Head Teacher

Head Teacher – Polaris Education – Burnley School

Contract: Full-Time Term Time Only

Salary: £50,000 to £60,000 (dependent on experience)

Benefits:

• Professional Development opportunities
• Enhanced pension scheme
• Free on-site parking
• CPD through internal and external providers
• Salary sacrifice schemes such as Cycle to Work
• Life Insurance x 2
• Employee Discount Scheme & Medical Cash Plan

Location: Burnley, Lancashire

Opening Date: Late Summer term 2026

About the School: Located in Burnley, our school has a proposed capacity of up to 48 pupils and offers safe and supportive environments for pupils aged 5 to 18 with a range of complex needs. We believe in fostering a positive and supportive environment where every child feels valued, respected and empowered. Our commitment to a holistic approach ensures that academic progress is complemented by emotional well‑being and personal growth.

Burnley School will form part of the Polaris Community alongside our growing portfolio of schools across the UK, all rated By Ofsted Good or Outstanding. The Polaris Community has been passionately improving lives of young people for over 30 years.

About You: As the Head Teacher you will be a forward‑thinking leader who will play a pivotal role in building a new team and shaping the educational experience for our students.

• Educational Leadership: Develop and implement a vision that aligns with our ethos of compassion, inclusion and personalised learning, and lead the school to consistently meet the requirements of the Independent School Standards and the Education Inspection Framework.
• Safeguarding: Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead, collaborate with safeguarding partners, manage and report all concerns appropriately, and put in place policies and procedures that foster a robust safeguarding culture.
• Curriculum Enhancement: Adapt and tailor the curriculum to meet the diverse needs of our students, ensuring a stimulating and engaging learning journey that prepares pupils for the next step.
• Pastoral Care & SEN Advocacy: Champion a nurturing pastoral approach, emphasise emotional well‑being, mental health and social development, and advocate for the rights and needs of our SEN students in line with EHCP objectives.
• Staff Development: Support and mentor staff, promote continuous professional growth and foster a collaborative team spirit.
• Community Engagement: Build strong relationships with parents, carers and external partners to create a cohesive support network for the school.

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with primary or secondary teaching experience.
• Suitable first degree and/or NPQH (not essential).
• Experience working with SEN students and deep understanding of their unique requirements.
• Proven leadership skills, ability to inspire and motivate others, excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply today. Suitable candidates will be asked to complete a formal application pack ahead of an interview.

Join us on this exciting journey to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this role more, please contact Zoe Chittenden