Principal

Newman Special School is entering an exciting new chapter, and we are delighted to invite applications for our next Principal. The new Principal will join at an exciting time when the school begins it's journey with Venn Academy Trust.

The focus will be on developing inclusive environments and excellent teaching for all pupils so they belong, thrive and achieve success.

If you are a passionate, ambitious leader who is committed to securing the very best outcomes for our wonderful pupils, we would love to hear from you.

We are looking for a Principal who:

Ensures our pupils feel safe, happy and able to learn

Demonstrates an unwavering commitment in providing the best possible care and education for all pupils

Is committed to providing the right curriculum for every pupil so they achieve great things and are prepared for adulthood

Is passionate about inclusive classroom practice and providing the best quality first teaching for every pupil

Champions the importance of good attendance and supports families to achieve this

Builds strong relationships with families, the wider community, and external partners.

Understands and is committed to pastoral support and behaviour management

Inspires, empowers, nurtures and develops our talented team

Provide inspirational leadership and a clear strategic vision for the whole school.

Champion high standards of teaching, learning, care, and safeguarding across all phases.

Lead with integrity, ambition, and a relentless focus on improving outcomes for pupils with complex needs.

Ensure the effective management of resources, compliance, and operational excellence.

We are looking for a leader who:

Has recent, successful senior leadership experience within specialist or inclusive educational settings

Has a proven track record of school improvement

Is an excellent communicator and can build on the successful working relationships with families, staff, local authority and wider community

Demonstrates a deep understanding of SEND and a commitment to ensuring every learner achieves their potential.

Can motivate and empower others, building a positive and aspirational school culture.

Is resilient, reflective, and values collaborative working.

Brings strong organisational, financial, and strategic planning skill

We offer

A school that is committed to inclusion, the importance of developing the whole child and building relationships that serve the whole school community

A welcoming, committed, and highly skilled staff team.

Pupils who inspire us every day.

A network of Trust colleagues including principals from mainstream and specialist settings to be peers

A dedicated and highly supported central team and trust board, with a clear vision and ambitious aspirations for the school and trust

A new to headship programme to help build confidence, and the knowledge and skills to achieve personal and school success if this is your first headship

Supportive governance and trust-level collaboration.

Opportunities for professional development and system leadership.

The chance to lead a school with huge potential and a strong community identity.

The school is a split site (Dinnington and Whiston) and there is the expectation the role will involve travel between and leadership over both sites.

For an informal conversation about the role , please contact Nicola Witham , Regional Director [email removed]

Visits to the school are warmly encouraged; please make an appointment to arrange.

Closing date: Thursday 15 October 2026 at 9am

The trust reserves the right to close the advert early if enough applications have been received.

Our Multi Academy Trust is a group of inspirational and aspirational mainstream and specialist schools in Yorkshire whose main objective is to ensure that all pupils make exceptional progress through the development of outstanding staff.

Venn Academy Trust is committed to achieving fairness and equality in employment and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Our Trust is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects all staff to share this commitment.

An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants

Online searches will be carried out as part of Venn Academy Trust’s recruitment due diligence for all shortlisted candidates, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.