Headteacher - The Avenue School
The Avenue Special School, Reading, Berkshire, RG30 4BZ27 days remaining to apply
Job start date
1 April 2027
Closing date
3 December 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
6 November 2026
Job details
Job role
- Headteacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Early years, Key stage 1, Key stage 2, Key stage 3, Key stage 4, Key stage 5
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full time equivalent salary
- £113,646 to £131,578 Per year
What skills and experience we're looking for
Full Time - 1.0 FTE - Permanent - Start Date: April or September 2027
Are you an inspirational leader who believes that every child can thrive?
The Avenue School is seeking an exceptional and visionary Headteacher to lead our specialist school into its next exciting chapter. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), whilst leading a dedicated and highly skilled team committed to achieving the very best outcomes for every pupil.
We are looking for a leader who is passionate about inclusive education, has high expectations for all learners, and can inspire staff, pupils, families and the wider community through a clear and ambitious vision.
About The Avenue School
The Avenue School is a thriving specialist academy providing education and support for more than 260 pupils aged between 3 – 19, with a range of severe or profound learning difficulties, some physical disabilities and autism.
Our vision is to ensure that every pupil develops the skills, confidence and independence needed to achieve their potential and lead fulfilling lives. We have small well-resourced classes and a real passion for supporting young people to have active and healthy lives through an exciting education both in and out of the classroom.
We are proud of our committed staff, supportive families and strong culture built on respect, inclusion and excellence.
The Role
As Headteacher, you will:
- Provide strategic leadership and direction for the school.
- Build upon our strong culture of high expectations and continuous improvement.
- Ensure outstanding safeguarding, pastoral care and pupil welfare.
- Drive excellence in teaching, learning and curriculum development.
- Lead and develop a talented and dedicated staff team.
- Work in close partnership with trustees, governors, parents, local authorities and external agencies.
- Ensure effective financial management and value for money.
- Act as the school's Accounting Officer, ensuring compliance with statutory, financial and regulatory requirements.
- Champion inclusion and ensure every pupil receives the personalised support they need to succeed.
We Are Looking for Someone Who
- Has substantial senior leadership experience within a SEND setting,
- Has developed and implemented strategies for raising achievement and improving outcomes for pupils with additional needs.
- Can provide strategic and creative leadership to maintain and develop a school vision with quality learning for all at its centre
- Can build and maintain effective relationships and communicate appropriately with governors, staff, pupils, parents and other professionals
- Is an Inspirational leader who is committed to staff development and wellbeing
- Has a thorough understanding of safeguarding, SEND legislation and school improvement.
- Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) or equivalent leadership experience.
What the school offers its staff
We Offer
- The opportunity to lead a highly respected specialist academy.
- A talented and committed staff team
- Engaged and supportive Trustees and Governors.
- Extensive professional development opportunities.
- A positive, nurturing and collaborative culture.
- The chance to make a profound difference to the lives of children and families.
Application Process
To apply, please visit the vacancy page of our website www.avenue.reading.sch.uk and fill in the forms you’ll find in the Leadership recruitment section.
All completed application forms must be returned to recruitment@avenue.reading.sch.uk by 9.00am on Friday 4th December 2026.
For more information and to arrange a tour of the school, please call Vanessa Carrick on 0118 214 5257.
The Avenue School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS clearance, satisfactory references, online checks and appropriate safeguarding procedures.
Further information about the job
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.
View advert on school website (opens in new tab)About The Avenue Special School
- Organisation type
- Academy, ages 2 to 19
- Size
- 253 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 2 to 19
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- Email address
- jason.owen@reading.gov.uk
The Avenue School Special Needs Academy is a day special school for boys and girls from the age of 2 – 19 with complex Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
Arranging a visit to The Avenue Special School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email jason.owen@reading.gov.uk.
School location
Similar jobs nearby
Get a job alert when similar jobs are listed