Head of School - Aya College

We are seeking a confident, values-led Head of School to lead the day-to-day educational and operational running of AYA College. This is not a traditional Headteacher role within a maintained school. The successful candidate will be comfortable operating in a fee-funded independent provision, working closely with a Business & Marketing Manager and the Proprietor to ensure: * Strong Local Authority relationships * Appropriate pupil placements * Educational excellence * Operational sustainability Person Specification You will be: * educationally credible with the relevant * relationally confident * commercially literate (not business-averse) and open to growing a new school * comfortable working in a founder-led organisation You may be: * a Deputy Head or Head of Year ready to step into whole-school leadership * an experienced Head seeking a smaller, specialist setting * a leader from AP, PRU, or an independent SEMH provision Essential Criteria: * Senior leadership experience in SEMH/SEN/ alternative or independent education * Confidence in engaging with Local Authorities to recruit new students * Strong knowledge of safeguarding and regulatory frameworks * Ability to work collaboratively with the SLT Key Responsibilities * Lead teaching, learning, safeguarding, and staff culture * Act as the educational lead in Local Authority engagement * Participate confidently in placement and fee discussions alongside the Business & Marketing Manager * Ensure compliance with Independent School Standards and Ofsted expectations * Build a stable, high-quality provision for pupils and staff Benefits: * An employee assistance programme (EAP) * Travelcard/Bike Interest-free Loan (After Mid-Probation Review) * Reimbursement of one professional subscription * Private Medical Insurance (After Probation) * Duvet Day on your Birthday * Pre-authorised business travel expenses To Apply Please submit: * CV, cover letter and a supporting statement outlining your suitability and your comfort operating in a fee-funded independent provision