Assistant Headteacher (SENCO)

GLF Schools; Epsom; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

Teachers pension scheme

Generous holiday allowance

Wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

Danetree Primary School in Epsom seeks an inspiring Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for SENCO to join our forward-thinking leadership team. This dual-role combines strategic senior leadership with a focus on SEND, shaping our whole-school strategy to raise outcomes for all learners.

Working with the Headteacher, you will drive high-quality teaching, develop staff, embed inclusive practice, and lead SEND provision and policy to ensure compliance and rapid progress for all pupils.

Qualifications

• QTS with strong teaching background and senior leadership experience.
• SEN expertise and thorough knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice.
• Strategic leadership skills with evidence of school improvement.
• Excellent communication and collaboration with staff, pupils, families and external partners.
• Committed to safeguarding, inclusion and equality for all learners.
• Inspiring and innovative leadership approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead SEND provision and SEN policy to ensure compliance.
• Champion inclusion and secure rapid progress for all learners.
• Drive school improvement and maintain high teaching standards.
• Develop staff and embed a culture of continuous improvement.

Skills

Senior leadership

SEN Expertise

Strategic leadership

Communication & collaboration

Safeguarding & inclusion

Innovative leadership

Education

QTS

National Award for SEN Coordination

Job description

# Assistant Headteacher (SENCO)Employer: Danetree Primary SchoolLocation: Epsom, SurreyContract Type: PermanentHours: Full TimeSalary: GLF Leadership 4 - 8 (Fringe)Posted: 14th October 2026Expires: 1st November 2026 11:59 PMStart Date: 1st January 2027Job ID: 1579676Job Reference: DAN039* Share :* Print**Danetree Primary School is seeking an inspiring and dedicated Assistant Headteacher with the responsibility of SENCO to join our passionate and forward-thinking leadership team.****This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and enthusiastic leader who is committed to inclusive education and has a strong track record of improving outcomes for all learners. You will play a pivotal role in shaping our whole-school strategy for SEND, while contributing to wider school development as part of the senior leadership team.****Your opportunity**This is a unique and rewarding leadership opportunity for a passionate and experienced educator to join GLF Schools as an Assistant Headteacher (SENCO). This dual-role position combines strategic senior leadership with a core focus on special educational needs and inclusive practice, offering the chance to shape the educational experience of every child, especially those with additional learning needs.Working in close partnership with the Headteacher, you will play a pivotal role in the school’s ongoing development by driving high-quality teaching, developing staff, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement. As the school’s SENCO, you will lead the provision and policy for SEND, ensuring compliance, championing inclusion, and securing rapid progress for all learners.This is an ideal role for an ambitious leader with a strong SEND background who is ready to influence whole-school strategy while making a tangible impact on the lives of pupils, staff, and families within a supportive, values-driven Multi Academy Trust.**What we are looking for*** Experienced Educator & Qualified Leader - You’ll have QTS, a strong teaching background, senior leadership experience, and ideally be working towards or already hold the National Award for SEN Coordination.* SEN Expertise - A sound understanding of the SEN Code of Practice and a proven track record of raising standards and delivering inclusive practice across the school.* Strategic Leadership - Confident in driving school improvement, managing resources, leading change, and embedding high expectations for all learners.* Exceptional Communicator & Collaborator - Able to influence, motivate, and build strong relationships with staff, pupils, families, and external partners.* Committed to Safeguarding & Inclusion - Deep knowledge of safeguarding procedures and a passionate advocate for equality, social justice, and the wellbeing of every child.* Inspiring & Innovative - A forward-thinking professional who brings creativity, resilience, and a positive outlook to school leadership.Please read the Job Description and Person Specification for more information and before applying.**About Danetree Primary School**Danetree is a four-form entry, Ofsted rated 'OUTSTANDING' School set in fantastic grounds in West Ewell, Epsom. Our forward-thinking approach and dedicated staff aim to provide the best education for our children, bringing learning to life through our innovative thematic curriculum.Our School sits within a newly established cluster of schools, overseen by a Regional Director. Along with Danetree, our cluster includes the following other schools; The Vale, Banstead Infants, Warren Mead Infant and Junior Schools, Cuddington Croft Primary School, and Floreat Wandsworth Primary School . This is an exciting opportunity to work collaboratively with colleagues across this cluster, to share expertise and experience, ensuring all children in our schools receive an excellent education and reach their potential. It also provides opportunities for career progression across the cluster and gives you the chance to further your professional development.**Join the GLF Schools Community**As a part of GLF Schools, you will join a community of staff dedicated to transforming education. With regular progression discussions, there will be a wealth of opportunities for you to grow your career, whether in one of our 43 academies or in our central team.* Founded upon the values of Respect, Inclusivity, Integrity and Kindness* 43 primary and secondary schools across 7 Local Authority areas across the south of England* We work as a community whilst ensuring each school maintains its own unique identity* Committed to ensuring all children and young people receive the best possible education**Our Employment Offer*** GLF Schools has a generous employment offer, which allows all our colleagues to Grow, Learn and Flourish* Access to our highly competitive Teachers pension scheme* Flexible working options* Generous holiday allowance* Work life and family friendly policies* Employee wellbeing initiatives* Career pathways and talent management* Access to a staff benefits portal* Community and collaboration working model**The Details****Start Date:** January 2027**Hours:** Full-time**Annual Salary:**GLF Leadership 4 - 8 (Fringe)**Closing Date:** Sunday 1st November at 11.59pm**Interview Date:** TBC### AttachmentsJoin Our Community - Teaching 2025 - 26Assistant Headteacher (Senco) - JD 2026Assistant Head (SENCO) PS - 2026### Safeguarding Statement:GLF Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Employment is subject to a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).As a Trust, we are happy to discuss flexible working opportunities. GLF Schools recognises and celebrates the diversity of its schools and their communities. There is a shared commitment across the Trust to develop further a culture of respect, where discrimination is not tolerated, and individuals are treated equitably and fairly and feel a sense of belonging. We strive for an inclusive environment where staff, children and students are comfortable to express their own identity, should they wish, in which diversity and inclusion is of mutual benefit for everyone in our schools. We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups including those based on ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.We reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy at any time ahead of the closing date if there is a good level of response. Therefore, we recommend you submit your application as early as possible.We also reserve the right to interview shortlisted candidates ahead of the closing date.Please be advised that references may be requested on receipt of your application. Please state if you wish this to be delayed until shortlisting/interviews have taken place.