Headteacher - Brand New SEMH School

Senior Consultant - Children's and Education

Headteacher – Brand New SEMH School

Location: Cheshire

Salary: Up to £70,000 + Excellent Bonus Scheme

We are proud to be recruiting for an inspirational Headteacher to lead the opening of a brand-new specialist SEMH school in Cheshire, due to open beginning of 2026.

This purpose-built school will provide high-quality education for up to 25 students, supporting children aged 5–13 years (Key Stages 1–3) with social, emotional and mental health needs. As the founding Headteacher, you will have the unique opportunity to shape the school’s culture, recruit and lead your team, and embed a nurturing, ambitious environment where children can thrive.

The role will include:

• Leading the launch and ongoing development of a brand-new SEMH provision.
• Recruiting, managing and inspiring a skilled and dedicated staff team.
• Creating and delivering an inclusive, engaging and aspirational curriculum tailored to the needs of SEMH learners.
• Ensuring the highest standards of safeguarding, quality and compliance in line with Ofsted.
• Building positive relationships with parents, carers, local authorities and external agencies.

We are looking for a Headteacher who:

• Has proven experience in leading or significantly contributing to leadership within a SEND/SEMH setting.
• Can create and sustain a strong ethos and values-driven culture.
• Is passionate about achieving outstanding outcomes for children with SEMH needs.
• Possesses exceptional leadership, communication and organisational skills.
• Can thrive in the challenge of establishing a brand-new school.

What’s on offer:

• A competitive salary of up to £70,000 and an excellent bonus scheme
• The chance to shape and grow a brand-new school from the very beginning
• A supportive and ambitious organisation committed to specialist education

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a passionate leader to make a real and lasting impact in specialist education!

If this exciting opportunity sounds like the right fit for you, please contact Jordanna Osborn on Alternatively, email an updated CV to

Compass Associates Ltd is acting as a Recruitment Consultancy for this permanent vacancy. We offer a £200 John Lewis voucher for successful referrals following the completion of probation.