Head of Education

Head of Education | Birchwood School, Cardiff 

Permanent | Full-Time | Competitive Salary

Birchwood School is seeking an exceptional and inspiring Head of Education to lead our specialist provision in Cardiff. This is a rare opportunity for an ambitious, values‑driven leader to shape a truly unique educational environment where pupils with complex needs can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. 

As Head of Education, you will provide strong professional leadership to the schools senior leadership team, ensure the effective day‑to‑day management of the school, and work closely with the Director of Education to drive continuous improvement. You will also act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring the highest standards of safeguarding and child protection across the school. 

About Birchwood School 

Birchwood School is part of a group of specialist schools supporting children and young people with a range of additional learning needs. Our approach is therapeutic, nurturing, and rooted in high expectations for every learner. With small class sizes, a skilled multi‑disciplinary team, and a commitment to innovation, Birchwood provides a unique environment where pupils and staff can excel. 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Communicate and champion a compelling school vision that empowers pupils and staff to excel.
• Lead with integrity, creativity, resilience, and clarity, modelling positive relationships and behaviours.
• Translate local and national policy into meaningful practice within the school context.
• Ensure the school presents a coherent and accurate account of its performance to stakeholders including Estyn, the Local Authority, Welsh Government, parents, and the wider community. 

Safeguarding

• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead, taking responsibility for safeguarding and child protection matters.
•  Refer cases of suspected abuse, radicalisation concerns, or potential criminal activity through appropriate channels.
• Support staff making referrals and ensure safeguarding policies are fully embedded. 

Pupils & Staff

• Set ambitious standards for all pupils, ensuring equality, inclusion, and high‑quality learning experiences.
•  Secure excellent teaching through strong curriculum design, data analysis, and evidence‑based practice.
• Create a culture of open classrooms, collaboration, and professional growth.
•  Recruit, develop, and retain a high‑quality staff team, ensuring clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability.
•  Promote an ethos where staff are motivated, supported, and held to high professional standards. 

Systems & Processes

• Ensure school systems are efficient, transparent, and fit for purpose.
•  Maintain a safe, calm, and well‑ordered environment focused on safeguarding and exemplary behaviour.
•  Support performance management processes and address under‑performance where necessary.
• Contribute to strategic financial planning and ensure resources are deployed effectively.
•  Maintain safe premises and ensure compliance with statutory frameworks, reporting, and attendance expectations. 

Continuous School Improvement

• Lead the day‑to‑day implementation of the School Improvement Plan, monitoring progress against measurable milestones.
•  Maintain a robust self‑evaluation framework to identify strengths and areas for development.
• Build strong partnerships with other schools, agencies, and professionals to share best practice and improve outcomes.
•  Promote innovation, research‑informed practice, and a culture of continuous improvement. 

What We’re Looking For

• A dynamic, forward‑thinking leader with a deep commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.
• Strong knowledge of education systems locally and nationally, with a passion for continuous professional development.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to inspire confidence across staff, pupils, families, and external partners.
•  Experience in safeguarding leadership and a strong understanding of trauma‑informed practice.
•  A collaborative, resilient, and principled leader who thrives in a values‑driven environment. 

Why Join Us?

• The opportunity to lead a highly specialist school with a strong therapeutic ethos.
•  A supportive senior leadership network across multiple schools.
•  A culture that values innovation, professional growth, and high‑quality education.
•  The chance to make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of children and young people. 

Ready to Lead Birchwood School? 

If you are an inspiring leader with the vision, expertise, and passion to guide Birchwood School into its next chapter, we would love to hear from you.