Principal (P/MLD
| Posting date: | 12 November 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £85,000 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 10 December 2025 |
| Location: | Belper, Derbyshire |
| Company: | senploy |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 194340 |
Summary
HEAD TEACHER - THE BELPER SCHOOL (PMLD), BELPER
Bayleaf Care: Amazing Things Are Happening Here!
We are looking for a Head Teacher for our new (P/MLD) school in Belper, Derbyshire. This will be a Specialist Independent School for pupils aged 7-18 years with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD)
This a full-time permanent role due to start in April 2026.
Salary: up to £85,000 (dependent on experience) plus bonus (5% for Good, 10% for Outstanding) There is also an annual Quality and Compliance measurable bonus (2.5% for bench mark GOOD, 5% for bench mark OUTSTANDING)
About The Belper School
Bayleaf Care is delighted to announce the creation of The Belper School, a brand-new, purpose-built special school designed to meet the needs of young people with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD).
Opening in September 2026, The Belper School will provide outstanding education and care for up to 25 pupils aged 7-18, all of whom require 1:1 support. Our curriculum will be tailored to each learner's individual needs, focusing on communication, independence, sensory learning, life skills, and functional literacy and numeracy. We will draw on frameworks such as EQUALS, ASDAN, Oak Academy, and AQA.
This role also includes leadership oversight of Bayleaf's two existing education hubs based in Burton-on-Trent (Postern and Doveside), which currently educate up to 10 young people residing in Bayleaf's children's homes.
The Role
As the founding Headteacher, you will have the rare opportunity to shape The Belper School from the ground up, creating a culture where every child is seen, heard, and supported to thrive. You will:
· Lead the establishment, growth, and daily leadership of the school
· Drive the vision, ethos, and culture from inception
· Recruit, inspire, and manage a dedicated, highly skilled staff team
· Design and deliver a meaningful, individualised curriculum for each pupil
· Ensure high standards of teaching, safeguarding, compliance, and Ofsted readiness
· Oversee the Postern and Doveside education hubs, maintaining consistency of practice
· Collaborate closely with Bayleaf's residential and therapeutic services to deliver holistic education
· Build strong relationships with families, local authorities, and external professionals
About You
We are seeking an experienced, inspirational, and compassionate leader with a passion for PMLD education. You will have:
Essential:
· Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
· Proven senior leadership experience within a PMLD or complex SEND setting
· Track record of driving school improvement and achieving strong Ofsted outcomes
· Deep understanding of SEND legislation and individualised education
· Experience in safeguarding, compliance, and multi-agency working
· Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
Desirable:
· NPQH (or equivalent)
· Experience of opening or developing a new SEND provision
· Knowledge of sensory and therapeutic education approaches
What We Offer
· A competitive salary of up to £85,000 and a bonus scheme
· The chance to build and lead a brand-new special school
· Support from a forward-thinking, well-resourced provider
· Competitive salary and benefits
· Continuous professional development and leadership mentoring
· Access to clinical and therapeutic support within the Bayleaf network
· The opportunity to make a lasting impact on young lives
About Bayleaf Care
Bayleaf Care delivers exceptional care and education for children and young people who have experienced trauma or have additional learning needs. Using the PACE model (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy), we ensure every child feels safe, valued, and understood.
Our organisation currently includes:
· 5 children's homes (2 with schools)
· 2 education hubs (Postern and Doveside)
· 2 leaving care services (opening 2026)
· 3 adult transition homes (CQC registered)
This structure ensures our young people experience stability and continuity through care, education, and adulthood.
How to Apply
In the first instance please submit your CV, or if your CV is out of date and you initially had a few questions about the role, submit what you have because we always call potential candidates to see if you have any questions and tell you more about Bayleaf Care and the role.
Bayleaf Care - Amazing Things Are Happening Here.
Join us in building something truly special.
Bayleaf Care: Amazing Things Are Happening Here!
We are looking for a Head Teacher for our new (P/MLD) school in Belper, Derbyshire. This will be a Specialist Independent School for pupils aged 7-18 years with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD)
This a full-time permanent role due to start in April 2026.
Salary: up to £85,000 (dependent on experience) plus bonus (5% for Good, 10% for Outstanding) There is also an annual Quality and Compliance measurable bonus (2.5% for bench mark GOOD, 5% for bench mark OUTSTANDING)
About The Belper School
Bayleaf Care is delighted to announce the creation of The Belper School, a brand-new, purpose-built special school designed to meet the needs of young people with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD).
Opening in September 2026, The Belper School will provide outstanding education and care for up to 25 pupils aged 7-18, all of whom require 1:1 support. Our curriculum will be tailored to each learner's individual needs, focusing on communication, independence, sensory learning, life skills, and functional literacy and numeracy. We will draw on frameworks such as EQUALS, ASDAN, Oak Academy, and AQA.
This role also includes leadership oversight of Bayleaf's two existing education hubs based in Burton-on-Trent (Postern and Doveside), which currently educate up to 10 young people residing in Bayleaf's children's homes.
The Role
As the founding Headteacher, you will have the rare opportunity to shape The Belper School from the ground up, creating a culture where every child is seen, heard, and supported to thrive. You will:
· Lead the establishment, growth, and daily leadership of the school
· Drive the vision, ethos, and culture from inception
· Recruit, inspire, and manage a dedicated, highly skilled staff team
· Design and deliver a meaningful, individualised curriculum for each pupil
· Ensure high standards of teaching, safeguarding, compliance, and Ofsted readiness
· Oversee the Postern and Doveside education hubs, maintaining consistency of practice
· Collaborate closely with Bayleaf's residential and therapeutic services to deliver holistic education
· Build strong relationships with families, local authorities, and external professionals
About You
We are seeking an experienced, inspirational, and compassionate leader with a passion for PMLD education. You will have:
Essential:
· Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
· Proven senior leadership experience within a PMLD or complex SEND setting
· Track record of driving school improvement and achieving strong Ofsted outcomes
· Deep understanding of SEND legislation and individualised education
· Experience in safeguarding, compliance, and multi-agency working
· Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
Desirable:
· NPQH (or equivalent)
· Experience of opening or developing a new SEND provision
· Knowledge of sensory and therapeutic education approaches
What We Offer
· A competitive salary of up to £85,000 and a bonus scheme
· The chance to build and lead a brand-new special school
· Support from a forward-thinking, well-resourced provider
· Competitive salary and benefits
· Continuous professional development and leadership mentoring
· Access to clinical and therapeutic support within the Bayleaf network
· The opportunity to make a lasting impact on young lives
About Bayleaf Care
Bayleaf Care delivers exceptional care and education for children and young people who have experienced trauma or have additional learning needs. Using the PACE model (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy), we ensure every child feels safe, valued, and understood.
Our organisation currently includes:
· 5 children's homes (2 with schools)
· 2 education hubs (Postern and Doveside)
· 2 leaving care services (opening 2026)
· 3 adult transition homes (CQC registered)
This structure ensures our young people experience stability and continuity through care, education, and adulthood.
How to Apply
In the first instance please submit your CV, or if your CV is out of date and you initially had a few questions about the role, submit what you have because we always call potential candidates to see if you have any questions and tell you more about Bayleaf Care and the role.
Bayleaf Care - Amazing Things Are Happening Here.
Join us in building something truly special.