Assistant Headteacher - Behaviour, Attendance and Inclusion

Ryecroft School; Walsall; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist provision for autistic pupils is seeking an ambitious and strategic Assistant Headteacher - Behaviour, Attendance and Inclusion in Walsall. The role involves leading the development of a positive school culture and implementing effective behaviour and attendance strategies. Candidates should possess Qualified Teacher Status and proven leadership experience. This position offers competitive benefits including life assurance and a flexible benefits platform, aimed at enhancing wellbeing and professional growth.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Flexible benefit options

Qualifications

• Passionate about creating a supportive school culture.
• Strong knowledge of inclusive practices for autistic pupils.
• Ability to inspire and motivate staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of behaviour and attendance strategies.
• Monitor attendance and behaviour trends to guide interventions.
• Support staff development through coaching and guidance.
• Collaborate with families and external agencies for pupil wellbeing.

Skills

Leadership experience

Behaviour management

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent

Job description

– this role does not offer sponsorship

As part of our continued growth, Ryecroft School is seeking an ambitious, compassionate, and strategic Assistant Headteacher – Behaviour, Attendance and Inclusion to join our senior leadership team.

About the Role

This is a pivotal leadership role for someone who is passionate about creating a school culture where every pupil feels valued, supported, and able to thrive. Ryecroft School is a specialist provision for autistic pupils, including those with additional challenges such as learning disabilities and behaviours. You will lead behaviour, attendance, and inclusion across the school, shaping a positive, nurturing environment that empowers pupils socially, emotionally, and academically. Working closely with pupils, staff, families, and external professionals, you will embed consistent, high-expectation practices while celebrating individuality and diversity.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to influence whole-school culture, support staff development, and ensure all pupils have equitable access to learning in a safe, structured, and empowering environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of whole-school behaviour, attendance, and inclusion strategies, promoting a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment.
• Monitor and review behavioural trends and attendance, using data to guide interventions and celebrate improvements.
• Ensure all pupils have equitable access to the curriculum through personalised support and inclusive teaching practices.
• Support and develop staff through coaching, guidance, and CPD to embed positive behaviour, engagement, and inclusive approaches.
• Collaborate with families, external agencies, and wider stakeholders to enhance pupil wellbeing, attendance, and engagement.
• Contribute fully to the Senior Leadership Team, supporting the Headteacher with whole-school initiatives, operational priorities, and strategic development.

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent.
• Proven leadership experience, ideally within a specialist setting for autistic pupils or pupils with additional challenges.
• Strong knowledge of behaviour management, safeguarding, and inclusive practice for pupils with autism and learning difficulties.
• Ability to inspire, motivate, and develop staff while maintaining a calm and solution-focused approach.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills.

This is a rare opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with additional needs, shaping school culture, and helping staff and students thrive in a supportive, high-expectation environment.

About Us

Ryecroft School is an independent day school in Walsall, providing specialist education for autistic children and young people aged 4–18 years.

We focus on meeting the unique learning needs of autistic pupils, including those with additional challenges such as learning disabilities and behaviours that may present as a result of their diagnoses. Our new school, which opened in September 2024, has a capacity for 60 pupils and is designed to support learners with autism and complex needs in a safe, nurturing, and structured environment.

Ryecroft School is located in Walsall, a vibrant market town in the West Midlands. The school is well connected, situated just 9 miles north-west of Birmingham, 7 miles east of Wolverhampton, and 9 miles from Lichfield, offering easy access for families across the region.

For over 19 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why join Options Autism?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

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.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including :

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including :

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

• You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

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