Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion

Thomas Deacon Education Trust; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Gladstone Primary Academy within the Thomas Deacon Education Trust seeks an Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion to shape and lead the academy’s strategic vision for inclusion. This role will drive equity and support for every pupil to thrive.

You will provide strategic leadership for attendance, behaviour, safeguarding, SEND, Personal Development and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), acting as the DSL or DDSL as needed, and collaborate with families and external agencies to improve outcomes.

Qualifications

• Leads inclusion strategy with focus on vulnerable pupils and belonging.
• Strong understanding of SEND, safeguarding, attendance and behaviour.
• Excellent communication and collaboration across teams and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead attendance, behaviour, safeguarding, SEND, PD and RSE across the academy.
• Act as DSL or DDSL as required and promote safeguarding culture.
• Collaborate with staff, families, and Trust colleagues to drive improvement.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Inclusion expertise

SEND

Safeguarding

Communication

Data analytics

Relationship building

Job description

As our Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion, you will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, shaping and leading the academy's strategic vision for inclusion and ensuring that every pupil has the support, challenge and opportunities they need to thrive.

You will provide strategic leadership for attendance, behaviour, safeguarding, SEND, Personal Development and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE), ensuring that systems and provision are highly effective and contribute to improved outcomes for all pupils. Acting as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), you will promote a culture where every child feels safe, valued and able to succeed while contributing to academy improvement planning, self-evaluation and strategic decision-making.

Working collaboratively with staff, families, external agencies and Trust colleagues, you will champion inclusion and belonging, develop colleagues, drive improvement through effective use of data and ensure vulnerable pupils receive the support and opportunities they need to succeed.

We are looking for a leader who shares our uncompromising commitment to inclusion, has a proven track record of improving outcomes for vulnerable pupils, and can inspire colleagues through strategic leadership, collaboration and a relentless focus on ensuring every child belongs. You will bring a strong understanding of inclusive education, SEND, safeguarding, attendance and behaviour, alongside excellent communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships across the academy community.

Why join Gladstone Primary Academy?:

This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead an ambitious inclusion strategy within a vibrant and aspirational academy where diversity is celebrated and where leadership can have a lasting impact on children and families.

As part of our commitment to inclusive practice, we are participating in the Leadership for Belonging Programme, led by colleagues from across the Trust and Local Authority, strengthening our understanding of belonging, inclusion and equity. We also work closely with our local Attendance Hub and Behaviour Hub in Luton, collaborating with educational leaders and specialists to develop and embed evidence-informed approaches that improve attendance, behaviour and inclusion. These partnerships provide exceptional opportunities for professional development, networking and sharing best practice, enabling us to continually strengthen our provision while supporting your own development as a senior leader.

In return, we offer a supportive academy and Trust, high-quality professional development, strong collaborative networks, and the opportunity to contribute to Trust-wide improvement initiatives. Most importantly, you will have the chance to make a lasting difference by ensuring every child feels they belong, can thrive and achieves their full potential.

Join Thomas Deacon Education Trust and be part of a dedicated team committed to "working together to transform lives through education." To learn more about the benefits we have on offer, check out our video here: Employee Benefits

At TDET, 95% of our new employees highly rate our induction programme. Benefit from the unwavering support of our dedicated staff, ensuring you feel welcomed and well-prepared from day one. According to our 2025 staff survey, 91% of staff are proud to work for TDET!

TDET - Working together to transform lives through education

Thomas Deacon Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The Academy will require the successful candidate to provide satisfactory references and undertake an Enhanced Check with the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Please note the trust may decide to withdraw the advert before the closing date or interview suitable candidates prior to the advert closing.

Do you believe every child deserves to feel a genuine sense of belonging and achieve their full potential?

Do you have the aspiration to lead meaningful change, the perseverance to remove barriers to success, and the commitment to support the growth of every child and colleague?

If so, this could be the leadership opportunity you have been looking for.

At Gladstone Primary Academy, we are a large, diverse and inclusive academy at the heart of our community. We are proud of our culture of belonging, high expectations and strong relationships, where every child is known, valued and supported to succeed. As part of the Thomas Deacon Education Trust, we offer a collaborative and ambitious environment where leaders are empowered to make a genuine difference while continuing to develop their own careers.