Assistant Headteacher Post 16 (Maternity Cover) SEN School

Teaching Vacancies; Tunbridge Wells; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Teachers’ Pension Scheme

Kent Rewards scheme

Job summary

Oakley School in Kent seeks an Assistant Headteacher (Post 16) on maternity cover to provide strategic leadership for the Post-16 phase, including achievement, curriculum and teaching. The role focuses on ambitious, personalised learning aligned with Education, Health and Care Plans, supporting independence, employability and successful transitions beyond school.

The successful candidate will join a highly effective leadership team, lead training, support staff and build strong relationships

Qualifications

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusive principles and safeguarding.
• Experience of leading and supporting staff in a SEN setting.
• Excellent teaching practice and ability to raise pupil progress.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for Phase 4 (Post-16).
• Lead and develop curriculum, teaching, and assessment across the phase.
• Work with Governing Body and stakeholders to drive school improvement.

Job description

Assistant Headteacher Post 16 (Maternity Cover) SEN School

What skills and experience we're looking for

• to demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusive principles, support our ethos of providing a safe and positive environment for all our children and young people, enabling them to reach their full potential and develop their skills for life and independence
• have excellent knowledge, expertise and experience of working with children and young people with SEND
• be an excellent teacher and role model with a proven track record of supporting pupils’ progress
• have outstanding interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to adapt to different situations
• have strong leadership experience with the confidence and ability to hold others to account
• have the ability to build and develop excellent working relationships with all stakeholders
• have personal drive, resilience and be able to demonstrate enthusiasm and a positive attitude
• to lead by example in setting a strong commitment to raising a culture where pupils experience a positive and enriching school life
• deliver whole school and specific training as required
• to work with and support the Governing Body
• from time to time any other task that may be required by the Head Teacher

What the school offers its staff

This is an opportunity to join a highly effective leadership team.

The Assistant Headteacher will be based with Phase 4 (Post-16) and provide strategic and operational leadership for the achievement, curriculum and teaching across the Phase.

The candidate will ensure every pupil accesses an ambitious and personalised curriculum that builds on their Education, Health and Care Plan and prepares them for their Futures and Destinations. The role combines high expectations for learning with a strong focus on independence, employability, community participation, health and wellbeing, and successful transition beyond school.

Oakley School is an ambitious school that continually strives to develop excellent outcomes for pupils and their families.

• As well as membership of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme, benefits include access to the Kent Rewards scheme.

We have an opportunity for a dynamic, enthusiastic and hardworking Assistant Headteacher to join our friendly, positive and collaborative team from, as we continue our journey. The successful candidate will play an integral part in the Leadership Team, working with and supporting the school’s vision by leading, managing, supporting and developing pupils, staff and our school community.

Further details about the role

Visits to meet us are both encouraged and welcomed, please contact Zoey Hatch, School Business Leader [e-mail] to arrange a visit.

Please note that we are unable to accept CVs.

Selection Process/Interviews will take place on: 9th November 2026

Commitment to safeguarding

Oakley School is committed to safeguarding children and young people, a commitment we expect all staff to share and uphold.