Head of Aspire Department
Clare Mount Specialist Sports College, Leasowe, CH46 1RA15 days remaining to apply
Job start date
1 September 2026
Closing date
7 May 2026 at 9am
Date listed
22 April 2026
Job details
Job role
- Head of department or curriculum
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Key stage 3, Key stage 4, Key stage 5
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- MPS / UPS
Additional allowances
TLR2a
SEN 2
What skills and experience we're looking for
Are you an inspirational leader who believes that every child—regardless of their starting point—deserves a seat at the table?
Following the promotion of our current post-holder to Deputy Head, we are looking for a visionary Head of Aspire to lead our unique transition provision. At Clare Mount, we don’t just teach; we empower pupils with MLD and ASC needs to see themselves as role models and catalysts for change.
The Role: Why 'Aspire'?
Our Aspire provision caters for a small number of pupils with slightly more complex or multiple needs, or those who have experienced emotional barriers to school attendance, but are not ready for school and ready to learn. It is designed for those pupils who find the transition to secondary school most challenging, and / or those that need longer to learn to regulate their emotions. Our mission is simple yet profound: we ensure every child feels settled, safe, and seen.
As Head of Aspire, you won't just be managing a department; you will be architecting the bridge between a pupil’s anxiety and their future success.
Your Impact
- Lead with Heart: Guide a dedicated team across four classes (Years 7–11), fostering an "I can" mentality that ripples through the whole school.
- Innovate the Curriculum: Work closely with our admissions team to design bespoke, engaging learning pathways that adapt to individual cognitive and emotional needs.
- Champion Belonging: Ensure every pupil finds their voice within our House system, moving from a specialised environment to active participation in whole-school life.
- Drive Transition: Turn "accessing the curriculum" from a hurdle into a milestone, helping pupils move toward academic or nurture pathways as their confidence grows.
Who You Are
You are a talented, innovative professional who doesn't settle for "good enough." You likely have:
- A proven track record of supporting pupils with SEND/ASC to achieve remarkable outcomes.
- The leadership experience (or the clear potential) to step into a high-impact role and hit the ground running.
- A belief that emotional self-regulation and self-care are the bedrock of academic achievement.
What the school offers its staff
Why Join Clare Mount?
We are an Outstanding school where staff belonging is just as important as pupil progress. You will join a supportive community where your professional growth is prioritised—proven by the fact that our previous Head of Aspire has moved into Senior Leadership.
Ready to make a difference?
If you have the passion to lead and the skill to inspire, we would love to hear from you.
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
Clare Mount Specialist Sports College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Applying for the job
This job requires you to download an application form, you will be able to upload the application once complete.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Clare Mount Specialist Sports College
- School type
- Special school, ages 11 to 19
- School size
- 410 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 19
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Clare Mount Specialist Sports College website
- Email address
- recruitment@claremount.wirral.sch.uk
- Phone number
- 01516069440
Clare Mount Specialist Sports College is a very successful 11-19 school for pupils with moderate learning difficulties and additional needs including autism and was judged outstanding in its most recent Ofsted report, Novemeber 2021.
Arranging a visit to Clare Mount Specialist Sports College
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email recruitment@claremount.wirral.sch.uk.
School location
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