Assistant Head

ISC group; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Caelum House School in Knightsbridge seeks an innovative Assistant Headteacher to shape a growing, SEND-focused school. You will work with the Headteacher/CEO to lead day-to-day operations, drive high-quality teaching and learning, and model calm, high-expectation leadership.

The role includes teaching about 25% of the timetable, coaching staff, developing an ambitious curriculum, and strengthening systems to support children's academic, social and emotional development.

Qualifications

• QTS or equivalent required.
• Strong classroom practice and a track record of improving outcomes.
• Experience working with children with SEND (speech, language and communication needs) or clear commitment to developing expertise.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build trusting relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• Clear commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day running of the school, modelling calm, warm, high-expectation leadership.
• Drive high-quality teaching and learning, with focus on communication, inclusion and outcomes.
• Teach approximately 25% of the timetable, modelling outstanding practice and supporting consistency across the school.
• Support staff development through coaching, mentoring and practical guidance.
• Contribute to an ambitious, innovative curriculum that meets the needs of all learners.
• Strengthen systems that help children achieve their fullest potential - academically, socially and emotionally.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

SEND expertise

Team-building

Innovative mindset

Reflective practitioner

Education

QTS or equivalent

NPQH (desirable)

Job description

Assistant Head - Knightsbridge

About Caelum House School

Caelum House School is a small, unique setting in Knightsbridge supporting children with speech, language and communication needs and a strong commitment to SEND. We are ambitious for every child and believe that with the right environment, relationships and evidence-informed practice, children can thrive.

We are seeking an innovative, enthusiastic Assistant Headteacher who is excited by the opportunity to help shape a growing school. This is an ideal senior leadership for an excellent practitioner ready to broaden their impact.

The opportunity

This is a full-time role (part-time considered) with a 25% teaching commitment.

As Assistant Headteacher, you will work closely with the Headteacher/CEO to:

• Help lead the day-to-day running of the school, modelling calm, warm, high-expectation leadership.
• Drive high-quality teaching and learning, with a particular focus on communication, inclusion and outcomes.
• Teach approximately 25% of the timetable, modelling outstanding practice and supporting consistency across the school.
• Support staff development through coaching, mentoring and practical, classroom-based guidance.
• Contribute to an ambitious, innovative curriculum that meets the needs of all learners.
• Strengthen systems that help children achieve their fullest potential - academically, socially and emotionally.

Because we are a small school, you will have real influence, visibility and the chance to develop as a leader.

Salary

£45000-65000 within Caelum House School pay scales.

What we're looking for

• Innovative and curious: you enjoy trying new approaches, evaluating impact, and refining practice.
• Enthusiastic and proactive: you bring energy, optimism and a "roll up your sleeves" mindset.
• Deeply committed to SEND: you believe inclusion is everyone's responsibility and you can translate that belief into excellent practice.
• Child-centred and strengths-focused: you hold high expectations and help children build confidence, independence and communication.
• A team builder: you support colleagues with clarity, kindness and accountability.
• Experienced in leadership: eager to learn, reflect and grow.
• Experience leading a phase, subject area, or whole-school

Essential criteria

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) (or equivalent).
• Strong classroom practice and a track record of improving outcomes.
• Experience working with children with SEND (particularly speech, language and communication needs), or a clear commitment to developing expertise.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build trusting relationships with children, families and colleagues.
• A clear commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Desirable criteria

• NPQH or working towards (the school fully supports NPQH applications)
• Additional training/experience in SEND, early years, primary, or communication-focused approaches.
• Experience coaching or mentoring colleagues.

Start date

Jan 2027

What we offer

• A rare chance to shape a distinctive school with an ambitious mission.
• A supportive environment where professional growth is actively encouraged.
• Close collaboration with a specialist team committed to evidence-informed practice.
• The opportunity to develop your leadership skills quickly in a high-impact role.

Caelum House School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Appointment will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check.