Headteacher Mountjoy School

Following the announced retirement of our current inspirational Headteacher, the Governing Body of Mountjoy School in Beaminster, close to the beautiful Jurassic Coast in West Dorset, will shortly be advertising for an inspiring, visionary, and compassionate new leader to take up the post from 1st January 2027.

Supported by a dedicated staff team, a skilled and supportive governing body, excellent community links, local partnerships and strong relationships with families, our school offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced leader to build on strong foundations and guide us into the next stage of our journey.

Guided by our ethos of “making a difference today for tomorrow,” we are proud to be Mountjoy School, where we have created a nurturing, ambitious, and inclusive environment where every learner can thrive. As a close-knit community special school catering for up to 110 pupils aged 4 to 19, we support a range of complex learning needs, including Severe and Complex Learning Difficulties (SLD/PMLD) and Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Operating from our state-of-the-art facilities—including a sensory studio, media hub, and hydrotherapy pool—and rated 'Good' in all areas by Ofsted, this Group 6 position offers an exceptional opportunity for an experienced leader to build on our strong foundations of lived inclusion.

We have undergone an unprecedented period of growth in the last 5 years, partly due to the enormous demand for special school places in Dorset and the popularity of Mountjoy with parents and carers. With an exciting 'new build' on the horizon, this is a rare chance to really make a difference and drive long-term strategic success.

What we are looking for:

• A visionary leader with a proven track record of inspiring staff, pupils, and families within a specialist SEND environment (Minimum Special School Leadership Experience: 2 years).
• An individual who champions absolute inclusion, child-centred education, and high developmental and academic standards.
• A leader deeply committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children with complex needs.

What we offer you:

• A forward-thinking leadership team
• Purpose-built, state-of-the-art campus in Beaminster (just over 6 miles from Bridport) and the Jurassic Coast
• A Governing Body, deeply committed to your success and well-being
• Space to innovate on the new farm-school development

Job Description: 
As Headteacher at Mountjoy School, you will be responsible for the overall leadership, management, and development of the school. You will work closely with staff, students, parents, and governors to ensure high standards of education and wellbeing across the school. This role requires strong leadership skills without adherence to any specific curriculum framework. We are looking for a resilient leader with strong SEN experience, compassion and strategic leadership capabilities to drive inclusion, safety, and high-quality educational outcomes.

Skills and Qualifications:
Substantial experience in a SEND or specialist school setting

• Proven ability to lead and inspire teaching staff
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  Strong organisational and decision-making abilities
• A clear understanding of Ofsted frameworks and Safeguarding
• Ability to manage budgets effectively
• Experience in developing policies that promote student welfare and academic success
  Commitment to continuous professional development

Values and Attitudes:

• A passion for creating an inclusive educational environment where every student can thrive
• Integrity, fairness, and transparency in all dealings with staff, students, parents, and stakeholders
• A collaborative approach that values teamwork among staff members and includes managing multidisciplinary teams
• Resilience under pressure combined with a positive outlook on challenges 
• Dedication to fostering respect, kindness, responsibility, and ambition within the school community
  
  N.B. The governors are open to exploring alternative headship models. 
  
  If you are ready to take on this rewarding leadership opportunity at Mountjoy School where your expertise will make a real difference in shaping young lives, please apply now. We urge you to book a visit to see Mountjoy School, this will be invaluable in supporting your application.