SEND Assistant Head

Prospero Teaching; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Prospero Teaching is recruiting an experienced Assistant Headteacher for a one-term interim cover at a SEND school in SE5, South East London. The role focuses on strategic and operational leadership to drive outcomes for pupils with additional needs.

You will work closely with the Headteacher and SLT to maintain high standards of teaching, safeguarding and behaviour across the school, leading on coaching, mentoring and inclusive practice.

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status with leadership experience in a SEND setting.
• Experience leading middle/senior leadership in a special school.
• Strong knowledge of SEND legislation and EHCPs.

Responsibilities

• Support the Headteacher in day-to-day leadership and management.
• Lead and monitor teaching and learning to ensure high-quality provision.
• Drive pupil progress, attainment and wellbeing improvements.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to teaching staff.
• Promote an inclusive, aspirational school culture.
• Contribute to safeguarding, behaviour and attendance strategies.
• Collaborate with parents, carers and external agencies.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team management

Safeguarding knowledge

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

QTS

NPQ or equivalent leadership qualification

Job description

Assistant Headteacher (Cover - 1 Term)

SEND School SE5, London September Start

Role: Assistant Headteacher (Interim Cover)
Location: SE5, South East London
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: Fixed Term - 1 Term Cover
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Assistant Headteacher to join our dedicated SEND school in SE5 for a one-term senior leadership cover commencing in September. This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate leader with a strong SEND background to support the strategic and operational leadership of the school and help drive outstanding outcomes for pupils with additional needs.

Working closely with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team, the successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining high standards of teaching, learning, behaviour and safeguarding across the school.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Headteacher in the day-to-day leadership and management of the school.
• Lead and monitor teaching and learning to ensure high-quality educational provision.
• Drive improvements in pupil progress, attainment and wellbeing.
• Provide coaching, mentoring and support to teaching staff.
• Promote an inclusive, nurturing and aspirational school culture.
• Contribute to safeguarding, behaviour management and attendance strategies.
• Work collaboratively with parents, carers, external agencies and multidisciplinary teams.

Essential Requirements

Applicants must have:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Significant experience working within a SEND school setting.
• Proven leadership experience, ideally at middle or senior leadership level.
• Strong understanding of SEND legislation, EHCPs and inclusive practice.
• Excellent communication, organisational and team leadership skills.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Desirable

• National Professional Qualification (NPQ) or relevant leadership qualification.
• Experience leading curriculum development, teaching and learning, or behaviour across a SEND provision.
• Experience with pupils with complex needs, ASD, SEMH, SLD or PMLD.