Interim Senior Leader - Special School Dorset
CV-LibraryDorchester, DorsetcontractPosted: 10 September 2026
Apply NowInterim Senior Leader, Pastoral & Inclusion, Special School, Dorset
We are recruiting on behalf of a specialist SEND school in Dorset, supporting pupils with a range of special needs. The school requires an experienced interim senior leader for the autumn term.
The role:
Leading the pastoral side of the school: behaviour, attendance, inclusion, safeguarding and the development of trauma-informed practice. You will provide strategic leadership to the wider pastoral and support team, coach and mentor newer leaders, and be a visible presence around the school, working alongside another senior leader at the same level and reporting into the senior leadership team. This is a non-teaching role with structured induction time before pupil-facing work, and safeguarding leadership is central to the remit.
About the school:
A specialist setting on an exciting improvement journey, with a supportive and experienced leadership team above the role and a strong multidisciplinary team around the pupils. This is a growing school investing in its leadership structure, not a school in difficulty.
Details:
* Start: Immediate
* Duration: Through to Christmas initially, with extensions likely and the opportunity to apply for the permanent post
* Days: Five days per week, on site ideally
* Pay: Competitive daily rate via umbrella
* Interviews: Happening quickly
What we're looking for:
* Genuine special school leadership experience
* Current safeguarding leadership experience essential; DSL experience ideal
* Strong operational leadership and the ability to lead a multidisciplinary team, including colleagues who aren't teachers
* Empathetic, excellent with families and external professionals
If this sounds like you, please apply with your CV or get in touch for a confidential conversation
We are recruiting on behalf of a specialist SEND school in Dorset, supporting pupils with a range of special needs. The school requires an experienced interim senior leader for the autumn term.
The role:
Leading the pastoral side of the school: behaviour, attendance, inclusion, safeguarding and the development of trauma-informed practice. You will provide strategic leadership to the wider pastoral and support team, coach and mentor newer leaders, and be a visible presence around the school, working alongside another senior leader at the same level and reporting into the senior leadership team. This is a non-teaching role with structured induction time before pupil-facing work, and safeguarding leadership is central to the remit.
About the school:
A specialist setting on an exciting improvement journey, with a supportive and experienced leadership team above the role and a strong multidisciplinary team around the pupils. This is a growing school investing in its leadership structure, not a school in difficulty.
Details:
* Start: Immediate
* Duration: Through to Christmas initially, with extensions likely and the opportunity to apply for the permanent post
* Days: Five days per week, on site ideally
* Pay: Competitive daily rate via umbrella
* Interviews: Happening quickly
What we're looking for:
* Genuine special school leadership experience
* Current safeguarding leadership experience essential; DSL experience ideal
* Strong operational leadership and the ability to lead a multidisciplinary team, including colleagues who aren't teachers
* Empathetic, excellent with families and external professionals
If this sounds like you, please apply with your CV or get in touch for a confidential conversation