Assistant Headteacher - SEND

The Education Network; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Assistant Headteacher for a primary SEND school in Birmingham. This interim role focuses on managing complex needs provision and supporting a diverse student body. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in special education, proven leadership experience, and a compassionate approach to education. Responsibilities include guiding staff, curriculum development, and ensuring a safe learning environment.

Benefits

Personalised career support

Opportunity for additional training

Excellent rates of pay

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Assistant Headteacher or senior leader within a special school.
• Strong understanding of complex needs and differentiated learning approaches.
• Record of outstanding classroom practice.

Responsibilities

• Support leadership and management of the school’s complex needs provision.
• Provide guidance to teaching and support staff.
• Lead on curriculum development or inclusion.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Compassionate approach

Resilience

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Job description

Assistant Headteacher – Primary SEND School – Complex Needs – Interim

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced Assistant Headteacher to join a well‑resourced and nurturing primary SEND school on an interim basis for the remainder of the academic year. This role is ideal for a compassionate and strategic leader with a strong background in special education, particularly supporting pupils with complex needs.

The school provides a caring and structured environment where children with a wide range of additional needs, including Autism, Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD), and complex medical or communication needs, are supported to achieve their full potential. As Assistant Headteacher, you will work closely with the Headteacher and leadership team to ensure high‑quality teaching, effective staff support, and a safe, engaging environment for every pupil.

Job Role:

• Supporting the leadership and management of the school’s complex needs provision
• Providing guidance and direction to teaching and support staff to deliver outstanding practice
• Leading on curriculum development, behaviour, or inclusion (depending on experience and strengths)
• Working collaboratively with parents, carers, and external agencies to ensure holistic support for every child
• Supporting staff wellbeing and development through effective coaching and mentoring
• Ensuring that safeguarding, EHCP targets, and progress measures are consistently met across the school

Requirements:

• Proven experience as an Assistant Headteacher or senior leader within a special school or SEND provision
• Strong understanding of complex needs, Autism, and differentiated learning approaches
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with a record of outstanding classroom practice
• Excellent communication, organisational, and leadership skills
• A compassionate and resilient approach to supporting children, staff, and families

If you are an experienced Assistant Headteacher looking to make a meaningful impact in a truly rewarding setting, this could be the perfect interim role for you. Please “Apply Now” or contact The Education Network Birmingham for more information. Not the role for you? Ask about our other school leadership opportunities or refer a colleague and find out about our excellent referral scheme.

The Education Network Offer:

Our specialist team have a combined experience of over 25 years and have unrivalled reputation within the education market, taking great pride in the extremely high service levels that we provide to both our schools and our candidates. Our service is honest and efficient and, in addition to our recruitment solution, we offer the opportunity for additional training and development for our candidates. You will also receive personalised career support from the team.

The opportunity to work in a friendly, caring and supportive atmosphere where every child matters. Highly supportive, committed and hard‑working consultants who will endeavour to find assignments suited to your needs. An opportunity to extend your professional development as well as excellent rates of pay.

The Education Network is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Appointments will be subject to our stringent vetting procedures, including enhanced DBS checks and references. The Education Network is committed to Safer Recruitment and recruits to Compliance+ standards. Any appointment will be subject to an enhanced DBS check in addition to other safeguarding checks. The Education Network is an equal opportunities employer. The Education Network is acting as a recruitment agency in relation to this vacancy.

Due to the expected high‑volume of applications we receive only short‑listed candidates will be contacted within 3 days.