Coming Soon – An Exciting Special School Headteacher Opportunity
Following the announced retirement of our current inspirational Headteacher, the Governing Body of Mountjoy School in Beaminster, close to the beautiful Jurassic Coast in West Dorset, will shortly be advertising for an inspiring, visionary, and compassionate new leader to take up the post from 1st January 2027.
Supported by a dedicated staff team, a skilled and supportive governing body, excellent community links, local partnerships and strong relationships with families, our school offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced leader to build on strong foundations and guide us into the next stage of our journey.
Guided by our ethos of “making a difference today for tomorrow,” we are proud to be Mountjoy School, where we have created a nurturing, ambitious, and inclusive environment where every learner can thrive. As a close-knit community special school catering for up to 110 pupils aged 4 to 19, we support a range of complex learning needs, including Severe and Complex Learning Difficulties (SLD/PMLD) and Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Operating from our state-of-the-art facilities—including a sensory studio and hydrotherapy pool—and rated ‘Good’ in all areas by Ofsted, this Group 6 position offers an exceptional opportunity for an experienced leader to build on our strong foundations of lived inclusion. With an exciting ‘new build’ on the horizon, this is a rare chance to really make a difference and drive long-term strategic success.
What we are looking for:
- A visionary leader with a proven track record of inspiring staff, pupils, and families within a specialist SEND environment.
- An individual who champions absolute inclusion, child-centred education, and high developmental and academic standards.
- A leader deeply committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children with complex needs.
N.B. The governors are open to exploring alternative headship models.
We welcome and encourage visits to the school by prior arrangement on the following dates – Tuesday 8th Sept 10-11.30am, Thursday 10th Sept 1 to 2.30pm
To arrange a visit to the school, please contact Vicky Reed PA to the Head on v.reed@mountjoy.dorset.sch.uk.
Application closing date: 14th September 2026 (11.59pm)
Shortlisting date: 15th September 2026
Interview dates Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd September 2026
N.B. The governors are open to exploring alternative headship models.
If you are interested in this deeply rewarding opportunity and wish to receive the application pack directly to your inbox and book a school visit the moment it goes live, please register your interest now by emailing v.reed@mountjoy.dorset.sch.uk
Further details, including the comprehensive information pack, full job description, person specification, and details on how to apply will be available from September. The governors are open to exploring alternative headship models.