Head of School – Nurture Pathway

About the role

The Head of School – Nurture Pathway will lead a large, established Nurture Pathway within an independent SEND school in Croydon. This senior leadership position focuses on early developmental learning for pupils with severe learning difficulties, global learning delay, autism and complex communication needs.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Nurture Pathway.
• Lead high‑quality teaching and learning, ensuring curriculum implementation and quality assurance.
• Champion best practice in communication, engagement, regulation and independence for pupils.
• Coach, mentor and develop teaching and support staff through performance leadership.
• Monitor teaching quality, curriculum delivery and pupil progress across the pathway.
• Collaborate with the Headteacher and senior leadership team to ensure consistency across specialist curriculum pathways.
• Drive a culture of high expectations, inclusion and continuous improvement.

Required profile

• Proven experience in middle or senior leadership within a specialist SEND or developmental learning environment.
• Deep understanding of how children with complex needs learn and develop.
• Ability to improve pupil outcomes using evidence‑based specialist approaches.
• Strong commitment to high‑quality teaching, curriculum delivery and staff development.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive salary up to £85,000 per year.
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on teaching quality and pupil outcomes.
• Supportive specialist environment committed to excellence.