Assistant Head Teacher Scale: Leadership Range: L10 – L14 Contract Type: Permanent Salary: £62,202 - £68,586 *pay award pending Location: Woodlands School Start Date: 1st January 2026 (or earlier if possible) About us Woodlands is an all-age broad-spectrum special school based in Coleshill, North Warwickshire. We are dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment for pupils with a range of additional learning needs. We believe in fostering the potential of every student and working collaboratively with parents, carers, and external agencies to ensure the best possible outcomes for our young learners. We are an integral part of Unity MAT, which is a small, ambitious trust comprising of ourselves and 2 other similar special schools. Our collaborative working means that we have a shared understanding of the challenges and issues that our schools face and can work together to find solutions. The schools are supported by a strong Core Team who provide dedicated support services across the Trust. There has been a recent change in leadership within the school and we are now seeking a motivated, ambitious Assistant Head Teacher to join our Senior Leadership Team. What we need We are looking to appoint a high performing practitioner preferably with leadership experience at a senior or middle leadership level. You will share our vision to develop the school into a centre of excellence in special education. You will have the knowledge and experience to support the Head Teacher in shaping the school’s practice and quality of education and move it forward at pace. The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience of working with pupils with a range of special education needs, however we recognise that staff working in mainstream settings have transferrable skills and therefore special schools experience is not an essential requirement. You should share our ambition for every child to achieve their full potential regardless of the complexity of their needs, in addition to having: • a collaborative approach to being part of an ambitious and growing Trust, • the ability to work strategically as part of the Senior Leadership Team, • the drive to lead/support the future development of the school, • the skills to motivate and inspire by being a visible leader, • the ability to support the delivery of a diverse curriculum which meets the needs of all pupils, • a comprehensive understanding of what makes the quality of education exemplary, • an outward facing approach in order to build and develop relationships and partnership working, • excellent communication skills, emotional intelligence, resilience and a positive attitude. What we offer • the opportunity to make a difference, • enthusiastic, friendly and engaged pupils who are keen to learn, • a supportive community of families and external partners, • a friendly and inclusive working environment, • talented, dedicated and hardworking colleagues and SLT team, • support from the Executive Leadership and other senior leaders, • comprehensive induction and probation support. Reward & Benefits We offer: • A competitive salary • Access to the Teacher Pension Scheme & significant employer contribution • Excellent training and development opportunities, including full access to the National College courses and webinars • Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme (including GP helpline, financial & legal advice line and carer support for employee and household members) • Well-being app & staff discounts • Occupational Health Service • Family friendly and Employee Health & Well-being policies • Childcare Voucher Scheme • Free parking Key Dates Closing Date: Monday 7th July @ 9.00am Shortlisting: Week com 7th July 2025* Interview Date: Week Com 14th July 2025* Anticipated start date: 1st January 2026 (or earlier if possible) *Provisional dates—subject to change. Informal Contact Potential candidates are encouraged to visit the school. For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Mel Keating, Head Teacher on 01675 463590 or mel.keating@unitymat.co.uk To arrange a visit please contact the school office on 01675 463590 or email admin7047@welearn365.com Safer Recruitment Unity MAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We follow robust safer recruitment processes, including online searches, during all recruitment. Please see application pack for further details. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and is eligible for an enhanced DBS check including a Children's Barring List Check. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. Equal Opportunities We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from candidates of all ages, backgrounds and those with disabilities. Application Forms Applications must be made using an official application form or via the TES on-line application service. CVs will not be accepted. Application form must be sent by email to joinus@unitymat.co.uk before the closing date detailed above. We reserve the right to close the recruitment early if a large volume of suitable applications are received. Further information Application packs including Job Description, Person Specification, Guidance for Applicants and Application Form can be obtained from https://www.unitymat.co.uk/join-us-vacancies