Job Ref No. ECC0-111L Position Type: Assistant Headteacher Pay Range: Main professional scale/UPS + additional allowance
Position Start Date: 01/09/2026 Contract Type: Full-time Contract Term: Permanent
Application Close: 15/05/2026 4pm Date of Interviews: On a rolling basis
The Assistant Head (Inclusion and SENDCo) will be a key member of the Wider Leadership Team, providing strategic and operational leadership for inclusion, SEND and vulnerable learner provision across both the Lower and Senior School.
This is a significant senior whole‑school leadership role at an important moment in the school's development. The successful candidate will play a central part in shaping inclusive provision across the school, ensuring pupils with additional needs are both supported and stretched, and that high‑quality inclusive practice is embedded in the daily life of classrooms and the wider culture of the school.
The role extends well beyond statutory SEND responsibilities. It includes strategic oversight of inclusion, leadership of adaptive teaching and provision, support for vulnerable learners, close partnership with pastoral and safeguarding colleagues, and a particular focus on effective transition, especially at key points such as Year 6 to Year 7.
The successful candidate will contribute not only specialist expertise, but wider leadership capacity to the school, helping to shape policy, practice and culture as part of a collaborative and ambitious senior team.
We are seeking an experienced and thoughtful leader with a strong moral purpose, intellectual seriousness and a deep commitment to enabling every pupil to flourish. This is a rare opportunity to help shape inclusion strategically in a school that is ambitious both for its pupils and for its future.
St Mary's is a happy, high achieving independent day school for girls aged 4-16 years with a Kindergarten for children age 2-4 years, a member of the Girls' Schools Association, Independent Association of Preparatory Schools, the Independent Schools Association, and the prestigious Round Square organisation.
St Mary's is proud of its commitment to its pupils and expects all staff to maintain high standards and support its mission and ethos to put girls at the centre of everything that it does so that they can flourish and excel. In return, St Mary's offers opportunities for further training and professional development which is actively encouraged amongst all staff.
Benefits of working for St Mary's include:
* Staff discount for School fees (subject to qualifying criteria)
* Enhanced employee assistance programme including counselling sessions, coaching, and 24‑hour helpline
* Occupational health support
* Lunch available during term‑time
* Tea and coffee facilities provided
* Pleasant working grounds and location
* Free parking on site
* Friendly team
* Bike2Work Scheme
Please see the candidate information pack for more information on the job role and person specification. To apply for this role, please go to our applicant tracking system, MyNewTerm:https://mynewterm.com/school/St-Mary's-School-for-Girls/115394
St Mary's is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All candidates must be willing to undergo enhanced child protection screening.
Information about the School
St Mary's School is a happy, high achieving independent day school for girls aged 4-16 years with a Kindergarten for children age 2-4 years. We are a member of the Girls' Schools Association, Independent Association of Preparatory Schools and the Independent Schools Association.
At St Mary’s, we believe that girls are remarkable and have different educational needs. With us, girls will be inspired, build resilience, advance academically, learn what interests her and grow. We understand that the girls’ wellbeing matters and is critical to achieving. Girls at St Mary’s are not only self‑confident and capable, but also kind and considerate.
Parents want the world for their daughters – and so do we. When she leaves us, she’ll be empowered to rise to the challenges and the opportunities the world presents.
We have a low staff turnover at St Mary’s, but occasionally we are in the position to invite suitably qualified individuals to join our friendly, close‑knit team.
All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.
Mrs Molly Terry
91 Lexden Road, Colchester
Essex, CO3 3RB Telephone: 01206 572544
Email: careers@stmaryscolchester.org.uk
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