Headteacher

We are looking for an exceptional, values-led Headteacher who understands what makes Blackfriars Academy such a special place and who will be an inspirational and compassionate leader, able to bring people together around a shared purpose. You will share our belief that education has the power to transform lives and have the vision and ambition to ensure that every pupil, regardless of their starting point or the barriers they face, receives a highly personalised, meaningful and enriching education.

Our pupils are extraordinary, individual and diverse. They have a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities, including autism, moderate and severe learning difficulties, physical disabilities, and complex sensory and medical needs. They require a leader who is passionate about ensuring that every young person is understood, valued and supported to achieve their potential.

We are looking for someone who can confidently lead an ambitious special school, while never losing sight of the individual child at the heart of every decision. You will recognise that progress looks different for every young person and be equally ambitious for their communication, independence, wellbeing, personal development and preparation for adulthood as you are for their academic and accredited outcomes.

You will be a visible, approachable and trusted leader who builds strong relationships with pupils, families, staff and the wide range of professionals who support our young people. You will understand that the very best specialist education is built upon effective partnership with families, health and social care professionals and the wider community, and will lead those relationships with empathy, warmth and integrity.

This is a role for someone who combines strategic leadership with genuine humanity – someone who can maintain high expectations, build upon the strengths of the Academy and drive continued improvement, while creating a safe, secure and positive environment in which pupils and staff are given every opportunity to flourish.

Above all, we are looking for a Headteacher who will embrace what makes Blackfriars special, champion our pupils with unwavering belief and ensure they develop the voice, confidence, independence and skills they need for life beyond Blackfriars.

If you would like to arrange a tour of the School or for a further discussion about the role, please email our National Education Director of Special and Inclusion, Ian Armstrong (contact details can be found on the advert attachment).

Blackfriars Academy is a truly exceptional place to learn and grow.

We are a vibrant learning community of around 120 students aged 11 to 16, supported by more than 90 dedicated staff, working together to enable young people with a diverse range of special educational needs to achieve their full potential.

At the heart of Blackfriars is the belief that education can transform lives. We provide an ambitious and highly personalised curriculum which recognises that success looks different for every pupil and which places communication, independence and preparation for adulthood at its heart.

Our established values and PRIDE in our school community reflect our determination to succeed while ensuring pupils experience the enjoyment of learning and life. We want every young person to have a voice, to experience success and to leave us better prepared for their next steps.

At Blackfriars, our young people do not simply attend school, they are known, valued, challenged and supported to flourish.

At Shaw Education Trust, we believe every role has the power to transform a life. Whether you’re supporting behind the scenes, inspiring in the classroom, or leading with vision, you will be part of something truly meaningful.

Our values— opportunity, integrity, community, and equity —guide everything we do. Our vision is “Opening doors to the world through the power of learning.” We bring this to life through our mission: working together to inspire communities where every school is valued, every voice matters, and every learner thrives.

We are a dynamic and growing family of primary, secondary, and special schools, proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury.

Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their development through high-quality training, apprenticeships, talent development programmes, and research opportunities, we empower our staff to thrive as skilled, confident professionals. We champion wellbeing, value every voice, and foster a culture where you feel supported, motivated, and inspired to make a real difference.

You will join a collaborative network of schools where shared expertise and a strong professional community drive success. Every academy within our Trust has an equal voice, and every colleague plays a vital role in shaping tailored learning experiences that raise aspirations and build brighter futures.

If you have the passion, dedication, and drive to help shape lives and create futures filled with promise, we would love you to join our team.

Together, let’s make the remarkable happen.

We believe every child has the potential to be extraordinary.

Make a life-changing difference in one of our special schools

Our special schools are inspiring, welcoming and truly life-changing places to work. Every day, our dedicated teams help children and young people with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities to discover their strengths, achieve their ambitions and live happy, fulfilling lives.

Our pupils include children and young people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, complex medical needs, sensory impairments, moderate and severe learning difficulties, and social, emotional and mental health needs. Every pupil is unique, and every achievement and milestone is recognised and celebrated.

Join us and help transform lives, including your own.

Shaw Education Trust offer the following employee benefits with your Teaching or Support Staff employment:

• An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
• Support Staff only based on working full time, all year - Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years’ service including Bank Holidays)
• Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan: Enjoy health services designed to support your well-being.
• Free DiscountForTeachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching), Exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands.
• Free Eye Tests
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.

We know our people are the key to our success and so we’re committed to ensuring the employment experience at Shaw Education Trust is a rewarding one.

Colleagues within the Trust benefit from: Access to a full range of courses both in-house and professionally accredited. These courses include a variety of the National Professional Qualifications and the Early Carer Teacher Programme delivered by Shaw Education Trust as a delivery partner for Ambition Institute. 

• Experienced leadership and subject-specific support.

• Guidance from former HMIs and serving Ofsted Inspectors within the Trust.
• Access to the Trust’s Institute of Education and SCITT.
• Opportunities to work with different schools within the Trust as a Professional Advocate.
• Participating in peer reviews.
• Access to a suite of online courses.
• Placement projects within our family of schools.