Head of School – Nurture Pathway

Job Description

Job Location: South London, Croydon, Greater London, CR0 1AX, UK

Are you a visionary SEND leader with deep expertise in Autism, complex communication needs, and specialist provision? Do you thrive on transforming practice, empowering staff, and shaping exceptional outcomes for pupils with the most complex learning profiles? If so, Serenity School Croydon wants to meet you.

We are seeking an outstanding Head of School for our Nurture Pathway—a strategic, specialist leadership role at the heart of our mission to deliver world‑class provision for pupils with Autism and significant communication and learning needs.

This is not a typical leadership post. It is a chance to shape the future of specialist education, influence practice across multiple schools, and lead a pathway designed for pupils who require the highest levels of expertise, structure, and specialist pedagogy.

Why Join Serenity Education Group?

A specialist environment where your expertise truly matters

You will lead a pathway designed specifically for pupils who are pre‑verbal, minimally verbal, or require highly structured, communication‑focused provision. Your knowledge will directly transform lives.

A leadership role with real strategic influence

You will shape curriculum, pedagogy, communication practice, and school improvement across the Nurture pathway—driving consistency, quality, and innovation.

A culture built on values, expertise, and compassion

Serenity is known for its specialist model, its commitment to Autism‑informed practice, and its belief that every pupil deserves a personalised, ambitious, and meaningful education.

A chance to grow and lead

You will work across the Serenity Education Group, collaborating with senior leaders, MDT professionals, and specialist practitioners to build capacity and strengthen provision at scale.

A place where professional development is a priority

We invest in our leaders. You will receive ongoing CPD, coaching, and opportunities to shape group‑wide strategy.

About the Role

As Head of School: Nurture, you will:

• Lead the strategic development and continuous improvement of the Nurture pathway
• Drive specialist curriculum design, implementation, and quality assurance
• Ensure communication development is central to all provision, including AAC, PECS, and Total Communication
• Strengthen specialist teaching practice through coaching, mentoring, and modelling
• Evaluate provision through learning walks, engagement observations, and evidence reviews
• Build leadership capacity and develop staff across multiple schools
• Work closely with the SIP, Headteacher, and MDT to deliver the Serenity Education strategy
• Ensure pupils develop communication, regulation, independence, engagement, and readiness for learning

This is a role for a leader who is both strategic and hands‑on, with the credibility, expertise, and passion to transform specialist practice.

Who We’re Looking For

You will be:

• An experienced SEND leader with a strong track record in specialist Autism provision
• An expert in communication development, AAC, and Autism‑informed pedagogy
• A skilled evaluator of teaching, learning, and specialist practice
• A confident coach and mentor who can build capacity and inspire others
• A strategic thinker with the ability to drive improvement across multiple settings
• Deeply committed to improving outcomes for pupils with the most complex needs

Safeguarding

Serenity Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.

Related Documents

1. HoS NURTURE JD.pdf