Assistant Headteacher KS3 Leadership Scale L9 – L13 £63,070 - £69,596 Permanent, Full Time Required from September 2026 An exciting opportunity has arisen at The Woodlands for a dynamic, inclusive, and visionary leader to join our senior leadership team as Assistant Headteacher KS3. The successful candidate will lead a highly specialised setting that supports pupils who have been permanently excluded or are at risk of permanent exclusion from mainstream education. This role requires a dedicated professional who can ensure pupils receive a personalised, high-quality education that meets their individual needs and prepares them effectively for their next steps in learning. You will play a pivotal role in working with the local authority, mainstream schools, and external partners to deliver early intervention strategies and reduce the incidence of permanent exclusions across the local area. We are looking for someone who: · Demonstrates an inclusive approach to teaching and leadership. · Has proven experience working with pupils who present with social, emotional, and behavioural needs. · Is innovative, solution-focused, and creative in developing provision and curriculum. · Has a deep understanding of the barriers faced by children who are excluded from school. · Is a strong communicator and able to build trust with pupils, families, staff, and external agencies. · Can inspire, lead and motivate others within a complex and fast-paced environment. · Has a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. Why join The Woodlands? The Woodlands is a unique and valued provision that plays a vital role in supporting some of the most vulnerable children in our community. We work closely with pupils to help them re-engage with learning, overcome barriers, and make positive progress both academically and personally. Our work is challenging, but it offers a real opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of young people. Supporting Letter - 1000 word max Applicants are asked to include within their supporting letter a clear and compelling strategic vision for supporting the most vulnerable pupils. This should demonstrate a strong commitment to proactive, preventative approaches that promote engagement, inclusion and positive outcomes, both during placement and beyond. We are particularly interested in how you: · articulate an ambitious and inclusive vision for pupils with complex social, emotional and behavioural needs; · lead or contribute to preventative strategies that reduce barriers to learning and improve attendance, engagement and readiness to learn; · ensure the curriculum and wider provision support reintegration, transition and long-term success in education, employment and society; · work strategically with families, schools and partner agencies to secure sustained, meaningful outcomes for pupils at risk of exclusion or disengagement. Your letter should reflect both your professional values and your leadership experience, evidencing the impact you have made on improving progress or attainment within your own school, and outlining how this expertise will contribute to shaping an inclusive, aspirational, and high-quality provision for our pupils. We warmly welcome and encourage potential candidates to arrange a visit to see our provision in action and learn more about the role. To arrange a visit please contact Claire Batson on 01740 656040 to book onto one of the following dates: 6th May 10.00am 8th May 10.00am Closing date: Midnight on 10/05/2026 Inteview date: 20/05/2026 For an informal chat, please contact Lesley Candler, Executive Head Teacher on 01740 656040. All documentation is available in ‘supporting documents’. Please submit completed application form and supporting letter to u1100.admin@durhamlearning.net The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and, if successful, you will need to apply for an enhanced DBS disclosure. As a disability confident employer, we are committed to employing disabled people and people with health conditions making reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants when required. The Woodlands Broom Road, Ferryhill, DL17 8AN Tel: 01740 656040 Email: u1100.admin@durhamlearning.net Website: https://www.thewoodlands.durham.sch.uk/ VPRS/161