Assistant Headteacher Contract Full Time NEW

Philosophy Education LTD.; Bromley; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Philosophy Education is recruiting an Assistant Headteacher for a specialist SEMH school in Bromley. You will work with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team to provide strategic and operational leadership across the school, shaping culture, safeguarding and educational outcomes for pupils with SEMH needs.

The role focuses on behaviour leadership, staff development and ensuring high standards of teaching, pastoral care and pupil progress. A resilient, inclusive leader is sought.

Qualifications

• Experience leading within a school or specialist educational setting.
• Strong SEMH knowledge and understanding of vulnerable pupils.
• Outstanding or highly effective classroom practitioner.
• Experience improving behaviour, engagement and outcomes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Calm, resilient and consistent in challenging situations.
• Commitment to inclusion and supporting every young person.
• High expectations while addressing individual pupil needs.

Responsibilities

• Support Headteacher with strategic leadership and development of the school.
• Lead on behaviour, pastoral provision and whole-school priorities.
• Promote a positive, nurturing approach to behaviour management.
• Support high-quality teaching and learning across the school.
• Monitor pupil progress, attendance and engagement.
• Support staff development through coaching, mentoring and line management.
• Work closely with families and external professionals to support positive outcomes for pupils.
• Support the school’s safeguarding culture and procedures.
• Promote high expectations for achievement, behaviour and personal development.
• Contribute to school improvement planning and leadership.

Skills

Leadership

SEMH

Behaviour management

Staff development

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Inclusion

Resilience

Job description

Assistant Headteacher – SEMH School – Bromley

Location: Bromley, South East London
Salary: L9–L12, Outer London Leadership Scale
Contract: Permanent, Contract, Full-time
Start Date: ASAP / January 2027

Philosophy Education are working in partnership with a specialist SEMH school in Bromley to recruit an ambitious, compassionate and experienced Assistant Headteacher to join their senior leadership team.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced school leader who is passionate about supporting children and young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and is committed to creating an environment where every pupil can thrive.

The Role

As Assistant Headteacher, you will work closely with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team to provide strategic and operational leadership across the school.

You will play a key role in developing a positive school culture, supporting staff and ensuring that pupils receive the highest standards of education, pastoral support and care.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the Headteacher with the strategic leadership and development of the school.

• Leading on behaviour, pastoral provision and other whole-school priorities.

• Promoting a positive, consistent and nurturing approach to behaviour management.

• Supporting high-quality teaching and learning across the school.

• Monitoring pupil progress, attendance and engagement.

• Supporting staff development through coaching, mentoring and effective line management.

• Working closely with families and external professionals to support positive outcomes for pupils.

• Supporting the school’s safeguarding culture and procedures.

• Promoting high expectations for achievement, behaviour and personal development.

• Contributing to school improvement planning and the wider leadership of the school.

About You

The successful candidate will ideally:

• Have successful experience of leadership within a school or specialist educational setting.

• Have a strong understanding of SEMH and the needs of vulnerable pupils.

• Be an outstanding or highly effective classroom practitioner.

• Have experience of improving behaviour, engagement and outcomes.

• Be confident leading, developing and supporting staff.

• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Be calm, resilient and consistent when managing challenging situations.

• Be passionate about inclusion and ensuring every young person has the opportunity to succeed.

• Have high expectations while understanding and responding to individual pupil needs.

Experience within an SEMH school, PRU, alternative provision or specialist setting would be highly desirable.

About the School

The school provides specialist education for young people with SEMH needs who may have experienced significant barriers to learning within mainstream education.

The school is committed to providing a safe, supportive and aspirational environment where pupils can rebuild confidence, develop positive relationships and achieve their potential.

You will be joining a committed team of professionals who are passionate about making a meaningful difference to the lives of young people.

What the School Offers

• L9–L12 on the Outer London Leadership Scale

• A permanent senior leadership position within a specialist SEMH setting.

• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to vulnerable young people.

• A supportive and committed senior leadership team.

• Professional development and opportunities for career progression.

• The opportunity to contribute to whole-school improvement and shape the future direction of the school.

Philosophy Education are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to appropriate safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check.