Assistant Headteacher – Climate for Learning

Wiltshire Career Site; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Brunel College is seeking an experienced Assistant Headteacher – Climate for Learning to join the Senior Leadership Team at a pivotal growth moment, as the college prepares a new site for Years 7–9 in September 2027.

You will shape the culture, standards and routines, lead on behaviour and inclusion for vulnerable learners, and ensure restorative practice remains central while supporting staff and students across the school day.

Qualifications

• Experienced senior leader with responsibility for behaviour and climate for learning across a school site.
• Proven track record of improving behaviour, culture, routines and student engagement.
• Knowledge of SEND, trauma, unmet need and disadvantage and their impact on learning.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic and operational development of a calm, safe and purposeful learning environment.
• Establish clear systems staff can apply consistently while prioritising relationships and restorative practice.
• Contribute to whole-school improvement as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Skills

Senior leadership experience

Behaviour and climate for learning

SEND and inclusion

Relationship building

Job description

Salary: L3 - L7

Hours of work: Full-time

Contract: Permanent

This is not a Wiltshire Council vacancy therefore please contact Brunel College direct for further information.

A bit about us:

Brunel College is a highly successful independent alternative provision for young people. We specialise in providing a nurturing environment for vulnerable students, including students with SEND and behavioural needs, through personalised learning, small-group teaching and individual support.

Brunel College is a place where young people can learn through supportive interaction, experience and success. We aim to provide a safe environment for both young people and staff so that the emphasis can be placed upon growing, learning and fulfilling the potential that exists.

We are committed to improving the life chances of our young people by removing barriers to participation and achievement. Our intention is to create and continually develop a secure, inspiring and responsive environment where each young person is supported holistically to take ownership of their lives, their learning and their decisions.

Our mission is to empower all our young people to Believe, Achieve and Succeed, so that they can thrive in all aspects of their lives now and in the future.

A unique opportunity to build something from the ground up.

This is a new senior leadership role at an exciting point in Brunel College’s development. In September 2027 we are opening a new site for students in Years 7, 8 and 9.

Over the following two years, the school will grow to include Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11.

We are looking for an experienced senior leader who has successfully led climate for learning and behaviour across a school site. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to establish the culture, standards, systems and routines of the new site from the outset – shaping what excellent behaviour, relationships, engagement and readiness to learn look like for both students and staff.

This is a rare opportunity to join a successful alternative provision, retain the strengths of Brunel College’s relational and nurturing approach, and create a calm, consistent and aspirational culture for the next phase of our development.

All about the role:

The Assistant Headteacher – Climate for Learning will be a highly visible member of the Senior Leadership Team, leading the strategic and operational development of a consistently calm, safe and purposeful learning environment.

We are seeking someone who combines uncompromisingly high expectations with an excellent understanding of vulnerable learners, SEND, behaviour and inclusion. You will create clear systems that staff can apply consistently, while ensuring that relationships, individual need and restorative practice remain central to our approach.

The preferred candidate will:

• Have successful senior leadership experience, including substantial responsibility for behaviour and climate for learning across a school site.
• Have a proven track record of improving behaviour, culture, routines and student engagement.
• Be able to establish high expectations and clear, consistent systems from the ground up.
• Understand how SEND, trauma, unmet need and disadvantage can affect behaviour and engagement.
• Be a highly visible, calm and credible leader who supports staff and students throughout the school day.
• Use behaviour, attendance, safeguarding and achievement information intelligently to identify priorities and evaluate impact.
• Develop staff confidence and consistency through coaching, modelling, training and constructive challenge.
• Build strong relationships with students, parents/carers, colleagues and external professionals.
• Contribute fully to whole-school improvement as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Find out more and apply:

If you have any queries about this role, please get in touch by calling Lisa Beavis, School Business Manager on 01722 786138 or email [e-mail] to arrange an informal conversation with our Headteacher. Tours of the school are recommended. More information about the school can be found at www.brunelcollege.co.uk

Closing date (and time): 09/10/2026 12 noon

Interview date: wb 12/10/2026

Commencement date: January 2027

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. Applicants are therefore encouraged to apply as early as possible.

All staff are required to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people and to follow school policies and the staff code of conduct. Teaching staff are expected to fully meet Part 1 of the Teachers’ Standards. All staff working with young people, regardless of role, are expected to meet the expectations relating to personal and professional conduct.

Notes:

The criteria above and detailed in the person specification and job description will be evidenced through a variety of means, including the application form, letter/supporting statement, references, interview and selection activities. Brunel College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be subject to the school’s safer recruitment procedures and appropriate pre‑employment checks.

College brochure

Job Description

Person Specification

E&D monitoring form