“…to develop a love of learning for life through providing high quality education that respects and celebrates our pupils’ unique strengths and abilities.”

 John Watson School is a thriving local authority-maintained community special school located in South Oxfordshire. Serving young people aged 2 to 19 with MLD, SLD, PMLD and ASD, our school is based on two sites in the neighbouring villages of Wheatley and Holton, five miles to the east of the city of Oxford.

The Governing Body is seeking to appoint a new Headteacher who shares our vision and values and who can demonstrate unwavering commitment to maximising pupil attainment, progress and achievement by developing an outstanding educational provision where pupils may achieve their fullest potential.

The successful candidate will be a highly capable leader with a clear sense of vision, strategic thinking and purpose. Warm, empathetic and possessing excellent communication and interpersonal skills, they will have the ability and ambition to inspire, motivate and lead a team of highly-skilled staff and be pivotal to maintaining strong partnerships with all stakeholders.

This is a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate and, in return, we can offer:

· a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment
· an enthusiastic and hardworking team of staff
· pupils who are proud of their school and who are keen to learn
· good facilities and outdoor space
· a strong and supportive governing body
· a commitment to enabling high quality continuing professional development

Further information about the role may be found in the Job Description. To be considered for this position, candidates must possess the qualifications and experience detailed in the Person Specification. The Job Description and the Person Specification may be found here: Headteacher recruitment pack

You are welcome to visit our school before applying. To arrange a visit, please email sbm@johnwatsonschool.org.

If you are ready to make a real, positive difference to John Watson School, we would very much welcome hearing from you.

John Watson School and Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and to promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment and the offer made to the successful candidate will be subject to and conditional upon an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and other relevant employment checks outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023, including a minimum of two references, one of which should be from the applicant’s most recent employer. As part of our recruitment process, we will require you to fill in an overseas check and self-declaration prior to interview.

* We reserve the right to close this advertisement earlier if we receive sufficient applications ahead of the closing date