About

• Overview and Responsibilities
• Job Title: Head Teacher
• Location: Aurora Woodlands, Darwen, BB3 2NG
• Contract Type: Full-time/Permanent
• Hours: 40 hours per week
• Salary: £76,772 to £84,699 (L17 - L21), depending on experience
• Close date: 23rd February 2026
• Aurora Group
• The Aurora Group is an innovative provider of education and care for children, young people and adults with special educational needs and disabilities.
• Due to the retirement of our current Principal in September 2026 we are excited to be advertising for an exceptional Primary and Secondary Special Education School Head Teacher. Woodlands school is based in Darwen with a capacity of 64 students aged between 10 - 19. The student cohort have a primary diagnosis of ASC/ADHD.
• We are currently looking for a Head Teacher to join us in September 2026. The school allows children and young people to access a varied curriculum in a calm and nurturing environment with a team that strives to give every student the very best confidence and opportunities to achieve.
• The Role
• The Role of the Head Teacher is to provide vision, leadership and direction for the school to the highest professional standard whist maintaining its success and providing a high quality of education which reflects Aurora’s vision and values
• In line with all Headteacher roles; you will ultimately be accountable for all areas of operational and educational performance within the School, as well as the financial performance and management of education and support staff.
• To achieve in this role, you will be someone who inspires creativity and collaboration, a strong leader and a passionate advocate for your students, finding ways to deliver educational outcomes that make a real difference to them.
• Skills and Qualifications

Successful candidates are likely to demonstrate

• · Qualified Teacher Status with further professional qualification in a relevant area. Candidates with Head Teacher qualification (such as NPQH/SNLP) or a willingness to gain such a qualification
• · Proven experience as a Headteacher within a specialist school environment
• · Up to date knowledge of current DfE guidance including Independent Schools Standards (ISS)
• · Knowledge and understanding of SLD and ASD issues
• · Up to date knowledge of local and national government initiatives and legislation
• · Quality assurance experience (such as lesson observations and performance management)
• · Strong and effective leadership qualities
• · Superb communication and stakeholder management skills
• Benefits and Additional Information
• 🌟 What’s on Offer at Aurora?

We believe in supporting you as much as we support the children and young people in our care. Here’s a snapshot of the fantastic benefits waiting for you

• 📚 Grow with Us – Training & Development
• Learning never stops at Aurora! We offer a wide range of training programmes and career development opportunities to help you build your skills and reach your goals.
• 💸 Save Money on Everyday Essentials

With the rising cost of living, our Perkbox app helps you stretch your money further

• Discounts on groceries, phone plans, internet, dining out, gym memberships & more
• Access to our Cycle to Work and Car Scheme
• 📱 Access Wagestream – a financial wellbeing app that helps you track earnings, save, get expert money advice, and even access part of your pay early when needed
• 💰 Competitive Pay & Reward

We regularly benchmark our pay and benefits to stay ahead of the curve. You’ll enjoy

• Enhanced Annual Leave
• Company Sick Pay
• Enhanced Pension
• Life Assurance
• 🩺 24/7 GP Access – For You & Your Household
• Need a doctor? No problem. Book a phone or video appointment anytime, day or night. This service covers everyone in your household.
• 🦷 UK Health Cash Plan
• Cover everyday healthcare costs like dental and optician bills. You and your children are included in the scheme, and you can upgrade to add your partner too!
• 🧠 Employee Assistance Programme

Your wellbeing matters. Get confidential support on a wide range of issues, including

• Freephone counselling (available 24/7)
• Online tools and resources
• 👯‍♀️ Refer a Friend – Earn £1,000!
• Know someone who’d be a great fit? Refer them and get rewarded!(*Terms apply)
• How to apply?
• Please complete an online application form in full, remembering to include all employment and education details. If you need any assistance or would like any more information please contact Karen in the Aurora Group Recruitment Team at karen.barnfield@the-aurora-group.com
• 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.
• 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.