Assistant Head

Woodfield School; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Woodfield School, Brent, is seeking an inspirational Assistant Headteacher to lead whole‑school priorities for pupils with SEND, turning vision into impact through improved teaching, curriculum pathways and outcomes. You will coach staff, work with families and partners, uphold safeguarding, and drive continuous improvement as Woodfield strengthens provision during a period of change and development.

This senior role blends strategic leadership with day‑to‑day management to support every pupil's

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in SEND settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead teaching improvement and curriculum pathways across Woodfield.
• Champion inclusive education aligned to EHCP outcomes.
• Develop staff through coaching and professional development.
• Collaborate with families, therapists and safeguarding teams.
• Shape sustainable provision and meaningful destinations for pupils.

Skills

Leadership

SEND

Staff coaching

Curriculum development

Job description

Your Role

Help Shape Futures. Transform Lives. Lead With Purpose.

At Woodfield School, every pupil has an Education, Health and Care Plan and a highly personalised pathway. We are proud to serve young people with complex learning needs, autism, communication needs and wider developmental profiles, and we work hard to make sure each pupil is known, understood, safe and able to experience success.

As part of the Compass Learning Partnership, Woodfield is an ambitious special school in Brent where education, therapy, pastoral care and safeguarding come together around the child. Our curriculum is not just about subjects; it is about communication, regulation, independence, relationships, wellbeing, confidence and preparation for adulthood.

We are seeking an exceptional Assistant Headteacher who understands both the privilege and complexity of leading in a special school. The right person will value small steps of progress, understand the importance of consistency for pupils with complex needs, and bring the strategic thinking needed to help Woodfield continue to strengthen provision during a period of change and development.

Our ethos of "Creating a Community of Lifelong Learners" is lived through our relationships, our curriculum, our therapeutic offer and our determination to prepare pupils for adulthood, independence, communication, wellbeing and belonging.

Why Woodfield?

• Our curriculum is shaped around communication, regulation, functional independence, wellbeing, relationships and preparation for adulthood.
• EHCP outcomes, annual review priorities, family knowledge and pupil strengths are used to shape ambitious personalised provision.
• Teachers, therapists, pastoral staff and safeguarding leaders work together so that support is joined up, responsive and centred on the whole child.
• Families are valued as partners and their knowledge of their children is central to our work.
• Staff use specialist knowledge, autism‑informed approaches, therapeutic advice and evidence‑informed practice to meet pupils' changing needs.
• We celebrate Woodfield progress in all its forms: a pupil communicating a preference, managing a transition, developing independence, building trust, completing accredited work or taking the next step towards adulthood.
• We are strengthening educational stability, staff confidence, curriculum pathways and sustainable provision so Woodfield continues to meet the needs of pupils and families now and in the future.

The Opportunity

We are looking for an inspirational leader who:

• Has a proven track record of improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.
• Can strategically lead whole‑school priorities and turn vision into impact.
• Is passionate about inclusion, safeguarding and educational excellence.
• Can motivate and develop staff through coaching, challenge and support.
• Builds strong relationships with pupils, families and partners.
• Shares our belief that every pupil deserves the highest aspirations and opportunities.

The successful candidate will play a major role in both the strategic leadership and day‑to‑day management of the school, leading delegated whole‑school priorities and contributing to continuous improvement across Woodfield.

What Makes This Role Special?

Lead School Improvement

Use evidence, professional judgement and innovation to improve teaching, curriculum pathways and outcomes across Woodfield, including the implementation of approaches that help pupils make meaningful progress from their individual starting points.

Champion Inclusion

Ensure every pupil receives an ambitious, personalised education that reflects their EHCP outcomes, communication profile, sensory and regulation needs, aspirations and preparation for adulthood.

Develop People

Lead and inspire colleagues through coaching, professional development and a culture of shared responsibility, helping staff feel confident, valued and equipped to meet pupils' complex needs.

Work Beyond the Classroom

Collaborate with families, therapists, social care, health professionals, governors and colleagues across the Trust to secure the best possible outcomes for pupils.

Shape the Future

Join a leadership team committed to high‑quality, financially sustainable specialist provision, strong safeguarding, meaningful destinations and a curriculum that prepares young people for adulthood, independence,