Head of Aspire Department

Head of Aspire
Required: 1st September 2026
Salary: MPS/UPS
Additional Allowances: SEN2 TLR2A

Are you an inspirational leader who believes that every child regardless of their starting point deserves a seat at the table

Following the promotion of our current post-holder to Deputy Head we are looking for a visionary Head of Aspire to lead our unique transition provision. At Clare Mount we dont just teach; we empower pupils with MLD and ASC needs to see themselves as role models and catalysts for change.

The Role: Why Aspire

Our Aspire provision caters for a small number of pupils with slightly more complex or multiple needs or those who have experienced emotional barriers to school attendance but are not ready for school and ready to learn. It is designed for those pupils who find the transition to secondary school most challenging and / or those that need longer to learn to regulate their emotions. Our mission is simple yet profound: we ensure every child feels settled safe and seen.
As Head of Aspire you wont just be managing a department; you will be architecting the bridge between a pupils anxiety and their future success.

Your Impact

Lead with Heart: Guide a dedicated team across four classes (Years 7-11) fostering an I can mentality that ripples through the whole school.
Innovate the Curriculum: Work closely with our admissions team to design bespoke engaging learning pathways that adapt to individual cognitive and emotional needs.
Champion Belonging: Ensure every pupil finds their voice within our House system moving from a specialised environment to active participation in whole-school life.
Drive Transition: Turn accessing the curriculum from a hurdle into a milestone helping pupils move toward academic or nurture pathways as their confidence grows.

Who You Are

You are a talented innovative professional who doesnt settle for good enough. You likely have:
A proven track record of supporting pupils with SEND/ASC to achieve remarkable outcomes.
The leadership experience (or the clear potential) to step into a high-impact role and hit the ground running.
A belief that emotional self-regulation and self-care are the bedrock of academic achievement.

Why Join Clare Mount

We are an Outstanding school where staff belonging is just as important as pupil progress. You will join a supportive community where your professional growth is prioritised proven by the fact that our previous Head of Aspire has moved into Senior Leadership.

Ready to make a difference

If you have the passion to lead and the skill to inspire we would love to hear from you.

To apply please visit our website or send your letter of application (no more than 2 sides of A4) and completed application form to Mr Dan Keefe

Clare Mount Specialist Sports College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments will be subject to satisfactory safeguarding checks.

Clare Mount Specialist Sports College is committed to creating a diverse workforce. Well consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex race religion belief sexual orientation gender reassignment pregnancy maternity age disability marriage or civil partnership.

Closing Date: 7th May 2026 - 9am