Headteacher

Job Introduction

We are seeking to appoint the next Headteacher of Riverside Special School in Waterlooville, Hampshire from January 2026. Our current headteacher has successfully led our school for many years and is now retiring from education. 

The Governors seek to appoint an individual who is passionate about leading a school where children with special educational needs and disabilities thrive. We’re looking for someone who is good at recognising and nurturing the talents of our staff team and who will enjoy the challenge of continuing to build this good school into an excellent one. They will have relevant experience in a specialist setting and a track record of success which demonstrates an ability to lead high quality educational and pastoral care.

The successful candidate will possess excellent communication and organisational skills. They should be able to foster positive relationships through personable, visible leadership with children, parents, staff and the wider school community.

The new Headteacher will be kind, caring and approachable. They will be motivated to get involved with all aspects of this busy and vibrant school. 

The School

Riverside Community Special School provides specialist support for pupils with moderate learning difficulties and autism spectrum. All pupils attending the school have an education, health and care plan. There are 149 places for children aged 4-11. Our last Ofsted inspection was in June 2023 when overall effectiveness was judged to be good. 

The successful candidate will have:-

• A strong commitment to safeguarding culture and practices
• Wide and recent experience in working with children with relevant complex needs, and their families
• Proven, substantial leadership experience at deputy head level or above
• A proven commitment to school improvement through a collaborative approach, including work with other schools
• A creative, clear and thoughtful approach to successfully delivering the school’s priorities
• A flexible, pragmatic and positive approach to managing change
• A working knowledge and understanding of school finances.

Riverside School will provide:-

• The opportunity to work with our brilliant young people
• A dedicated, welcoming and hardworking team of staff
• A committed and enthusiastic leadership team
• A Governing Body which is committed to your ongoing professional development and wellbeing
• A school building that boasts excellent facilities, including an off-site satellite provision

Application Procedure

The Governors encourage prospective candidate to visit on one of the open events which will take place on Wednesday 11 June 2025 from 1.30pm and Friday 13 June 2025 from 10am. If you would like to attend, then please contact the school office to secure your visit: 02392 250138 (option 3) 

Please find attached the Headteacher information pack and application form. 

To apply, download the attached application form by clicking the on the application form, then complete and save it. Once ready, click 'Apply' button to upload your completed application form.

You should provide a full statement in support of your application, which should not exceed two sides of A4 paper. Please do not restate the factual details already included elsewhere on the application form.

Selection Procedure

The shortlist will be drawn up and the selection process will take place during the week beginning 30 June 2025. Further details will be sent to those candidates called for interview.

Applicants will be advised after the shortlisting date whether they have been successful. 

Equality Monitoring

All applications will be required to complete an Equality Monitoring form.

Safer Recruitment

Riverside Special School and Hampshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.