Assistant Headteacher (Curriculum/Teaching and Learning)

Kedleston Group Ltd; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Assistant Headteacher to join its senior leadership team. This role focuses on enhancing the quality of education through innovative curriculum design and inclusive practices, particularly for students with SEMH needs. You will collaborate closely with the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher to implement a high-quality curriculum aligned with Independent School Standards. Join a dedicated team committed to making a real difference in children's lives while enjoying ongoing professional development and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Annual salary reviews

Enhanced pension contributions

Ongoing professional development

Lifestyle and health perks

Collaborative team environment

Impactful role in children's lives

Qualifications

• 5+ years of teaching experience with leadership in SEMH or specialist provision.
• Deep knowledge of curriculum design, pedagogy, and quality assurance.

Responsibilities

• Lead on curriculum design and teaching strategy across the school.
• Monitor progress towards strategic aims and uphold a positive school culture.

Skills

Leadership and Management

Curriculum Design

Trauma-Informed Practice

Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH)

Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)

Interpersonal Skills

Safeguarding

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Degree Qualification

Senior Leadership Training

Job description

About the role:

We are seeking to appoint a passionate, skilled, and ambitious Assistant Headteacher to join our senior leadership team with responsibility for Quality of Education – Curriculum, Teaching and Learning.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader who is committed to inclusive and trauma-informed education, with a particular focus on meeting the needs of pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).

You will work closely with the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher to communicate the school’s vision, support the strategic leadership and daily management of the school, and lead on the design and implementation of a high-quality, ambitious curriculum that is sequenced across all Key Stages and aligned with the Independent School Standards.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead on whole-school curriculum design, teaching, and learning strategy
• Manage staff and resources effectively to drive high standards across the school
• Prepare the school for internal audits and produce termly Quality of Education reports
• Monitor progress towards strategic aims and objectives
• Uphold a positive school culture where pupils experience a rich and rewarding education
• Promote high standards of teaching, behaviour, attendance, and pupil wellbeing
• Support high-quality inclusive practice that meets the needs of pupils with SEND, particularly SEMH and ASC
• Oversee effective professional development and performance management of middle leaders
• Fulfil a timetabled teaching commitment in your subject specialism and across the school where appropriate

We are looking for a compassionate and resilient leader who:

• Has Qualified Teacher Status and at least 5 years of teaching experience
• Has leadership and management experience in a SEMH or specialist provision
• Understands the importance of trauma-informed and inclusive practice
• Has a deep knowledge of curriculum design, pedagogy, and quality assurance
• Understands the OFSTED Framework and Independent School Standards
• Has strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive working relationships
• Demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding, SEND, and whole-school improvement

About you:

Essential: QTS, degree qualification, senior leadership training, experience in curriculum leadership and staff development, extensive SEMH knowledge

Desirable: SEN qualifications/training, experience in managing school finances, involvement in successful inspections and audits

Why join us?

• Annual salary reviews and enhanced pension contributions for qualified teachers.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Access to a range of lifestyle and health perks and benefits.
• The opportunity to shape and develop a growing school.
• A collaborative and dedicated team of professionals.
• A rewarding and fulfilling role making a real difference to children's lives.

At Leaways School, we offer a unique opportunity to lead a school with a strong ethos and commitment to excellence. You will have the chance to make a significant impact on the lives of young people and their families while working within a supportive, child-centred and forward-thinking organisation.

Who are we?

Leaways School is an independent specialist day school in Clapton, for children and young people aged between the ages of 7 and 17. The school provides a safe learning environment for children and young people with social, emotional and mental health needs including autism and an EHC Plan. We also have a dedicated primary unit taking children from 7 years old. We aim to offer as close to a mainstream experience as possible but provide the additional care and support needed around each young person to enable them to thrive.

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting children and we expect all colleagues to share this commitment. We will do everything possible to ensure that only those who are suitable to work with children are recruited to work for us. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020 and is subject to a range of vetting checks including a criminal records disclosure.

We are a disability confident committed and equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from all sections of the community.