Swiss Cottage has long been recognised for its commitment to excellence in specialist education, and for the strength of its leadership culture. Last summer, our previous Headteacher, Vijita Patel, moved on to take up an exciting international post in Qatar.
We serve a richly diverse community, and our staff bring dedication, creativity, and a strong moral drive to their work each day. The school’s Development & Research Centre plays a central role in shaping practice, contributing to system leadership and fostering meaningful collaboration locally and nationally. We look to our new Principal to continue nurturing this outward-facing ethos while ensuring that every pupil’s lived experience remains at the heart of all decisions.
The next phase of our development requires a leader with vision, courage and strategic insight—someone who can sustain excellence, strengthen partnerships, and steer the school with confidence through the evolving landscape of SEND. You will be supported by a highly skilled senior leadership team, an engaged Governing Board and a community that believes deeply in the potential of its children and young people.
If you share our ambition, our values, and our commitment to inclusion, we warmly invite you to explore this opportunity further. Thank you once again for your interest in Swiss Cottage. We look forward to meeting candidates who can help shape the school’s next chapter.
To have a confidential conversation about the role or to arrange a visit to the school, please contact consultant Ross Laird at rlaird@academicis.co.uk or via 07901 585959.
Closing Date: 4 February 2026, 11.59am
Interview Date: 24 February 2026
