Assistant Head – North Yorkshire Virtual School

North Yorkshire Council; Scarborough; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

North Yorkshire Council’s Virtual School seeks an ambitious Assistant Head to lead strategic and operational work, improving outcomes for vulnerable children across the county.

You will work closely with the Virtual School Head and SENCO, guiding SEND, inclusion, and safeguarding initiatives, and engaging with partners across education, social care and health to drive progress.

Qualifications

• Holds QTS and has leadership experience in education.
• Strong understanding of inclusion, safeguarding and outcomes for vulnerable learners.
• Ability to influence and build relationships with a wide range of agencies.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across the Virtual School.
• Drive attendance, attainment and engagement using performance data and targeted interventions.
• Lead on SEND, inclusion and trauma-informed practice and advise on EHCP processes.
• Audit and monitor Personal Education Plans (PEPs) and educational provision impact.
• Deliver training and professional development to Headteachers and professionals.
• Support vulnerable learners through transitions and periods of change.
• Coordinate support for children at risk of exclusion or placement instability.
• Develop bespoke educational packages for complex needs.
• Ensure the voice of the child guides planning and advocacy.

Skills

QTS

Leadership experience

Inclusion and safeguarding

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical and communication

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Job description

Make a Difference for Children and Young People Across North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire Virtual School is seeking an ambitious, innovative and child-centred Assistant Head to join our highly regarded team. This is an exciting opportunity to influence strategic developments and improve outcomes for some of the most vulnerable children and young people in our county.

About us

The Virtual School champions educational achievement, attendance, inclusion, wellbeing and positive transitions for children in care, previously looked after children and other cohorts identified within the Virtual School's expanded remit. We are looking for a leader who shares our commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive and achieve their potential.

About the Role

As Assistant Head, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across key areas of the Virtual School's work. Working closely with the Virtual School Head and Assistant Head SENCO you will lead initiatives that drive educational progress, improve attendance and engagement, and strengthen partnership working with schools, social care teams, health services and other stakeholders.

You will play a pivotal role in:

• Supporting the delivery of the Virtual School's strategic priorities, statutory duties and service development, including deputising for the Head of Service when required.
• Promoting high aspirations and driving improvements in attendance, attainment, engagement and educational outcomes through the analysis of performance data, effective use of Pupil Premium Plus and targeted interventions.
• Leading and developing strong relationships with schools, academies, alternative provision settings and partner agencies to promote high expectations and inclusive practice.
• Leading on SEND, inclusion and trauma-informed practice, providing advice and guidance on EHCP processes, assessment and provision planning.
• Providing challenge, support and quality assurance to education providers, including auditing Personal Education Plans (PEPs) and monitoring the impact of educational provision.
• Delivering training, consultation, guidance and professional development to Headteachers, Designated Teachers, SENCOs, social workers, carers and other professionals across the local authority and school system.
• Supporting vulnerable learners through key transition points and periods of change, ensuring continuity of education and positive outcomes.
• Overseeing complex casework, supervising staff and coordinating support for children at risk of exclusion, poor attendance, placement instability or disengagement from education.
• Developing bespoke educational packages and innovative provision for children and young people with the most complex needs.
• Ensuring the voice of the child is central to planning, decision-making and advocacy, securing the best possible opportunities and outcomes for every learner.

About You

We are looking for an experienced and inspirational education leader who:

• Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Has leadership experience within education.
• Has a strong understanding of inclusion, safeguarding and educational outcomes for vulnerable learners.
• Understands the statutory responsibilities relating to children in care and other vulnerable cohorts.
• Can influence and build positive relationships across a wide range of agencies and stakeholders.
• Demonstrates excellent communication, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Is passionate about championing the voices, experiences and aspirations of children and young people.
• Has a proven track record of improving outcomes through strategic leadership and partnership working.

Experience of working within a Virtual School, local authority service or a role supporting vulnerable learners would be advantageous.

If you are an experienced educational leader with a passion for improving outcomes for vulnerable children and young people, we would love to hear from you.

For further information about the role please contact Joanne Hampshire at [e-mail]

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Key dates

Closing date – 4th October 2026

Interview date – 16th October 2026 (County Hall)