Head of School

Head of School – Cherry Tree School (Walsall) Independent Special School Contract type: Full Time, Permanent Salary L10 – L15 on the National Teachers’ Leadership Scale (dependent on experience) Start Date: 01/09/2026 Cherry Tree School in Walsall is part a rapidly growing group of independent special schools with locations in the West Midlands, Cheshire and the Northwest, providing specialist education and therapeutic support to children and young people, aged 3 to 19, with social, emotional and mental health needs, autism, cognition and learning needs, including severe learning difficulties.​ About Us At the Hopedale Group, we are passionate about transforming the lives of children and young people with Special Educational Needs. We believe every child deserves to feel safe, valued and understood. Across our family of schools, experienced educators and therapists work together within a therapeutic community model, ensuring each pupil receives personalised provision built around their individual strengths and needs.​ Our school provides a nurturing, therapeutic and ambitious learning environment where pupils are supported to achieve academically, socially and emotionally. We pride ourselves on creating a culture where relationships matter, staff wellbeing is prioritised, and every child is encouraged to thrive. We are now seeking an exceptional and inspirational Head of School to join our leadership team and help shape the next stage of our development. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic leader who is committed to outstanding safeguarding practice, high-quality education, and making a genuine difference to the lives of vulnerable children and young people. Our schools are consistently recognised for high standards, strong outcomes and nurturing environments where pupils grow in confidence, independence and resilience. About the Role Working closely with the Executive Head and Proprietorial Group, the Head of School will provide operational