Assistant Head

Inspired Learning Group; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Holme Court School in Cambridge is seeking an Assistant Head (Academic) to lead curriculum development, academic progress and the day‑to‑day running of our specialist setting.

You will work with the Headteacher and wider team to ensure high standards of teaching, assessment and progression for pupils aged 7–16 with specific learning difficulties, including dyslexia, dyscalculia and ASC, in a warm, inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• A qualified teacher (QTS) with strong curriculum knowledge across KS1–4.
• Experience with pupils with SEND, including neurodiverse learners.
• Proven success in leading teaching, learning and academic standards.
• Excellent data analysis and ability to drive school improvement.

Responsibilities

• Translate the school vision into academic priorities and lead curriculum development.
• Oversee timetable, deployment of staff and maintain high standards across the school.
• Line-manage staff, recruit, induct, appraise and develop colleagues; lead curriculum training.
• Lead pupil progress tracking, data analysis and academic reporting.
• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and maintain safeguarding practice.
• Communicate with parents and represent the school at events.

Skills

QTS

Curriculum knowledge

SEND expertise

Data analysis

Leadership

Education

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

Tools

ISAMS

Job description

Assistant Head (Academic)

Holme Court School, Cambridge

Location: Cherry Hinton Hall, Cherry Hinton Rd, Cambridge CB1 8DW

Start Date: September 2026

Contract: Full Time, Permanent

We are looking to appoint an Assistant Head (Academic) at Holme Court School, Cambridge, starting September 2026. This is an exciting opportunity for a committed and ambitious leader to play a central role in the academic development and day‑to‑day running of our specialist setting.

Holme Court is a small, nurturing school for pupils aged 7–16 with specific learning difficulties including dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, SLCN, SEMH, ASC, ASD and ADHD. We pride ourselves on our personalised curriculum, specialist teaching, and warm, inclusive environment where every child is understood, respected, and supported to achieve their full potential.

We are seeking a dynamic, inspirational and highly motivated leader with a strong understanding of SEND, high‑quality teaching, and curriculum development. You will work closely with the Headteacher and wider team to ensure the highest standards of teaching, learning and academic progress across the school.

This is a full‑time role, ideal for an experienced middle or senior leader, or for someone ready to take the next step into senior leadership within a specialist setting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Head in translating the school vision into clear academic and operational priorities, leading whole‑school curriculum development, Quality Assurance, and contributing to the School Development Plan and inspection readiness.
• Oversee the school timetable and effective deployment of teaching staff while modelling high standards that inspire pupils, staff and the wider community.
• Line‑manage teaching staff, support recruitment, induction, appraisal and professional development, lead curriculum‑focused training, and deputise for the Headteacher when required.
• Lead pupil progress tracking, data analysis and academic reporting; oversee ISAMs; coordinate progress meetings, curriculum information events and transition processes; and develop curriculum maps and schemes of work.
• Serve as Exams Officer and Internal Verifier for Functional Skills and BTEC qualifications, and oversee academic rewards systems.
• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring robust safeguarding practice and supporting behaviour, wellbeing and rewards/sanctions systems.
• Maintain clear communication with parents and staff, build strong links with other schools and professionals, and represent the school at key events as part of the Senior Leadership Team.

We Are Looking For:

• A qualified teacher (QTS) with strong curriculum knowledge across KS1–4.
• Experience working with pupils with SEND, including neurodiverse learners.
• Proven success in leading teaching, learning and academic standards.
• Strong understanding of assessment, data analysis and school improvement.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills.
• A collaborative, flexible and inspiring leader committed to the school’s ethos and values.

Why Join Holme Court?

• A small, specialist setting with a highly committed team.
• A warm, inclusive environment where staff are valued and supported.
• The opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of pupils with specific learning difficulties.
• A leadership role with scope to shape curriculum, teaching and academic excellence.

Holme Court Cambridge is totally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children & young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, as all new staff will be subject to enhanced DBS clearance, identity checks, qualification checks and employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps within employment, two satisfactory references and registration with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).