Headteacher

About the role

Woodlands School is an outstanding maintained special school in Harrow, highly regarded for its specialist expertise, strong community partnerships and unwavering commitment to helping every child thrive. As our next Headteacher, you will inherit a financially secure school with outstanding purpose-built facilities, a skilled and dedicated staff team, supportive governors and a reputation that families and professionals trust.

You will join a school where communication, independence and inclusion shape every aspect of learning, and where teachers, therapists, support staff and families work together to secure the very best outcomes for pupils with severe learning difficulties, autism, profound and multiple learning difficulties, and a wide range of complex needs.

You will also have the opportunity to shape the next stage of the school's development, building on strong foundations within a thriving and growing specialist community.

As Headteacher, you will:

• Provide visible and values-led leadership, balancing empathy with clear accountability.

• Champion high standards and continuous improvement across all areas of school life.

• Develop and empower staff, recognising talent and nurturing future leaders.

• Strengthen partnerships with families, therapists, healthcare professionals and external agencies.

• Work closely with governors to shape and deliver the school's strategic vision.

• Champion communication, independence and inclusion to secure the very best outcomes for pupils.

• Build on the school's strong foundations while leading its next phase of development.

If you are an experienced senior leader with a commitment to specialist education and the confidence to lead with both compassion and conviction, we would love to hear from you.

We strongly encourage prospective applicants to visit the school and experience first-hand the warm, welcoming culture, exceptional facilities and inspiring work of our pupils and staff. To make an appointment, please contact the school office on 0208 381 2188 or email us at [email protected]

For more information visit www.woodlands.harrow.sch.uk

Please note late applications will not be considered.

Please apply on the Teach in Herts website, using the standard online application form. CVs will not be considered. Should you need support, please contact [email protected] 

Woodlands School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointment to this post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check as well as other pre-appointment checks, including an online check, as outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education (September 2026).

We believe that a diverse team leads to better outcomes and a more enriching workplace. We are committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels they belong.