Assistant Head Teacher

Witherslack Group Ltd.; Chorley; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training

Holiday

Progression

Flexible benefits

Wellbeing

Medical cover

Pension

Beautiful working environments

Refer-a-friend bonus

Job summary

Witherslack Group is recruiting an Assistant Head Teacher for Westmorland School, a special education setting. You will join a team dedicated to helping children with ASD/SEMH needs achieve milestones and build confidence.

You will work with the Head Teacher to shape strategy, support staff development, and drive academic and pastoral outcomes across the school.

Qualifications

• You’ll need previous teaching experience and Qualified Teacher Status.
• You’ll also need leadership and management experience.
• Your drive to raise the quality of teaching and learning.

Responsibilities

• As Assistant Head Teacher, you’ll set the vision for the school’s future with the Head Teacher.
• You’ll ensure the right people and plans are in place to support pupils’ progress.
• You’ll lead and coach staff to deliver high standards of teaching and behaviour.

Skills

Leadership experience

Management experience

Interpersonal skills

Education

Qualified Teacher Status

Job description

Please note: this vacancy will close on Friday 18th September 2026 and interviews will be held on Thursday 24th September 2026.

Those Huge Small Victories

Our Assistant Head Teachers are fulfilled by the idea of making even the smallest positive changes in our young people, so we celebrate the little things. There’s lots of ups and downs, and to some of our young people, sitting through a lesson can be a big win. We call these huge small victories and whilst they may seem small on the surface, they add up to make a big difference

Get out what you put in

You’ll be working with children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs . Alongside the Head Teacher, you’ll set the vision for the future of the school, ensuring we have the right people and plans
in place to see that our young people leave feeling proud of what they’ve achieved. You will need to be resilient and dedicated, but those huge small victories that you achieve will be something you’re really proud of.

It can be a tough journey, but the positive steps forward will more than make up for it. As an Assistant Head Teacher at Witherslack Group, you’ll get all the support you need to succeed, from the broader management team, to a range of supporting specialists. Your colleagues will be the best at what they do, the school environments will be well-resourced and we’ll be with you every step of the way, helping you build a rewarding teaching career.

One of the best environments in SEND

Westmorland School is used to receiving awards, accolades and glowing praise from parents and professionals. However, what sets it apart is its unique ability to cater for two distinct areas of special educational need, in separate individualised and bespoke learning environments, all within one school. The development of two curriculum approaches for both ASD and SEMH pupil cohorts is successfully and harmoniously delivered through the school’s BEARS and CATS settings.

The success of Westmorland’s differentiated approach is evident from the schools continued development, external recognition, achievement of Ofsted outstanding verdicts in all areas, and, most significantly, the exemplary outcomes it realises for its pupils.

What we do for you

We know you’re going to do great things. For your hard work and commitment, we reward you with the best salary and benefits package in the education sector. With us, you’ll get to bring learning to life and make a genuine difference to the lives of our young people – plus you’ll get:

• Training: A full induction and on the job training
• Holiday: You’ll work hard at WG, so you’ll be rewarded with full school holidays
• Progression: If career development is your thing, most of our head teachers have been promoted from withinour group
• Flexible benefits: meaning you can increase/decrease benefits such as life insurance – check out our benefitshere
• Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance
• Medical cover so you can claim back the cost of things like an opticians or dentist appointment and a host of high-street discounts
• Pension:we offer a range of pensions to suit your lifestyle needs including Teachers’ Pension and our very attractive TPS alternative
• Beautiful working environments with the very best facilities – check out our schoolshere
• A recommend a friend scheme that offers a £1,000 bonus every time

Bring your whole-self to work

Our young people come from all walks of life, diverse backgrounds and with different needs – and our workforce reflects that diversity, so that our teams can engage, encourage and inspire our young people to be themselves. You’ll be more than an Assistant Head Teacher, you’ll be able to connect with our pupils because of:

• You’ll need previous teaching experience and have Qualified Teacher Status
• You’ll also need leadership and management experience
• Your drive to raise the quality of teaching and learning
• Your understanding of what good behaviours for learning look like
• Your effective leadership and coaching skills
• Your knowledge of how best to use your interpersonal skills to develop a strong staff team

Interested in joining us?

At Witherslack Group, inclusion is part of who we are. We’re committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued and that they truly belong.

As a specialist provider of education and care for children and young people with special educational needs, we understand the importance of embracing individuality and championing difference- especially when it comes to neurodiversity. We celebrate diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and the unique strengths that each person brings to our community.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities. We are proud to be recognised as an inclusive employer and are committed to making our recruitment and workplace practices inclusive and accessible. If you need any adjustments to support you through the recruitment process or in the workplace, we’ll be there every step of the way.

By building a diverse and inclusive team, we’re better able to support the children, young people and families we serve and ensure every member of our team can thrive, grow, and be their authentic self.

The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (we will cover the cost) and an online search. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.

Special Education / Careers in Care / Careers in Special Education / Working with Children / SEMH / SEN / ASD