Headteacher - Castle Wood School

Overview

Headteacher – Castle Wood School, Coventry City Council

• Create a culture of continuous improvement through inspirational leadership, committing to the highest levels of achievement for all areas of the school.
• Promote a positive focus on quality first teaching, creative learning and meeting pupils’ educational and personal needs.
• Monitor teaching and learning and support staff training and development.
• Develop a cohesive staff that work together to meet the educational and social needs of pupils and support staff training and development.
• Ensure Castle Wood meets the SEND code of practise in delivering statutory components of EHCPs and the requirements of relevant inspection and regulatory bodies.
• Be outward facing, looking to work closely with local authorities, external agencies and communicate effectively with all stakeholders including governors, parents and carers.

• Demonstrate a wealth of relevant strategic experience as a senior leader supporting SEND children within a complex and changeable working environment.
• Have practical knowledge and experience of the system, processes and challenges of a special school environment.
• Be experienced with Ofsted procedures/inspections and working with School Improvement Partners to accurately assess and implement improvements.
• Possess experience in managing budgets effectively and ensuring cost efficiency and financial compliance.
• Have a clear understanding of Safeguarding and the role of a senior leader in this process.
• Have experience in designing and delivering creative and academically engaging curricular, with excellent management skills and the ability to work with various professional networks.
• Be a Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with experience of working with primary aged pupils who have a range of complex special needs.
• Have, or be undertaking, NPQH or other relevant professional qualifications/development in leadership.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, resilience, sensitivity and an infectious enthusiasm, demonstrating forward thinking and positivity.
• The ability to lead with passion and compassion – supporting a dedicated team to do a demanding job, whilst ensuring that all are performing to the highest possible standards.
• Knowledge of Early Years principles as this underpins teaching and learning in our school.

• Committed and supportive governing body, leadership team, colleagues, and parents.
• A well‑equipped and well‑maintained school.
• Commitment to continuing professional development and access to online learning platforms.
• Comprehensive staff wellbeing package including leadership time off‑site, employee assistance programme, salary sacrifice scheme, access to hydrotherapy pool, free tea and coffee, free staff car parking, and staff workwear.
• Competitive salary with a teacher pension scheme.
• Access to salary sacrifice schemes and occupational health and counselling services.

To apply for the post, please download the candidate information pack. Completed application forms should be submitted by no later than midnight on Sunday, 11 January 2026 via the online application link provided.

Please answer the following questions on your online application form:

• Describe, with reference to your present post and responsibilities, how your experience meets the requirements of this post.
• Describe your leadership style, touching upon your strengths and development areas.

A shortlist of candidates will be selected by 16 January and invited to attend a selection process over two days on 28 & 29 January. References will be sought before the interview.

The governing body encourages all candidates to visit the school to see our facilities and meet our children. The dates of Monday, 15 December 2025 from 1 pm onwards and Wednesday, 7 January 2026 in the morning have been identified for visits. To arrange a visit, please contact Vicky Moore (People & Operations Lead) at moore or , option 4.

Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced criminal record check via the DBS. An online search may form part of this recruitment process.

If you need help or support to complete your application, please visit our accessibility page to learn about the assistance we can provide.