Assistant Headteacher

Assistant Headteacher
Complex SEN School
Oxford
Salary: Competitive, Dependent on experience
Start Date: September 2025 or January 2026 (earlier start desirable)

A highly respected and forward-thinking specialist school for pupils with complex special educational needs, based in Oxford, is seeking to appoint an outstanding Assistant Headteacher to join their senior leadership team.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of an exceptional provision, dedicated to delivering personalised education and holistic support for children and young people with a range of complex needs, including autism, social, emotional and mental health difficulties (SEMH), and associated learning differences.

The Role:
The successful candidate will be a dynamic and experienced leader, committed to inclusive, trauma-informed practice. Working closely with the Headteacher and senior leadership team, the Assistant Headteacher will be instrumental in supporting school improvement, staff development, and the delivery of high-quality teaching and learning. This is a hands-on role that requires a strong presence across the school, with direct involvement in curriculum development, safeguarding, pastoral care, and behaviour support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and operational support across a complex SEN setting.
• Lead on areas such as curriculum design, teaching and learning, or pastoral development, depending on strengths and experience.
• Drive continuous improvement in outcomes for pupils with a diverse range of complex needs.
• Support and develop middle leaders and staff through effective coaching, mentoring and performance management.
• Champion positive behaviour support strategies and contribute to a nurturing, structured learning environment.
• Ensure high standards of safeguarding and welfare for all pupils.

Essential Requirements:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Proven leadership or middle management experience within a special school or SEN/alternative provision setting.
• A strong understanding of the needs of children and young people with complex SEN and/or SEMH.
• Demonstrable impact in improving outcomes for vulnerable learners.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills.
• A values-led approach, with a passion for inclusive education and a commitment to high expectations for all.

Desirable:

• Experience in whole-school leadership roles (e.g. Assistant Head, Phase Leader, SENCo).
• NPQML or NPQSL (or working towards).
• Experience of working with multi-agency teams and parents/carers in a specialist setting.

This school is proud to offer a collaborative and supportive working environment, extensive CPD opportunities, and a leadership team committed to the wellbeing and development of staff and students alike.

Application Deadline: TBC
For further information and details on how to apply, interested candidates are encouraged to get in touch as soon as possible. Early applications are strongly encouraged, as the school reserves the right to interview and appoint ahead of schedule for the right candidate.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and rigorous vetting procedures.

For immediate consideration, please apply directly with an up-to-date copy of your CV, highlighting your contact details, relevant employment history and qualifications. 

Contact jordan.hebdon@permanentworkforceresourcing.com to find out more information.

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.
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