Headteacher – Specialist SEN Day School; Derbyshire

ELEOS Children’s Services is a mission-driven therapeutic care and education provider, backed by philanthropic impact investment. We exist to give children with complex needs the environment, relationships, and specialist support they deserve — not just to manage behaviour, but to genuinely change lives.

We are developing an ambitious new 80-place specialist day school in Derbyshire, set within a remarkable heritage building that will be transformed into a world-class therapeutic learning environment for children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEMH, LD, and Autism).

We are now seeking an exceptional Founding Headteacher to help shape this school from the ground up.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a new specialist school from its earliest stages — influencing everything from curriculum design and therapeutic model to culture, staffing, and community relationships. You won’t just be inheriting an institution; you will be building one.

Please note: This project is at an early stage of development. The right candidate will understand that a confirmed start date cannot yet be given, and will be someone who is genuinely excited by the opportunity to be involved in shaping the school ahead of opening.

• Working with the ELEOS leadership team during the pre-opening phase to develop the school’s vision, therapeutic model, and operational framework
• Leading on curriculum design and EHCP-aligned provision for children with SEMH, LD, and autism
• Recruiting, developing, and retaining a high-quality multidisciplinary team
• Building strong relationships with local authorities, commissioners, families, and professionals
• Ensuring full regulatory compliance in preparation for Ofsted registration and inspection
• Embedding a culture where therapeutic principles and educational ambition go hand in hand

You are a values-led educational leader with deep experience in specialist SEN settings. You believe passionately that every child, regardless of complexity of need, deserves outstanding teaching, consistent relationships, and a pathway to a fulfilling life.

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and substantial leadership experience in an SEN, SEMH, or specialist school setting
• A strong working knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice, EHCPs, and the independent school regulatory framework
• Experience working with children with complex presentations — including autism, learning disabilities, and social, emotional, and mental health difficulties
• A therapeutic, trauma-informed approach to education and behaviour
• The credibility and interpersonal skills to work effectively with local authorities, commissioners, and families
• Ambition, resilience, and the ability to thrive in a start-up environment where the pathway is still being built

• The chance to be a founding leader of a genuinely innovative specialist school
• A supportive, experienced leadership team with deep sector knowledge
• Philanthropic backing that prioritises outcomes for children over short-term financial returns
• Competitive salary commensurate with the seniority and significance of the role
• The autonomy to build something you can be proud of

We want to be transparent:
this is an early-stage project and we are not yet in a position to confirm an opening date or start date. We are actively progressing development, and the right candidate will be someone who is content to remain in their current role while we reach the appropriate stage — at which point we would agree a start date together. We are committed to keeping shortlisted candidates closely informed throughout the process.

If you are the kind of leader who has always wanted to build a great school rather than simply run one, we would love to hear from you.

To express your interest
, please send a CV and a short covering note explaining what draws you to this opportunity to:
ELEOS Children’s Services 📧 t

ELEOS Children’s Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. We are an equal opportunities employer.