Head of School, Ashford - Full-time - Special Needs Position

Goldwyn School, Ashford

• Ref:KCC886-7041-402L
• Posted:13/06/2025
• Pay:L6-L12
• Start Date:January 2026
• App Close Date:07/07/2025 at 13:00
• Interviews:14 and 15 July

Advert

Goldwyn School is seeking to appoint a dynamic, highly motivated, and experienced professional to lead the day-to-day operations, pastoral care, and safeguarding at our Great Chart site in Ashford.

This is a pivotal leadership role for someone who can inspire and guide a dedicated team, ensuring that all students, many with complex SEMH and ASD needs, are supported to thrive in a safe, respectful, and purposeful environment.

As Head of School, you will:

• Lead the daily running of the school, ensuring smooth operations and high-quality provision.
• Oversee pastoral care and act as Designated Safeguarding Lead for the site.
• Monitor student engagement and wellbeing throughout the day, responding flexibly and proactively to emerging needs.
• Model a calm, boundaried, and solution-focused approach to behaviour management.
• Coordinate staff to ensure all students access the curriculum and interventions effectively.
• Work collaboratively with the Goldwyn Strategy Board and senior leaders to deliver the school’s vision: Aspire, Empower, Achieve.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Proven leadership experience in a specialist or mainstream educational setting.
• A deep understanding of SEMH and ASD needs.
• Strong interpersonal and organisational skills.
• The ability to lead with empathy, clarity, and resilience.
• A commitment to inclusive education and student-centred practice.

In return, we offer:

• A supportive and forward-thinking leadership team.
• A passionate and skilled staff body.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• A chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.

We warmly welcome visits to our school.  To arrange a visit, please contact Tina Brobyn, HR Manager, at tina.brobyn@goldwyn.kent.sch.uk.

Visits are available on the following dates:

• Thursday 26 June
• Wednesday 2 July

Information about the school

Goldwyn School is a Kent Maintained Foundation Special School for students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, proudly rated Outstanding by Ofsted (October 2022). We operate across five unique sites in Ashford and Folkestone, each offering a tailored educational pathway to meet the diverse and complex needs of our students.

We are an aspirational and inspirational school, committed to nurturing the potential of every young person. Our inclusive ethos is underpinned by research-led, trauma-informed, and nurturing practices, ensuring that every student feels safe, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Our Sites: Each of our five sites offers a tailored educational pathway, ensuring that every student receives the support and opportunities they need to thrive: • Goldwyn Ashford - Great Chart, Ashford (TN23 3BT) • Goldwyn Folkestone - Parkfield Road, Folkestone (CT19 5BY) • Goldwyn Vocational Centre - Leacon Road, Ashford (TN23 4FB) • Goldwyn Plus - Beaver Lane, Ashford (TN23 5NX) • Goldwyn Nurture Hub – School Lane, Hothfield, Ashford (TN26 1HA)

Our Vision and Values: Our school community is built on the vision: Aspire ∙ Empower ∙ Achieve. We promote a culture where every member of our community demonstrates: • Resilience - Overcoming barriers with creativity and independence • Empathy - Caring for ourselves and others, fostering respect and belonging • Aiming - Striving to reach our full potential • Commitment - Dedicated to success, growth, and opportunity • Heart - Passionate about making a difference, championing equality and inclusion

Why Work at Goldwyn? “Goldwyn is a family; a truly supportive unit.” - School Governor

At Goldwyn, our staff are our superpower. We believe that a supported and valued team is essential to delivering the best education for our students. Here’s what makes Goldwyn a great place to work:

• A values-driven culture that shapes everything we do • A strong, dynamic leadership team offering coaching and mentorship • A collaborative environment that encourages innovation and shared learning • A rich CPD programme, including accredited training and leadership development • A strong focus on staff wellbeing with initiatives like: - Employee Assistance Programme (confidential counselling, legal advice, and more) - Free flu vaccinations - Free parking at all sites - Generous pension scheme - Kent Scheme Rewards

Leading the Way in SEMH Education As part of the KSENT Trust, Goldwyn staff benefit from opportunities to engage in practitioner research, school-to-school support, and national-level collaboration. We are proud to be at the forefront of SEMH education, shaping best practices and making a real difference in the lives of young people.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Mrs Kerry Greene
• Address:Godinton Lane, Great Chart, Ashford, Kent, TN23 3BT
• Telephone: 01233 622958
• Email: tina.brobyn@goldwyn.kent.sch.uk

Fax: 01233 662177

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Candidate Information Pack