About The Role
Birchwood School is seeking an exceptional and inspiring Head of Education to lead our specialist provision in Cardiff. This is a rare opportunity for an ambitious, values‑driven leader to shape a truly unique educational environment where pupils with complex needs can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Permanent | Full-Time | Competitive Salary
About Birchwood School
Birchwood School is part of a group of specialist schools supporting children and young people with a range of additional learning needs. Our approach is therapeutic, nurturing, and rooted in high expectations for every learner. With small class sizes, a skilled multi‑disciplinary team, and a commitment to innovation, Birchwood provides a unique environment where pupils and staff can excel.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Vision
- Communicate and champion a compelling school vision that empowers pupils and staff to excel.
- Lead with integrity, creativity, resilience, and clarity, modelling positive relationships and behaviours.
- Translate local and national policy into meaningful practice within the school context.
- Ensure the school presents a coherent and accurate account of its performance to stakeholders including Estyn, the Local Authority, Welsh Government, parents, and the wider community.
Safeguarding
- Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead, taking responsibility for safeguarding and child protection matters.
- Refer cases of suspected abuse, radicalisation concerns, or potential criminal activity through appropriate channels.
- Support staff making referrals and ensure safeguarding policies are fully embedded.
Pupils & Staff
- Set ambitious standards for all pupils, ensuring equality, inclusion, and high‑quality learning experiences.
- Secure excellent teaching through strong curriculum design, data analysis, and evidence‑based practice.
- Create a culture of open classrooms, collaboration, and professional growth.
- Recruit, develop, and retain a high‑quality staff team, ensuring clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability.
- Promote an ethos where staff are motivated, supported, and held to high professional standards.
Systems & Processes
- Ensure school systems are efficient, transparent, and fit for purpose.
- Maintain a safe, calm, and well‑ordered environment focused on safeguarding and exemplary behaviour.
- Support performance management processes and address under‑performance where necessary.
- Contribute to strategic financial planning and ensure resources are deployed effectively.
- Maintain safe premises and ensure compliance with statutory frameworks, reporting, and attendance expectations.
Continuous School Improvement
- Lead the day‑to‑day implementation of the School Improvement Plan, monitoring progress against measurable milestones.
- Maintain a robust self‑evaluation framework to identify strengths and areas for development.
- Build strong partnerships with other schools, agencies, and professionals to share best practice and improve outcomes.
- Promote innovation, research‑informed practice, and a culture of continuous improvement.
What We're Looking For
- A dynamic, forward‑thinking leader with a deep commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.
- Strong knowledge of education systems locally and nationally, with a passion for continuous professional development.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to inspire confidence across staff, pupils, families, and external partners.
- Experience in safeguarding leadership and a strong understanding of trauma‑informed practice.
- A collaborative, resilient, and principled leader who thrives in a values‑driven environment.
Why Join Us?
- The opportunity to lead a highly specialist school with a strong therapeutic ethos.
- A supportive senior leadership network across multiple schools.
- A culture that values innovation, professional growth, and high‑quality education.
- The chance to make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of children and young people.
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