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Job Title: Assistant Headteacher SENCo
Location: Trimdon Hill School, Durham, TS29 6EY
Hours: 37.5 per week | Monday to Friday
Salary: Up to £47,000.00 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: April 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available
About the Role
Are you ready to make a real impact in a brand-new specialist school? As part of our expanding Options Autism family, we’re searching for a dynamic and passionate Assistant Headteacher (SENDCo) to help shape its future from the ground up.
This is your chance to be part of something truly exciting: building an inclusive, nurturing, and aspirational environment where every pupil is supported to succeed. Alongside your leadership responsibilities, you will also contribute to the school day through some teaching as needed—helping you stay connected to classroom practice and our pupils’ daily experiences.
We’re looking for an inspiring and forward-thinking SEN professional who is committed to transforming the lives of children with a diverse range of needs. In this pivotal role, you’ll drive the development of SEND practice, working closely with the Headteacher, Deputy head and teaching staff, and our in-house therapy team to deliver personalised, high-quality support for every learner. You’ll champion inclusive approaches, guide colleagues with confidence, and ensure our pupils make meaningful progress—academically, socially, and emotionally.
Key Responsibilities
Build strong, supportive relationships with pupils and families, ensuring provision meets individual needs
Lead all EHC plan processes with accuracy, clarity, and impact
Oversee smooth transitions into, within, and beyond the school
Coach staff to adapt teaching and learning for complex and varied SEND profiles
Work collaboratively with teachers and therapists to embed a robust graduated approach
Ensure baselining, assessment, and progress tracking are purposeful and personalised
Shape and drive the school’s annual SEND improvement plan
Analyse whole-school trends and use insight to refine provision
Promote staff development through identifying training needs and championing high-quality CPD
Collaborate with behaviour and well-being teams to maintain a calm, supportive environment • Maintain accurate, up-to-date SEND records across the school
Teach across a variety of classes within the school as part of your weekly responsibilities
The successful candidate will be flexible in their approach to an ever growing and changing role
Requirements / Qualifications
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
SENCo qualification- not essential but a willingness to work towards this qualification is needed
Experience working in specialist or inclusive settings
Strong understanding of complex and diverse SEND profiles
Commitment to personalised learning, teamwork, and pupil well-being
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who believes in the potential of every child and wants to make a lasting difference within a specialist SEN school.
About Us
Trimdon Hill School is a brand-new school meeting the needs of 40 young people aged 4 -11, with a diagnosis of autism and who may also have a range of complex learning needs, communication and sensory difficulties. Situated in Trimdon Grange, County Durham, our school building has been refurbished and re-designed to the highest standard to meet the needs of our amazing young people.
The aim of the education provided at Trimdon Hill school is to develop social interaction and communication skills to allow young people to express their needs and to stimulate curiosity in the world around them.
For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.
We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Life Assurance
Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
“Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
Hundreds of UK and international discounts
Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
Critical illness cover
Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
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