Job Opportunities

We are looking for an outstanding and inspirational leader who will support the team in creating the best outcomes for our children and young people.  

Hilden Park School is part of Witherslack Group.  It is an independent specialist day school for children aged 6 to 18, providing high quality education. Located in Hildenborough, just north-west of Tonbridge, Kent this unique setting is home to a specialist learning environment supporting up to 72 children.

You will be working with children and young people with complex educational needs, social, emotional and mental health needs, communication difficulties and challenging behaviours.

You will set the vision for the future of the school, ensuring we have the right people and plans in place to see that our young people leave feeling proud of what they’ve achieved.

You will get all the support you need to succeed, from the broader management team to a range of supporting specialists. Your colleagues will be the best at what they do, the school environments will be well-resourced, and we will help you build a rewarding career.
 

We know you’re going to do great things. For your hard work and commitment, we reward you with the best salary and benefits package in the education sector. With us, you’ll get to bring learning to life and make a genuine difference to the lives of our young people – plus you’ll get:

• Bonuses: 10% performance based bonus and a long-term incentive plan which can equate to 30% of salary each year

• Training: A full induction and on the job training

• Holiday: You’ll work hard at WG, so you’ll be rewarded with full school holidays

• Progression: If career development is your thing, most of our head teachers have been promoted from within our group

• Flexible benefits: meaning you can increase/decrease benefits such as life insurance – check out our benefits here

• Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance

• Medical cover you’ll be eligible for BUPA healthcare and a health scheme covering dental and eye care

• Pension: we offer a range of pensions to suit your lifestyle needs including Teachers’ Pension and our very attractive TPS alternative

• Beautiful working environments with the very best facilities – check out our schools here

• A recommend a friend scheme that offers a £1,000 bonus every time

To be an outstanding Witherslack Group Head Teacher you will be a multi-talented professional, have great leadership and communication skills, endless enthusiasm, resilience and vision, and a commitment to both the education and achievement of each and every child.

We will help you innovate and continue your professional development. You can expect both support and challenge from our Regional Director, as well as access to a range of specialists. These include our School Improvement Partners, Safeguarding, Behaviour and Inclusion Team, Assessment and Quality Evaluation experts, and the Group’s Commercial Team.

Our young people come from all walks of life, diverse backgrounds and with different needs – and our workforce reflects that diversity, so that our teams can engage, encourage and inspire our young people to be themselves. You’ll be able to connect with our pupils, staff and wider community and continue to develop out strong partnerships.

You will need previous teaching experience and have Qualified Teacher Status.

You will also need a minimum of 3 years’ experience in a Deputy Head Teacher role or similar position.

For further information and to arrange an informal visit please contact Patricia Wilson (Regional Director)

Our young people deserve the best possible future and we feel the same about our teams. You deserve to have the career you want, with a purpose-led employer, in an environment that allows you to be yourself.

Closing Date: 12th June 2026

Interviews: Week commencing 22nd June 2026

At Witherslack Group, inclusion is part of who we are. We’re committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued and that they truly belong.

As a specialist provider of education and care for children and young people with special educational needs, we understand the importance of embracing individuality and championing difference- especially when it comes to neurodiversity. We celebrate diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and the unique strengths that each person brings to our community.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities. We are proud to be recognised as an inclusive employer and are committed to making our recruitment and workplace practices inclusive and accessible. If you need any adjustments to support you through the recruitment process or in the workplace, we’ll be there every step of the way.

By building a diverse and inclusive team, we’re better able to support the children, young people and families we serve and ensure every member of our team can thrive, grow, and be their authentic self.

The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (we will cover the cost) and an online search. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.

For a full job description please click here and for the person specification, please click here .

For an informal conversation regarding this role please contact Patricia Wilson, Regional Director via email - to arrange a call back.

To view our ex-offenders policy please click here .

To view our Child Protection Policy, please visit the 'Parents and Carers' section of this School/Learning centre. You can find all our Schools here .

Special Education / Careers in Care / Careers in Special Education / Working with Children / SEMH / SEN / ASD

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