Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4
Hours per week
32.50
Weeks per year
52.000
Visa sponsorship
No

Your Role

‘..Make a Difference Every Day....’

We are looking to appoint a forward thinking, collaborative leader who is an excellent communicator at all levels with an ambitious vision for the school and its families—someone with the vision, compassion and determination to ensure every pupil achieves their fullest potential.

Kingfisher is a friendly and aspirational school and really welcoming as soon as you step through the door. It provides an exciting and well-designed learning environment for a wide variety of learners with additional needs.

As Headteacher, you will provide strategic leadership and vision, working in close partnership with governors, staff, families, and external agencies to maintain and enhance the school’s reputation for excellence. You will lead a skilled and dedicated team, ensuring the highest standards of teaching, care, and safeguarding.

If you share our commitment to transforming lives through education, we look forward to receiving your application.

What we Offer

  • Competitive salary
  • Fully funded CPD, mentoring & coaching
  • A trust-wide commitment to wellbeing, including paid wellbeing days, and free on-site parking
  • Flexible working options
  • Access to an employee assistance programme
  • Teachers’ Pension Scheme
  • Employee referral scheme (earn up to £500 for successful referrals)
  • Highly resourced classrooms, small class sizes and access to multidisciplinary teams
  • A strong safeguarding and therapeutic culture

About the Role

  • Drive a culture of continuous improvement in teaching and learning
  • Lead day-to-day operations with a hands-on approach
  • Strengthen the school’s inclusive culture and commitment to wellbeing
  • Develop strong partnerships with families and the wider community
  • Ensure robust governance, compliance, and financial sustainability
  • Lead innovation while preserving the school’s unique character and heritage
  • Work closely with the Propeller Academy Trust to achieve strategic objectives

Who We’re Looking For

  • An experienced senior leader with a proven track record in specialist education settings.
  • Ambitious and driven, with the vision and energy to lead continuous improvement and inspire excellence.
  • Committed to inclusion, ensuring every child is valued and supported to achieve their full potential.
  • Skilled in curriculum development, teaching and learning improvement, and staff development.
  • Confident in using data and evidence-based strategies to raise achievement.
  • A strong communicator and outward-facing ambassador, able to build positive relationships with staff, families, and external stakeholders.
  • Dedicated to safeguarding, compliance, and equality, with a deep understanding of SEND and statutory requirements.
  • Resilient, adaptable, and ready to lead with integrity, professionalism, and compassion.

How to Apply

To apply for this rewarding opportunity, please apply online via the link provided. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Visits to the school are strongly encouraged. To arrange a visit or to find out more, please contact the Trust Executive Support Lead, Laura Clift, on 07577 237222, or by email laura.clift@propellertrust.org.

Qualifications

Degree or equivalent qualificationessential
DfE recognised Qualified Teacher Status/ Qualified Teacher Learning and skills essential
For a first Headship, NPQHessential
Evidence of participation in recent and Continuing Professional Developmentessential
Evidence of, and impact from, CPD relevant to a senior leadership postessential
Relevant post-graduate qualificationdesirable

About Us

Kingfisher School is a unique, friendly, and successful school based in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, and is part of The Propeller Academy Trust. Our vision is that Kingfisher School is a place where everyone is valued to develop independence through an enriching curriculum which is worthwhile. This is the Kingfisher VIEW.

We provide high quality education for children and young adults aged 2-19 years who have severe, profound, and complex needs including autism. Our school is organised into pathways that are designed to meet the particular needs of the children, offering them learning programmes that build on their individual strengths and celebrate their achievements.

It is a place where every child has an aspirational and personalised education programme that ensures they receive an exceptional opportunity to succeed.

Kingfisher School

Laura Clift

laura.clift@propellertrust.org

Radley Road
Abingdon
Oxfordshire
OX14 3RR

Safeguarding Information

The Propeller Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

This role involves a high level of contact with children or vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check (including Barred List where applicable) and online searches for publicly available information.

We value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status or pregnancy/maternity.