Assistant Headteacher

Penny Field School; Leeds; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Penny Field School, a special school educating children and young people with severe and complex needs in England, seeks an inspirational Assistant Headteacher to lead Curriculum and Teaching & Learning. You will drive strategic direction, champion pedagogical excellence and collaborate with the Head of School, Executive Principal and Trust to raise educational outcomes.

You will model best practice, lead ongoing professional development, implement robust assessment systems and foster a culture

Qualifications

• Exceptional practitioner with proven experience in expert teaching for diverse, severe, and complex needs.
• A forward-thinking leader who can drive a broad, personalised curriculum.
• A coach/mentor capable of leading staff development and performance management.
• Dedicated team player eager to contribute to strategic growth of the academy.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction of Curriculum and Teaching & Learning.
• Champion pedagogical excellence and model outstanding classroom practice.
• Lead high-impact CPD and quality assurance across the academy.
• Establish robust assessment systems and promote high expectations.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum development

Staff development

Performance management

Assessment systems

Behaviour management

Job description

Assistant Headteacher - Curriculum and Teaching & Learning

GRADE/SCALE: Leadership L1 - L6

Penny Field School is a special school for children and young people aged 2-19 with severe and complex needs. It is a unique setting with incredible young people who deserve the absolute best in care and education that we can provide. We strive to deliver the best curriculum, with the most appropriate resources and equipment, in order to support our young people's journey into adulthood.

We are seeking an inspiring, collaborative leader and exemplary classroom practitioner to join our Senior Leadership Team as Assistant Headteacher. Working in close partnership with the Head of School, Executive Principal and Trust, you will lead the strategic direction of our Curriculum and Teaching & Learning, ensuring provision is consistently outstanding and tailored to the unique strengths and needs of our pupils.

In this role, you will champion pedagogical excellence, model outstanding classroom practice and lead on high-impact continuous professional development and quality assurance across the academy. You will play a central role in curriculum innovation, establishing robust assessment systems and fostering a culture of unconditional positive regard and high expectations.

Who we are looking for:

• An exceptional practitioner with proven experience in establishing and sustaining expert teaching that meets the diverse, severe and complex educational needs of our pupils.
• A passionate, forward-thinking leader capable of driving a broad, balanced, and personalised curriculum that prepares young people for life beyond school.
• An inspiring coach and mentor who can lead staff development, facilitate effective performance management, and promote positive behaviour improvement strategies across the team.
• A dedicated team player with resilience, ambition and unconditional positive regard, who is eager to contribute to the strategic growth and development of the academy.

Why join us?

We don’t just talk about professional development; we actively champion, support and invest in our leaders to help them reach their full potential.

You can see all the benefits of working for us here: https://wellspringacademytrust.co.uk/careers/why-join-us/

Please see the attached recruitment pack, Job Description & Person Specification for more information.

Closing Date for applications is 9am on Monday 23 November 2026

Interviews are expected to be held on Monday 30 November 2026

Wellspring Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils. All posts are offered subject to enhanced DBS checks. References will be requested and an online search carried out for shortlisted candidates, prior to attendance at interview.

Further pre-employment checks, including prohibition from teaching, childcare disqualification and section 128 checks, if deemed relevant for the role, will be completed for the successful candidate upon acceptance of the post.

We are committed to equal opportunities and to promoting diversity. We want our people to reflect the diversity of our communities, and we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds, especially from under-represented groups, including those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

If you are currently living overseas or have lived / worked overseas in the last five years please be aware that you will be required to provide an overseas criminal records check from the country/ countries you have resided in, if you are the preferred candidate for the post.