Assistant Headteacher

Launch Education; Reading; On-site; GBP 59,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A national education organization is looking for an ambitious Assistant Headteacher to join its senior leadership team. You will lead teaching improvements, manage staff, and act as Designated Safeguarding Lead. A strong commitment to safeguarding and experience in teaching are essential. The role includes teaching responsibilities and offers a significant impact on student outcomes in an inclusive environment. This full-time permanent position is critical for driving standards across the institution.

Qualifications

• Significant teaching experience across secondary and/or post-16 phases.
• Senior leadership experience in teaching and learning, behaviour, or safeguarding.
• Strong commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Lead improvements in teaching and learning using data to drive progress.
• Provide strategic leadership for behaviour, attendance, and student wellbeing.
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring compliance with guidance.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

ICT skills

Leadership

Teaching experience

Education

Qualified Teacher Status or equivalent

Degree-level qualification

Job description

Job Title : Assistant Headteacher

Areas of Responsibility : Safeguarding (DSL), Teaching and Learning, Behaviour, Key Stage Leadership and Transition

Contract : Full-time, permanent

Salary: Leadership scale (dependent on experience, up to around 65-70,000 p / a)

The Role

We are seeking an ambitious and values-driven Assistant Headteacher to join our senior leadership team at an independent, all-through campus within a national education organisation. Reporting directly to the Headteacher, you will play a key role in shaping strategic direction, raising standards, and ensuring exceptional outcomes for all learners.

This is a high-impact leadership position for an outstanding practitioner with a strong track record in teaching, learning, and pastoral leadership. You will provide visible, professional leadership across the campus, modelling excellence and supporting staff to deliver consistently high-quality education.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead improvements in teaching and learning across all key stages, using data to drive progress and close attainment gaps.
• Model outstanding classroom and digital practice, coaching and developing staff through high-quality CPD.
• Provide strategic leadership for behaviour, attendance, pastoral systems and student wellbeing.
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (or Deputy), maintaining a strong safeguarding culture and ensuring compliance with statutory guidance.
• Line manage and develop staff, overseeing appraisal, performance management, induction and professional growth.
• Contribute to whole-school improvement planning, self-evaluation and inspection readiness.
• Promote inclusive practice, equality and high expectations for all learners, including those with additional needs.
• Lead effective communication with parents, carers and the wider community, celebrating success and strengthening engagement.
• Support enrichment opportunities, including sport and wider campus events.

Teaching and Professional Practice

The role includes a teaching commitment and form tutor responsibility. You will plan and deliver high-quality, differentiated lessons, create safe and engaging learning environments, and use assessment effectively to inform teaching and intervention. You will uphold high standards of behaviour and contribute to quality assurance processes.

The Ideal Candidate

You will be an experienced senior leader and outstanding classroom practitioner with a strong understanding of curriculum, assessment and data. You will be confident leading teams, driving improvement, and supporting both students and staff to thrive.

Essential requirements include

• Qualified Teacher Status (or equivalent) and a degree-level qualification
• Significant teaching experience across secondary and / or post-16 phases
• Senior leadership experience in areas such as teaching and learning, behaviour, pastoral care or safeguarding
• Excellent communication, organisational and ICT skills
• A strong commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion

Desirable

• Designated or Deputy Safeguarding Lead experience
• Leadership qualifications (e.g. NPQSL or equivalent)
• Experience with digital learning platforms and innovative teaching technologies

Safeguarding Commitment

The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced background checks and safer recruitment procedures. All staff are expected to share this commitment.