*The Amicus Community – The Amicus School*
*Start:* April 2026 or sooner by agreement
*Contract:* Permanent, Full Time
*Location:* Fontwell, West Sussex
*About The Amicus Community*
The Amicus Community is a unique, independent children’s therapeutic community providing integrated education, care and psychotherapy for children aged 4–16 with complex trauma and attachment difficulties. We comprise of specialist SEN school and 3 residential children’s homes, working within a psychoanalytic, trauma-informed, and reflective model. Amicus is accredited by The Royal College of Psychiatrists.
Our school is small and nurturing and can take up to 36 children. The school sits at the heart of the community, offering a highly relational, carefully structured learning environment for pupils whose educational journeys have often been disrupted by significant adversity.
We are now seeking an exceptional Headteacher to lead our school into its next chapter.
*The Role*
As Headteacher, you will provide strategic, operational and inspirational leadership to the school, ensuring outstanding educational provision within a deeply therapeutic context. You will work closely with the CEO/Clinical Director and the wider senior leadership team across care and therapies and network teams, contributing to the life of the whole community.
*You will be responsible for:*
· Providing clear, values-led leadership to staff and pupils
· Ensuring high-quality teaching, learning and curriculum development
· Maintaining full compliance with DfE, Ofsted and statutory requirements
· Leading inspection readiness, self-evaluation and school improvement
· Developing staff through reflective, relational leadership
· Working closely with therapeutic and residential colleagues to ensure integrated care and education
· Upholding the emotional and psychological safety of pupils and staff
*The Person*
We are looking for a Headteacher who:
· Has successful senior leadership experience in SEN, alternative provision or specialist settings
· Has a strong understanding of trauma, attachment and therapeutic education (or a genuine commitment to developing this)
· Is a confident, values-driven leader with emotional intelligence and warmth
· Can lead with clarity, containment and compassion
· Is experienced in Ofsted and regulatory frameworks
· Thrives within complexity and is reflective in their practice
Experience of working within therapeutic communities, residential education, or complex SEN environments is highly desirable.
*Why Join Amicus?*
· Work within a nationally recognised therapeutic community accredited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists
· Lead a small, highly specialist school with strong multidisciplinary collaboration
· Be part of a reflective, thinking organisation that genuinely prioritises staff development and emotional wellbeing
· Shape the future of a unique and deeply meaningful provision
*We offer:*
· A community that values emotional depth and reflective thinking
· Regular clinical supervision and individualised and group clinical support
· Paid for weekly external professional psychoanalytic psychotherapy sessions
· leadership development and ongoing therapeutic training
· a model where wellbeing is protected — for children and staff
· Company sick pay
· Employee Health Cash Plan
· Group Life Assurance
· Blue Light Card
· Competitive company pension scheme
· Free meals whilst working
· Free parking
*Application Process*
*Closing date:* 30th December 2025
*Interviews:* Week commencing 12th January 2026
*Safeguarding Statement*
The Amicus Community is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks, references, and pre-employment safeguarding checks in line with DfE guidance.
For an informal discussion about the role and an application pack, please contact: Poppy or Kayleigh on 01243 544107 or email *recruitment@theamicuscommunity.com*
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £65,286.00-£80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Casual dress
* Company pension
* Discounted or free food
* Free parking
* Health & wellbeing programme
* Life insurance
* On-site parking
* Referral programme
* Sick pay
Application question(s):
* Do you have a degree level qualification?
* Do you have Senior leadership experience in an SEN, SEMH, trauma-informed or therapeutic school?
Licence/Certification:
* QTS (required)
* Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
