The posting
Post: Head of School
Location: Courtlands School, Widey Lane, Plymouth, PL6 5JS
FTE Salary Range: Leadership Scale L15 - L21; £73,105 - £84,669
Contract Type: Permanent, full time
Contract Hours: 1.0 FTE
For further information about the role and the Trust, please view our Applicant Pack -Head of School Applicant Pack
Lead a school where every child is known, valued and supported to thrive. At Courtlands School, we believe that great education changes lives. Our pupils arrive with a wide range of strengths, needs and experiences, and our mission is simple: to provide an ambitious, inclusive and nurturing education that prepares them for successful futures.
We are seeking an exceptional Head of School to lead the next stage of our journey. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate educational leader and curriculum specialist who is driven by the belief that all children deserve access to a rich, carefully designed and ambitious curriculum, regardless of their starting points.
About Courtlands
Courtlands School is a specialist school in Plymouth serving pupils with moderate learning difficulties and social, emotional and mental health needs. The school has made significant improvements in recent years and is recognised for its positive relationships, strong safeguarding culture, personalised approach and commitment to preparing pupils for adulthood. Staff are proud of the difference they make, and pupils benefit from a warm, welcoming environment where they feel safe, valued and listened to.
Our next chapter is focused on strengthening curriculum implementation, ensuring pupils remember and build upon key knowledge over time, and securing the very best outcomes for every learner.
The Role
As Head of School, you will provide inspirational day-to-day leadership and work closely with the Trust Executive team and the Regional Director, staff, families and trust leaders to continue improving educational provision.
We are particularly seeking a leader who:
- Has a strong understanding of curriculum design, implementation and assessment.
- Can translate ambitious curriculum thinking into exceptional classroom practice.
- Is passionate about inclusion and improving life chances for vulnerable children.
- Can lead and develop others through coaching, collaboration and professional trust.
- Uses evidence and evaluation to drive sustainable school improvement.
- Builds strong relationships with pupils, families and external partners.
- Maintains the highest expectations for safeguarding, attendance, behaviour and achievement.
You will play a central role in shaping an engaging curriculum that develops communication, literacy, independence and preparation for adulthood while ensuring every pupil achieves their fullest potential.
Who We're Looking For
We know that excellent leaders come from a wide variety of educational settings.
You do not need previous experience in a specialist school or SEND setting to apply.
If you are an ambitious deputy headteacher, assistant headteacher, head of school or experienced senior leader who has successfully led curriculum improvement and school development, we would love to hear from you.
Why Join Us?
At Courtlands School, you will find:
- A school with a clear moral purpose and values-driven culture.
- Dedicated and skilled staff who care deeply about pupils and each other.
- Pupils who are engaging, rewarding and full of potential.
- Strong support from trust leaders and colleagues.
- Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
- The privilege of making a profound difference to the lives of children and families every day.
This role is about much more than leading a school. It is about creating opportunities, building confidence, and helping children develop the knowledge, skills and independence they need to flourish in their communities and beyond.
If you are a curriculum specialist with a passion for inclusion and the vision, warmth and determination to lead a remarkable school community, we would be delighted to hear from you.
About the Trust
We are a family of schools working in partnership for the benefit of all our pupils and students. We believe our charitable aim, to advance education, is best achieved through collaboration, both within the Trust and beyond.
We operate 21 academies across Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, serving learners aged 3 to 19. Alongside our primary, all-through and technical provision, we are proud to include a strong and integral network of seven special schools and one alternative provision setting.
These settings are a vital part of our community, providing inclusive, high-quality education for pupils with a wide range of needs, including complex learning profiles, autism, and social, emotional and mental health needs, as well as those who benefit from a more personalised approach. Together, we are committed to helping every young person thrive.
Those we recruit are able to demonstrate that they share our values, are highly motivated to work with colleagues, within and beyond their school, to continuously develop their skills and pursue professional excellence.
Next Steps
If you think this role may be for you and want to be involved at this exciting time in our development and have any questions about the position, please get in touch by calling the Recruitment team on 07759365064 or emailing us at [email protected].
Closing date: for applications is 15th November 2026
Interview Date:
All shortlisted candidates will be required to visit Courtlands School as part of the interview process. This visit is a vital part of the process and provides an opportunity to experience the culture and ethos of our Trust first-hand.
This visit will take place on 30 November 2026 (1 hour approximately)
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an Assessment Day (Day 1) on the 2 or 3 December 2026.
Successful candidates from the Assessment Day (Day 1) will be invited to attend an interview (Day 2) on either the 7 or 9 December 2026.
To apply for this opportunity, please complete our online application form by clicking ‘apply now’ on the advert.
We reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date. Therefore, an early application is strongly advised.
Opportunities and Benefits
We offer a competitive salary plus TPS pension, great career progression and development opportunities, access to our Employee Assistance Programme with many other benefits.
We’re proud of how we support our staff in order that you have high levels of job satisfaction, are aware of the difference you are making for the children and families you work with and can see your contribution towards our community. There are regular opportunities for professional development and training, and a wider community of staff to network with within Reach South Multi Academy Trust. You will have the chance to visit other local schools, work alongside a range of outside professionals and take part in a variety of e-learning and face-to-face training.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Each post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Reach South Academy Trust has an Equal Opportunities Policy for selection and recruitment. Applicants are requested to complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring section of the application form before submitting.
