Head of School Full Time

Salary: £55,000 – £70,000 dependent on experience

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Reports To: Proprietor

Direct Reports: Up to 2 teachers, SENCO Lead, teaching assistants, and support workers

Key Stakeholders and Collaborators: Ofsted, Board of Governors, Residential Manager

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site role located in Croydon for a Head of School at Aya College. The Head of School will oversee the academic, operational, and administrative performance of the institution while ensuring alignment with Aya College’s mission and values. Key responsibilities include developing and implementing academic and extracurricular programs, providing leadership and support to faculty and staff, fostering a positive and inclusive school culture, and building strong relationships with students, families, and the community. The ideal candidate will also work to uphold high educational standards and ensure compliance with regulations and policies.

Person Specification:

Essential Criteria:

• Proven leadership experience within a specialist or alternative education setting (SEMH /SEN/PRU/Independent School).
• Strong understanding of financial management, fee structures, and local authority funding processes.
• Experience working with SEMH students, implementing strategies for behaviour and emotional regulation.
• Ability to act as SENCO or oversee the SENCO role, managing EHCPs and student referrals.
• Excellent knowledge of Ofsted and Independent School Standards.
• Track record of successful student recruitment and stakeholder engagement.
• Passion for cultural enrichment and experience organising international or community-based learning programs.
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills with local authorities, education providers, and funding bodies.

Desirable Criteria:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent leadership qualification.
• Experience developing or leading an alternative curriculum, vocational programs, or therapeutic education models.
• Previous experience setting up or leading a growing school or education service.
• Understanding of child psychology, trauma-informed practices, and therapeutic education.

You may be:

• a Deputy Head or Head of Year ready to step into whole-school leadership
• an experienced Head seeking a smaller, specialist setting
• a leader from AP, PRU, or an independent SEMH provision

Benefits

• Company employee assistance programme (EAP) 
• Travelcard/Bike Interest-free Loan (After Mid-Probation Review) 
• Reimbursement of one professional subscription 
• Private Medical Insurance (After Probation) 
• Duvet Day on your Birthday 
• Pre-authorised business travel expenses 

To Apply

Please submit:

• CV, cover letter and a supporting statement outlining your suitability and your comfort operating in a fee-funded independent provision to contactus@ayacollege.co.uk