Assistant Headteacher for Specialist SLD and PMLD School

Shorefields; Benfleet; Remote; GBP 64,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benenden Healthcare scheme

Job summary

The Wolsey Park School within Zenith Multi Academy Trust invites applications for an Assistant Headteacher role to lead Specialist SLD and PMLD provision. You will work with class teachers and partners to build a positive, aspirational culture that safeguards learners and raises achievement.

We seek an experienced leader with extensive classroom experience with complex learners, who can drive high-quality provision, professional development and collaboration across the trust.

Qualifications

• Extensive leadership experience in a special school setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead provision for SLD and PMLD pupils with complex needs.
• Drive high-quality teaching and CPD across the school and trust.
• Safeguard learners and promote wellbeing through proactive safeguarding.

Job description

Assistant Headteacher for Specialist SLD and PMLD School

Job Ref No. ECC0-20L Position Type: Assistant Headteacher Pay Range: £63,999 to £70,618

Position Start Date: 12/04/2027 Contract Type: Full-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 20/11/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: 10th December 2026

opening to our first learners in June 2027

Full time

Leadership pay scale L8 to L12

At the heart of education is the ability to transform a child's life for the better

We are opening a new specialist provision for children and young people with severe learning difficulties (SLD) and profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) and are seeking an experienced and inspirational practitioner to join our leadership team at the start of this exciting journey for the school.

Our vision for the school is one where learners' safety, health and wellbeing are protected and promoted to the highest standards, and where all staff have aspiration and raised expectations of what learners can achieve with the right provision. We believe this provision must be rooted in a deep understanding of learners' strengths, and the things that matter most to them. We will demonstrate our belief that parents are the experts in their children.

If your vision aligns, and you have extensive classroom experience with complex learners, please consider if this AHT role could be your next step. We are looking for an excellent practitioner who wants to work alongside class teachers and our professional partners, driving forward quality of provision. If you would like to be a key part of the team that is building a positive, collaborative culture, and making a positive difference to outcomes for learners, then please consider this role.

To establish the culture in which our learners and staff will thrive, together we will:

• Ensure our shared values of aspiration, positivity and dignity are at the heart of everything we do
• Create a supportive, aspirational environment, where staff are trusted, valued and empowered to make a difference
• Invest in high-quality curriculum and SEND professional development
• Facilitate professional collaboration, research and innovation

The school will be growing rapidly in the coming years, so adaptability, calmness and a good sense of humour will be necessary! Alongside all the usual special school requirements of resilience, drive and passion of course.

Safeguarding our learners will be the highest priority. We will be relentless in our pursuit of a physically safe and emotionally secure environment. We commit to undertaking adapted, proactive safeguarding measures that address disability-related issues including communication barriers, and we expect all stakeholders to do the same.

If you could be part of the leadership team that is building something exceptional, we would be delighted to hear from you. Although the building is not yet ready, informal pre-visits with the headteacher are warmly welcomed. We will be holding an open day on Wednesday 11th November.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward looking, inspiring and proactive Trust with a strong focus of CPD and staff well-being.

We can offer you:

• Supportive leadership structure
• A dedicated, experienced, and hardworking team of staff
• The opportunity to develop within a highly effective multi academy trust
• A wide range of employee benefits and wellbeing initiatives

Information about the School

We are a small, locally-based Trust in South East Essex, currently comprising one primary school, three secondary schools, and one special school: Laindon Park Primary School and Nursery, The James Hornsby School in Basildon, Castle View School in Canvey Island, The King John School in Benfleet, and Castledon School in Wickford.

The Trust’s core aim is to ensure that we enhance the life chances of all the young people within the Trust to enable them to fulfil their potential and achieve the best possible outcomes. This is at the heart of everything we do, and supported by the Trust values of dignity, collaboration, positivity, and aspiration.

As a Trust our school’s progress 8 measures places us in the top 25% of the country. Our schools offer a high quality educational experience through a broad curriculum in a caring and friendly environment.

The Trust has good staff retention and is wholly committed to continued professional development. The Trust offers a range of excellent staff benefits, including free healthcare through Benenden Healthcare scheme.

At Zenith Multi Academy Trust, all staff are encouraged to develop their knowledge, skills, understanding, and attributes to enhance their professional work, regardless of experience. We work towards ‘a culture of excellence’, where all staff have the opportunity to continue to improve and sharpen their knowledge and practice.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.

Documents

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Leigh Christensen
c/o The King John School
Shipwrights Drive, Benfleet
Essex, SS7 1RQ Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Assistant Head

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Lead Practitioner

Lansdowne Primary Academy, Tilbury Closing: 12/11/2026 Midday

Assistant Headteacher for Specialist SLD and PMLD School

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