Key Role Information

Salary
L16-L20, £75,049 - £82,654
Job type
Full Time
Contract type
Permanent
Closing
06/05/2026 12:00
Interview
15 May 2026
Start
1 September 2026
Contract term
TTO - Term time only
Pay grade
Leadership | L16 - L20
Department
Fitzwaryn School
Key stage
Early Years, Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4, Key Stage 5
Hours per week
32.50
Weeks per year
52.000
Visa sponsorship
No

Your Role

‘..Through learning to learn, pupils will access society…’

Due to the expansion of Fitzwaryn into a satellite site on the site of St John’s Academy in Grove in September 2026, Propeller Academy Trust is looking to extend their leadership capacity at Fitzwaryn to retain strategic oversight, quality assurance and consistency of practice across all sites, including curriculum, therapeutic approaches and behaviour frameworks.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced and motivated Head of School to join our Senior Leadership Team in this key strategic post, working in close partnership with the Executive Headteacher/Trust Leadership to deliver the school’s vision, contribute to strategic planning, and uphold a safe, nurturing, and aspirational environment for pupils with diverse and complex needs.

Located in the heart of Wantage, Fitzwaryn School is highly regarded as an outstanding provision for educating children and young people aged 3-19 with severe learning difficulties (SLD), profound & multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) and autism (ASD). We are committed to providing the very best for our pupils and we know that strong leadership behind the scenes is essential to making that happen.

What we Offer

  • Competitive salary
  • Full induction programme and ongoing CPD, including specialist SEN training
  • Paid wellbeing days, free flu vaccinations and on-site parking
  • Flexible working options (part-time or job share considered)
  • Teachers’ Pension Scheme
  • Employee assistance programme
  • Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Refer-a-friend scheme (earn up to £500)
  • A strong, therapeutic and supportive school culture

 About the Role

  • Lead whole‑school strategy for SEND, inclusion and personal development in line with trust vision
  • Ensure outstanding, personalised and therapeutic provision for pupils with complex SEND
  • Drive high‑quality teaching, curriculum design, assessment and communication approaches (AAC/Makaton/PECS)
  • Embed a strong safeguarding, wellbeing and trauma‑informed behaviour culture (DDSL role)
  • Line‑manage and develop senior leaders, teachers and support staff; lead recruitment and CPD
  • Track and improve pupil academic, social, emotional and holistic outcomes
  • Work closely with families, external agencies and local partners to maximise pupil progress
  • Oversee day‑to‑day operations, staffing, transitions and site safety
  • Support budget planning, resource deployment and statutory compliance

 What We’re Looking For

  • Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with proven senior leadership experience in a SEND or inclusive school
  • Strong track record of improving outcomes for pupils with SEND
  • Clear understanding of SEND frameworks, EHCP processes, safeguarding, behaviour and attendance guidance
  • Experience leading safeguarding practice and effective multi‑agency working
  • Expertise in therapeutic approaches, behaviour support and communication systems
  • Ability to inspire, motivate and develop staff teams
  • Strong operational, organisational and problem‑solving skills
  • Confident working in partnership with parents/carers, communities and external agencies
  • NPQH (or equivalent) or willingness to undertake further leadership training
  • Compassionate, resilient, child‑centred leader with high expectations and a commitment to inclusion

How to Apply

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

To arrange a visit or to find out more, please contact the Headteacher through the school office, office@fitzwaryn.oxon.sch.uk

Qualifications

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)essential
NPQH (or equivalent) or willingness to undertake further leadership trainingessential
Extensive SEND trainingdesirable

About Us

Fitzwaryn is an Outstanding Special School for children and young people from 3 – 19 years old whose Special Educational Needs range from Moderate Learning Difficulties through to Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties.

The school is situated in Wantage, a small but growing market town in Oxfordshire. We have a fantastic, up to the minute, purpose built environment that enables us to deliver an exciting and diverse curriculum for each and every child. We continually strive to further develop our educational offer and in recent times we have added a Horticulture area and a bike track to our outside provision.

The school is organised into 11 classes including provision for EYFS and Post 16. Our dedicated staff team are committed to providing the best possible education for the pupils at the school, grasping every opportunity to provide a rich and diverse curriculum which often takes place outside the classroom. The staff team is committed to further developing their own skills and expertise through the Continuing Professional Development offered at the school. We work closely with parents, carers and other professionals to ensure we are meeting the diverse needs of all of the pupils.

Our vision of ‘through learning to learn, pupils will access society’ underpins all that we do with the aim that all of the pupils who have been with us leave with the skills and knowledge they need to successfully engage in the next stage of their lives and of course with fantastic memories of their time at Fitzwaryn!

Fitzwaryn School

Stephanie Coneboy

recruitment@fitzwaryn.oxon.sch.uk

Denchworth Road
Wantage
Oxfordshire
OX129ET

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.