Assistant Headteacher

Job Title: Assistant Head Teacher (SEN)

Location: Mitcham, South London
School Type: Special Educational Needs (SEN) School
Contract Type: Fixed-term
Duration: From after Spring Half Term until April Half Term
Salary: £[Negotiable / MPS–UPS + TLR, depending on experience]
Start Date: Immediately after Spring Half Term

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Assistant Head Teacher to join a specialist SEN school in Mitcham on a fixed-term basis. This is a key leadership role that combines strategic responsibility, classroom teaching, and curriculum leadership, with a particular focus on PSHE.

The successful candidate will play a vital role in ensuring high-quality provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs, while modelling outstanding teaching practice and supporting the wider leadership team in driving school improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Responsibilities

• Support the Head Teacher and Senior Leadership Team in the strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the school

• Contribute to whole-school improvement planning, monitoring, and evaluation

• Lead on PSHE curriculum development and delivery, ensuring it meets the needs of SEN learners

• Promote a positive school culture with high expectations for behaviour, wellbeing, and achievement

• Support staff development through coaching, mentoring, and professional guidance

• Ensure safeguarding procedures are rigorously followed at all times

Teaching & Learning

• Undertake a teaching timetable alongside leadership responsibilities

• Model outstanding, inclusive teaching practice tailored to pupils with a range of SEN needs

• Use assessment data effectively to inform planning, intervention, and progress tracking

• Ensure lessons are accessible, engaging, and adapted to individual learning needs

• Work collaboratively with therapists, support staff, and external professionals

SEN & Pastoral Responsibility

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of SEND legislation and best practice

• Support pupils with a range of needs, including ASD, SEMH, MLD, and complex needs

• Ensure EHCP outcomes are supported through high-quality teaching and provision

• Lead on pupil wellbeing, personal development, and social-emotional learning

Person Specification

Essential Requirements

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

• Minimum 5 years’ teaching experience

• At least 1 year in a management or leadership role (e.g. middle or senior leadership)

• Proven experience working in an SEN setting

• Strong knowledge of SEND strategies, inclusive practice, and differentiated teaching

• Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills

• Ability to inspire, motivate, and support staff and pupils

• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting pupil welfare

Desirable

• Experience leading a curriculum area (particularly PSHE)

• Experience supporting whole-school improvement initiatives

• Familiarity with multi-disciplinary working and external agencies

What the School Offers

• A supportive and collaborative leadership team

• A rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact in an SEN setting

• Engaged staff who are committed to inclusive education

• Well-resourced classrooms and strong pastoral support systems

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role, including your SEN and leadership experience.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
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