Job Description
Assistant Headteacher – SEND Secondary School (Autism & Moderate Learning Needs)
Location: Wellingborough, Northamptonshire
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Leadership Scale (Negotiable depending on experience)
Start Date: September 2026 (or sooner by agreement)
Transform Lives Through Exceptional Leadership
We are seeking an inspirational, compassionate, and ambitious Deputy Headteacher to join a dedicated leadership team at a specialist secondary school in Wellingborough supporting young people aged 11–19 with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD).
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced senior leader who is passionate about inclusive education and committed to ensuring every young person achieves their fullest potential academically, socially, and emotionally.
Our school provides a nurturing, structured, and aspirational environment where pupils are empowered to develop independence, confidence, communication skills, and positive futures. We are looking for a leader who shares our vision and can help drive the next phase of our school's development.
The Role
Working closely with the Headteacher, you will play a key strategic and operational role in leading the school. You will contribute to whole-school improvement, support outstanding teaching and learning, and ensure the highest standards of safeguarding, behaviour, attendance, and pupil wellbeing.
Key responsibilities include:
* Supporting the strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the school.
* Leading and monitoring teaching, learning, and curriculum development.
* Driving school improvement priorities and ensuring excellent outcomes for pupils.
* Championing high-quality SEND provision and inclusive practice.
* Coaching, mentoring, and developing staff at all levels.
* Promoting positive behaviour, engagement, and attendance.
* Working collaboratively with families, external agencies, and multi-disciplinary teams.
* Supporting safeguarding and ensuring statutory responsibilities are met.
* Acting as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead as required.
* Deputising for the Headteacher when necessary.
About You
We are seeking a leader who:
* Has substantial leadership experience within a SEND, specialist, or highly inclusive educational setting.
* Demonstrates a strong understanding of autism, moderate learning needs, and evidence-informed SEND practice.
* Has a proven track record of improving teaching, learning, and pupil outcomes.
* Is an outstanding communicator who can inspire confidence and build strong relationships.
* Possesses excellent organisational, strategic, and problem-solving skills.
* Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
* Has Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and relevant leadership experience.
What We Offer
* The opportunity to make a lasting difference to the lives of young people with additional needs.
* A highly supportive and collaborative leadership team.
* A committed and skilled staff body dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for pupils.
* Extensive professional development and leadership training opportunities.
* Access to employee wellbeing initiatives and support services.
* A positive and inclusive school community where every achievement is celebrated.
Safeguarding
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS clearance, satisfactory references, and pre-employment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.
How to Apply
We welcome visits from prospective candidates. To arrange an informal discussion or school visit, please contact the school office.
Join us and help shape an exceptional educational experience for young people with autism and moderate learning needs, enabling them to thrive both in school and beyond.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.