Headteacher

Cedar Hall School, Benfleet, Essex, SS7 3UQ

13 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  1 September 2026

• Closing date

  2 March 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  11 February 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Headteacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Key stage 1, Key stage 2, Key stage 3, Key stage 4
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Pay scale: L22-31

What skills and experience we're looking for

The Governing Body at Cedar Hall are seeking an exceptional Headteacher to help lead the school into its next chapter. This is a rare opportunity for an inspirational leader to build on the existing strengths of our established, well-regarded school and lead us into our next phase.

The school leadership is currently navigating a journey towards a changing cohort that will increasingly meet the needs of SLD pupils in response to the changes likely to be outlined in the forthcoming Government White Paper. In addition, we are also considering the possibility of joining a local Federation or MAT. The successful applicant will need to demonstrate the drive and determination to lead us through these changes, strengthening the school for the longer term.

Cedar Hall is a Local Authority Foundation Special School for pupils aged 5-16 situated in Thundersley, in South-East Essex. The school was opened in 1966. Our pupils primarily experience global developmental delay and complex learning needs, however many have additional speech, language, emotional, or social difficulties. A large percentage are on the autistic spectrum. An increasing percentage of pupils have medical needs.

We are seeking an outstanding senior leader with the passion, drive, and enthusiasm to build on our strengths. You will lead, motivate, develop, and inspire a team of staff and governors who are committed to providing pupils with the skills to allow them to reach their full potential. We welcome applications from existing headteachers and talented deputy headteachers who have the knowledge and expertise to help us raise outcomes and consistently deliver excellence. You will have a clear understanding of what it takes for a school to maintain the highest standards of teaching and learning, whilst having the expertise to embed a culture of continuous improvement. Additionally, you will demonstrate the ability to manage, prioritise, and organise your workload, show flexibility and resilience, and recognise the need for pastoral care for all members of the school community.

What the school offers its staff

• Pupils who embody Cedar Hall’s mission statement – ‘Everybody is Somebody at Cedar Hall School’
• A dedicated hardworking team of staff members
• An enthusiastic and dedicated senior team
• A well-managed budget
• Supportive and committed Governors
• The opportunity to develop as an effective leader
• Strong community links

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

Additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

HT Recruitment Pack.pdf - 738 KB (opens in new tab)

About Cedar Hall School

• School type: Special school, ages 4 to 16
• School size: 186 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 4 to 16
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Cedar Hall School website
• Email address: admin@cedarhall.essex.sch.uk
• Phone number: 01268 774723
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/cedar-hall-school

Arranging a visit to Cedar Hall School

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email admin@cedarhall.essex.sch.uk.

School location

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