Associate Headteacher

Simply Education Ltd; Kettering; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A nurturing school in Kettering is seeking an Assistant Head of School to support the Head of School in driving improvements and creating a positive learning environment. The ideal candidate will lead initiatives, manage staff, and ensure the wellbeing of pupils in a supportive educational setting. Experience in managing school operations and working towards NPQH or NPQSL is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in leading a school improvement plan.
• Confidence in budget management and operational leadership.
• Ability to inspire trust and motivate staff.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head of School in delivering the vision for pupil success.
• Lead the school improvement plan with measurable outcomes.
• Manage staff and conduct performance reviews.
• Oversee school budget and resources.
• Promote safeguarding and pupil wellbeing.

Skills

School improvement plan experience

Staff management

Budget management

Passion for pupil development

Education

NPQH or NPQSL (or working towards)

Job description

Assistant Head of School

Location: Kettering, Northamptonshire

Contract: Permanent, Full-Time

Hours: 8:30am - 5:00pm

We are assisting a small, nurturing school supporting approximately 35 pupils. The school provides a supportive, encouraging environment for children who require additional care and guidance, particularly those preparing to reintegrate into mainstream education. Their core team includes the Head of School, teachers, and support staff, with additional support from regional and national experts.

We are seeking a dedicated and dynamic Assistant Head of School to join their senior leadership team. You will work closely with the Head of School to shape the vision, ethos, and day‑to‑day operations of the school. Your role will be instrumental in driving school improvement initiatives and maintaining a positive, inclusive, and high‑achieving learning environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head of School in delivering a clear and ambitious vision for pupil success.
• Lead and contribute to the school improvement plan, ensuring measurable impact.
• Manage and support staff, including annual reviews and professional development.
• Oversee aspects of the school budget and resource planning.
• Promote a culture of safeguarding, inclusion, and pupil wellbeing.
• Act as a role model for high expectations, positive behaviour, and professional conduct.
• Support operational and pastoral duties as part of the senior leadership team.

The Ideal Candidate

• Has experience leading or contributing significantly to a school improvement plan.
• Holds, or is working towards, NPQH or NPQSL.
• Is experienced in managing staff teams and conducting annual reviews.
• Is confident in budget management and operational leadership.
• Is passionate about improving outcomes for pupils in a supportive environment.
• Inspires trust, respect, and high aspirations across the school community.

If this role is for you, we would love to hear from you. Join us in helping young people thrive in a supportive and ambitious school setting.