– no sponsorship available
About the Role
Lead. Champion. Transform Inclusion.
Are you a passionate, values‑driven leader who believes every child deserves an education that meets their needs, honours their individuality and unlocks their potential? Do you thrive on shaping inclusive systems, strengthening SEND provision and ensuring every learner feels understood, supported and able to succeed?
We are seeking an Assistant Headteacher (SEND & Inclusion) to join our Senior Leadership Team and drive excellence in SEND, inclusion and personalised provision across the school. This is a pivotal role for a strategic, compassionate and highly skilled leader who can combine deep SEND expertise with a visible, hands‑on presence.
What You'll Do
Strategic Leadership
1. Drive whole‑school SEND and inclusion strategy alongside the Headteacher and SLT.
2. Lead the development of trauma‑informed, relational and inclusive systems across both sites.
3. Maintain a visible leadership presence, modelling outstanding inclusive practice and contributing to whole‑school improvement.
SEND, Inclusion & Personalised Provision
4. Oversee the quality, consistency and impact of SEND provision, ensuring all pupils’ needs are met.
5. Ensure EHCPs are fully implemented, monitored and reviewed, with provision aligned to individual needs.
6. Lead personalised pathways, interventions and support plans that improve engagement, progress and wellbeing.
Safeguarding & Multi‑Agency Collaboration
7. Ensure safeguarding and SEND systems are robust, compliant and aligned with statutory duties.
8. Work closely with external agencies, clinical teams, therapeutic services and local authorities to coordinate holistic support.
9. Lead or contribute to EHCP reviews, multi‑agency meetings and reintegration planning.
Staff Leadership & Development
10. Line manage and coach staff to deliver high‑quality inclusive practice and SEND support.
11. Provide training, modelling and guidance in trauma‑informed approaches, differentiation and adaptive teaching.
12. Contribute to quality assurance processes linked to SEND, safeguarding and inclusion.
Behaviour, Wellbeing & Engagement
13. Work with pastoral leaders to ensure behaviour and wellbeing strategies align with SEND needs.
14. Use data to monitor progress in behaviour, attitudes and personal development for pupils with SEND.
15. Support attendance, engagement and emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA) through personalised, therapeutic approaches.
What you will bring:
We’d love to hear from you if you are:
16. QTS or equivalent required
17. An experienced SEND leader with a deep understanding of EHCPs, statutory duties and inclusive practice.
18. A compassionate, reflective and resilient practitioner who champions the needs of vulnerable learners.
19. Skilled in developing whole‑school systems that promote inclusion, wellbeing and personalised support.
20. Confident working with external agencies and leading multi‑disciplinary collaboration.
21. Able to inspire, coach and hold staff to high standards of inclusive practice.
22. Committed to ensuring every child feels safe, valued and able to succeed.
23. A UK driving licence
About Us
Longdon Hall School is an independent specialist day school for boys and girls aged from 7 to 18, catering for pupils with a wide range of social, emotional, and mental health needs. Our dedicated team work together to ensure successful outcomes for pupils who often arrive at the school with a troubled view of education and life.
This opportunity is in Lichfield which is within commutable distance of Cannock, Burton upon Trent and surrounding areas.
Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.
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.
24. Life Assurance
25. Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
26. “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
27. 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.
#1