Assistant Headteacher

Outcomes First Group; Ludlow; On-site; GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization in Ludlow seeks an ambitious Assistant Headteacher - SEND to join the senior leadership team. In this influential role, you will provide strategic leadership for SEND provision and personal development. The ideal candidate will have a PGCE with QTS and experience in SEND settings. You'll lead on monitoring pupil progress, support staff development, and enhance inclusive practices, all while being part of a school that values wellbeing and education. Salary up to £45,000 per annum.

Benefits

Part of a 4-Day Working Week trial

Focus on staff wellbeing

Qualifications

• Qualified teacher status required with experience in SEND settings.
• Previous senior leadership experience is essential.
• Compassionate, resilient, and collaborative communicator.

Responsibilities

• Lead SEND provision and monitor pupil progress.
• Provide strategic leadership for personal development.
• Support staff development and model best teaching practices.

Skills

Leadership in SEND

Teaching across Key Stages 2-5

Effective communication

Collaborative teamwork

Education

PGCE or equivalent with QTS

Job description

Overview

Overton School is seeking an ambitious, values-driven Assistant Headteacher - SEND, Inclusion & Personal Development to join our senior leadership team. This is a highly influential role for experienced leaders with a background in SEND provision, SENDCO, or Personal Development leadership. Working closely with the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher, you will provide strategic and operational leadership, embedding the school's vision, improving outcomes, and supporting staff to deliver excellent teaching. You will hold a 50% teaching timetable, modelling best practice, and may take on additional responsibilities as delegated by the Headteacher.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee SEND provision, ensuring effective implementation of the SEN policy and strong outcomes for pupils
• Monitor attainment and progress for pupils with SEND, using assessment to inform interventions and track improvement
• Provide strategic leadership for personal development and wellbeing across the curriculum
• Lead PSHE, enrichment, ICT, music, PE, languages, and wider personal development opportunities
• Ensure inclusive extracurricular activities, educational visits, and experiences are accessible to all pupils
• Promote the school's SMSC, Overton Values, and cultural capital programmes, enhancing diversity and inclusion
• Support staff development, modelling best practice in teaching and learning
• Contribute to the strategic direction, day-to-day management, and school improvement initiatives

Qualifications

• Qualified: PGCE (or equivalent) with QTS, and experienced in teaching across Key Stages 2-5 within SEND settings
• Experience: Previous experience in senior leadership roles (SLT), with a strong understanding of SEND, including ASC, learning difficulties, and complex needs
• Personal: Compassionate & resilient, collaborative communicator who thrives in a senior leadership team
• Other: Creative & flexible; mobile with a full UK driving licence

What We Offer

This role offers the chance to shape provision, drive high standards, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of pupils with additional needs, while being part of a school that prioritises staff wellbeing and progressive leadership.

About the School

Overton School provides specialist education in a nurturing, therapeutic setting for autistic young people and those with learning disabilities and complex needs. Set in the Shropshire countryside near Ludlow, the school offers personalised learning within a sensitively adapted Victorian building and outdoor-rich environment. We support pupils to re-engage with education, build confidence, and develop independence. Working closely with families, Overton empowers every learner to celebrate their individuality and achieve positive outcomes.

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care. We were recognized in 2025 as a Great Place to Work for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Salary & Benefits

Salary: Up to £45,000.00 per annum dependant on experience (not pro rata)

Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8.30am - 4.30pm

Contract: Permanent | Term Time plus 2 weeks

Start: February 2026

UK applicants only - no sponsorship available

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance. We are part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, offering 80% of contractual hours for 100% of pay. Some schools have already adopted 4DWW and others will follow.

Probation: Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.