Assistant Headteacher - Curriculum

Acorn Care and Education; Lancaster; On-site; GBP 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Lancaster is seeking an Assistant Headteacher to drive curriculum development and innovation. The ideal candidate will have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and substantial teaching experience, alongside a proven track record in leadership. This permanent, full-time position offers a salary of £42,000 per annum, with a unique 4-Day Working Week option. Join a supportive team and contribute to improving outcomes for all pupils.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Wellbeing support

Flexible Benefits Platform

Family Growth Support

Qualifications

• Proven leadership skills in an educational setting.
• Substantial teaching experience with strong pedagogical knowledge.
• Ability to motivate and develop staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead curriculum planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Monitor pupil progress and oversee KS4 offerings.
• Manage subject leaders and promote professional development.

Skills

Curriculum development

Leadership

Teaching experience

Communication

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Job description

Overview

Position: Assistant Headteacher - Curriculum
Location: Crookhey Hall School, Cockerham, Lancaster, LA2 0HA
Salary: £42,000 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
Hours: 37.5 hours per week; Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 4:00pm
Start Date: November 2025

We are part of Outcomes First Group and support a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours) while receiving full-time pay. After 6 weeks in post, you will qualify for the 4DWW. This role is UK applicants only and does not offer sponsorship.

About the Role

Crookhey Hall School is a specialist SEMH school for boys and girls aged 10 to 17. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will lead curriculum development and innovation, ensuring a broad, balanced, and ambitious curriculum that supports staff to deliver high-quality teaching and improve outcomes for all pupils.

You will be responsible for:

• Curriculum planning, implementation, and evaluation
• Monitoring pupil progress and leading Key Stage 4 curriculum offerings, enrichment, and vocational opportunities
• Line management of subject leaders; supporting teaching staff; overseeing professional development
• Contributing to the School Improvement Plan and whole-school self-review

We are looking for a proven leader with strong pedagogical knowledge, the ability to motivate and develop staff, and a commitment to helping every child thrive. Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and substantial teaching experience are essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead curriculum development and delivery across the school
• Oversee KS4 curriculum, enrichment, and vocational opportunities
• Manage subject leaders and drive professional development
• Collaborate on the School Improvement Plan and self-review processes

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Full UK driving licence

About the School and Trust

Crookhey Hall School is a specialist SEMH setting for pupils aged 10–17, located on a 15-acre site near Lancaster. We provide a calm, structured environment that supports personal development and emotional wellbeing.

Acorn Education is part of Outcomes First Group, a leading provider of specialist education. In 2024, Outcomes First Group was certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth consecutive year.

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• Wellbeing support, including mental health resources and health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista) with a wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance options
• Discounts, Cycle to Work, Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support with enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

Note: 4DWW is subject to successful probation and is not a contractual benefit. You’ll work 80% of contractual hours for 100% pay while 4DWW is in effect.

Safeguarding and Recruitment

Outcomes First Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. All applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS checks. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if there is high volume of suitable applications. This recruitment follows Keeping Children Safe in Education guidelines.