Regional Principal SEND - Surrey 0170

Overview

We're currently looking for an experienced SEND leader to manage three specialist schools and shape the future of education for children and young people with SEND.

Aurora Chaldon, Redehall and Poppyfield Schools operate across four sites in Surrey, based in Redhill, Smallfield, Caterham and Effingham. Together, they provide a highly specialised, multidisciplinary approach to education, therapy and care. We are now seeking an outstanding Principal to provide strategic leadership, drive excellence and ensure the very best outcomes for every student.

The role

As Principal, you will hold overall accountability for the performance, quality, financial sustainability and future growth of all three schools. You will lead and inspire senior leadership teams and multidisciplinary staff to deliver outstanding education, care and therapeutic provision, aligned with the Aurora Group strategic vision.

This is a highly influential role, combining educational leadership with strong operational, commercial and people management responsibility. You will create a culture of high expectation, collaboration and inclusion, ensuring all students receive the support they need to thrive.

Key responsibilities

• Provide clear strategic leadership and direction across all sites, embedding a shared vision understood by staff, students and families
• Lead school improvement planning, ensuring high quality provision and outcomes that meet or exceed regulatory standards
• Motivate, support and challenge senior leaders, with a strong focus on staff development, wellbeing and retention
• Oversee the delivery of a holistic, evidence-based curriculum supported by effective assessment and high-quality teaching
• Ensure robust safeguarding, health and safety and regulatory compliance across all schools
• Manage budgets and resources effectively, balancing financial sustainability with quality and growth
• Build strong, positive relationships with parents, carers, local authorities, commissioners and community partners
• Contribute to the wider Aurora Group through collaboration, business development and strategic initiatives

Who we are looking for

You will be a credible, values-driven leader with a successful track record at senior level within the education sector. You will bring strong experience of leading multidisciplinary teams and supporting children and young people with complex needs, including autism and learning disabilities.

You will also offer:

• QTS and MPQH qualifications
• Strong understanding of SEND, safeguarding and relevant legislation
• Proven ability to lead teams through change and improvement
• Sound commercial and financial management skills
• Excellent communication, relationship-building and influencing skills
• Resilience, professionalism and a genuine commitment to inclusive education
• Experience of leading across multiple sites is desirable but not essential.

Why join Aurora

Aurora is a values-led organisation committed to delivering exceptional outcomes for children and young people. We invest in our leaders, value collaboration and place wellbeing, equality and safeguarding at the heart of everything we do. This role offers both impact and challenge, with the opportunity to shape services and make a lasting difference.

Additional Information

How to apply:

You can apply online by completing our online application form. For more information on this position, please contact

Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks including an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Aurora Group is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children and young adults.

The Aurora Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young adults in our care and is a disability confident and equal opportunities employer.

This advert could be taken down at any point in time without prior notice if the position is filled.

Please note that candidates that are shortlisted might be subject to an online search.