School Principal

**The Forum School**
Dorset£70,000 - £92,700 per year

**Salary**:

Up to £92,700 DOE + Performance related bonuses and Management Incentive Plan eligibility**Job type**:

Full Time, Permanent**Start date**:

30 September 20257 September 2025**Job overview**:
**School Principal / Head of Service**

**Location**: The Forum School, Blandford Forum, Dorset**Salary**: up to £92,700 DOE + Performance related bonuses and Management Incentive Plan eligibilityWe are looking for an outstanding school leader who has a proven successful track record, with a comprehensive understanding of both the Education and Care setting for SEN, and the drive to develop positive and engaging relationships with all the key stakeholders working closely with our teams. We want you to take our school from ‘good’ to ‘great’.As the School Principal / Head of service This role will require you to lead both the Education and the Residential aspect of the school as the Responsible Individual (RI) for the two children’s homes registrations.You will have the experience and knowledge of the Children’s homes regulations and independent school standards to effectively lead the school. The children’s homes are managed by an experienced Registered Manager and the school with an experienced head teacher. Our very unique school and residential children’s homes sit on the same groundsBringing our plans for The Forum School to life will be challenging and intense but, with enthusiasm, creativity and a hands-on approach, the reward and satisfaction will be second to none. You will have a unique opportunity to shape and deliver the long-term strategy for the school and our drive to transform the lives of our young people.Desirable Qualifications
- NPQH or Principals Qualifying Programme. (Other relevant qualifications and/or experience may be acceptable)
- Recognised Degree level teaching qualification or equivalent/ Social Work Qualification or Equivalent
- NVQ or Diploma Level 5 in Leadership & Management in Residential Children's Services or equivalent
- Previous experience as a Registered Manager/RI role in a Residential Children's Care Setting
- NVQ Level 4 in Leadership and Management for Care Services
- Clean, current driving licence

About the school
The Forum School is a day and residential school supporting children up to 52-weeks for children and young people diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and associated complex needs. The onsite homes are rated as Good in all areas with OFSTED (September 2024), the school is rated as RI, with Behaviour and Attitudes rated as being Good.Located in the glorious Dorset countryside with 28 acres of land for play and relaxation, the school boasts of many facilities such as a theatre, sports hall, indoor and outdoor riding areas, climbing wall, multiple safe play areas and a swimming pool and stables.Our children and young people have full access to the National Curriculum with teaching appropriately differentiated to meet their needs. In addition, The Forum School draws upon a proven programme of specialist education and 24-hour care with a wide range of clinical and therapeutic inputs. Multi-disciplinary teams and high staffing ratios ensure intensive individual support. In each class, six students benefit from the attentions of a teacher and at least two teaching assistants.Our teams are fully committed to Cambian’s goals. They understand the challenges and rewards of working with our young people to make their everyday an extraordinary day.**Safeguarding Statement**

**The Cambian Group is an Equal Opportunities employer.**

**Recruiter contact**:
**Call us**

**About**The Forum School**:
**The Forum School**
- Shillingstone, Blandford Forum
Dorset
DT11 0QS
United Kingdom
- +44 1258 860 295The Forum School was deemed to be “an outstanding school” for Autistic Spectrum Disorders, as determined by Ofsted in their June 2006 report. Our students span the spectrum, from associated learning difficulty to High Functioning Autism / Asperger Syndrome. We offer a 38-52 week co-educational programme for students aged 7-19 years. Admission can take place at any time during the school year.

Students have full access to the national curriculum with teaching appropriately differentiated to meet the needs of our young people. The Forum draws upon a proven programme of Specialist Education, Specialist 24-hour Care and a wide range of Clinical and Therapeutic Inputs, including Speech & Language Therapy, Behavioural Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Psychiatry and Psychology. Multi-disciplinary teams and high staff ratios ensure intensive individual support.

The Forum is located in the glorious Dorset countryside near the village of Shillingstone. We have 28 acres of land, providing areas for play and relaxation, ideal for students with ASD. The school has a full size riding stable, theatre and swimming pool.
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