Assistant Head Teacher

WG060 Witherslack Group Ltd; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 62,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Induction training

Holiday entitlement

Career progression

Wellbeing support

Pension

Job summary

Witherslack Group seeks an Assistant Head Teacher to co-create the school’s vision for pupils with ASD and SEMH, alongside the Head Teacher. You will lead teaching teams, ensure the right staffing, and drive improvements in learning outcomes.

You’ll be supported by a strong management team in an award-winning environment, with induction, holiday entitlement, progression opportunities and a range of benefits.

Qualifications

• Must hold Qualified Teacher Status.
• Strong leadership and coaching skills required.
• Experience improving teaching and learning in a SEND context.

Responsibilities

• Set the school's vision with the Head Teacher.
• Lead and develop the teaching and support staff.
• Drive improvements in teaching quality and pupil outcomes in ASD/SEMH settings.
• Collaborate across the management team to plan and implement curriculum and behaviour strategies.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Staff development

Coaching

Education

Qualified Teacher Status

Job description

£62,251 - £68,691 + Excellent Benefits Please note: this vacancy will close on Friday 18th September 2026 and interviews will be held on Thursday 24th September 2026.

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.

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

• 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 within our group
• Flexible benefits: meaning you can increase/decrease benefits such as life insurance - check out our benefits here
• 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 schools here
• A recommend a friend scheme that offers a £1,000 bonus every time

Key responsibilities and qualifications

• 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

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. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.

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.

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 the highest Ofsted-rated provider in the country for special education and care. Our teams 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, just 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. We live and learn with children and young people with social, emotional and mental health needs, communication difficulties (such as Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, or speech, language and communication needs), ADHD or complex learning needs. We have the most joined-up model in SEN, the best environments and we are proud of what we do.