Assistant Headteacher

Outcomes First Group; Swindon; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A school dedicated to student success in Swindon is seeking an experienced Assistant Headteacher. In this role, you will lead curriculum development, drive assessment strategies, and champion behaviour and pastoral care. The ideal candidate will have QTS, proven leadership experience, and be an inspirational leader committed to fostering a supportive learning environment. This position offers a competitive salary and various benefits including a flexible working scheme.

Benefits

Up to £53,000 per annum

Full-time 4-day working week

Life Assurance

Pension scheme options

Access to mental health support services

Flexible Benefits Platform

Cycle to Work Scheme

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior or middle leadership roles within education.
• A successful track record of raising pupil outcomes and enhancing teaching quality.
• Inspirational leader who motivates and empowers teams to excel.

Responsibilities

• Design and improve a high-quality curriculum for pupils with SEMH challenges.
• Implement robust assessment strategies to track pupil progress.
• Lead on behaviour management policies and support pupil emotional well-being.
• Proactively manage staff performance and professional development.
• Build relationships with pupils, families, and local partners.
• Contribute to school planning and decision-making.
• Lead safeguarding practices to protect pupil welfare.

Skills

Outstanding classroom practitioner across multiple key stages

Exceptional communication skills

Organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Deep commitment to inclusion and pupil well-being

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent

Tools

Driving Licence

Job description

New Barn School, part of Acorn Education, is seeking a dynamic, compassionate Assistant Headteacher to join our close‑knit, thriving community. This is a chance to shape the future of a school dedicated to nurturing the academic, social, and emotional success of every pupil – especially those with SEMH challenges.

As Assistant Headteacher, you will be a driving force behind excellence in curriculum, assessment, behaviour and pastoral care. Working side‑by‑side with the Headteacher, you will shape strategy, inspire staff, and create a vibrant, inclusive environment where all learners can flourish.

Responsibilities

• Lead Curriculum Innovation: Design, develop and continuously improve a high‑quality, engaging curriculum that meets the diverse needs of pupils with SEMH challenges, ensuring alignment with national standards and best practices.
• Drive Assessment & Progress Monitoring: Implement robust assessment strategies that provide meaningful insight into pupil progress, use data to identify gaps and celebrate achievements, and support staff in tailoring teaching to maximise learner outcomes.
• Champion Behaviour & Pastoral Care: Lead on behaviour management policies that foster a positive, respectful, and safe learning environment; support the pastoral team to prioritise pupils’ emotional well‑being and social development.
• Develop & Inspire Staff: Take a proactive role in staff performance management, professional development, and coaching; cultivate a culture of continuous learning, collaboration and innovation among teaching and support staff.
• Strengthen Community Partnerships: Build and nurture strong relationships with pupils, families, external agencies and local partners; act as an ambassador for the school.
• Strategic Leadership: Contribute to whole‑school planning and decision‑making at senior leadership level; support the Headteacher in articulating the school’s vision and driving improvement initiatives.
• Safeguarding & Compliance: Take a leadership role in safeguarding practices, health and safety and statutory compliance, ensuring policies are rigorously implemented to protect pupil welfare.

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent
• Full UK Driving Licence
• Proven experience in senior or middle leadership roles within education
• A successful track record of raising pupil outcomes and enhancing teaching quality
• Outstanding classroom practitioner across multiple key stages
• Exceptional communication, organisational and interpersonal skills
• Deep commitment to inclusion, safeguarding and pupil well‑being
• Inspirational leader who motivates and empowers teams to excel

Benefits

• Up to £53,000 per annum, depending on experience
• Full‑time 4‑day working week (4DWW) – one day less each week with full salary
• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• Access to a wide range of first‑class mental health support services and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform – wide range of health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Cycle to Work Scheme, Electric Car Purchase Scheme, Family Growth Support
• Critical illness cover and paid fertility treatment support (enhanced maternity and paternity leave)

Location: Swindon, Wiltshire. The school is within commuting distance of Swindon, Oxford, Andover, Basingstoke and Reading and other surrounding towns and villages.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and a fully enhanced DBS check.