Assistant Head of School

Assistant Head of School

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Cameron McInnes Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead curriculum development and model trauma-informed teaching to empower students.
  • Company: The Beech House School, part of a compassionate community focused on healing and education.
  • Benefits: Small class sizes, extensive professional development, and a supportive staff community.
  • Other info: Join a values-led team dedicated to transforming education for young people with complex needs.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through innovative and empathetic teaching.
  • Qualifications: Qualified teacher with experience in trauma-informed practice and curriculum leadership.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Are you driven by the belief that education can be a force for healing, identity-building, and change? Do you thrive in a values-led environment where relationships, creativity, and compassion sit at the heart of every decision? If so, The Beech House School may be your next home.

Part of Cameron & Cooper Limited — a therapeutically informed community spanning residential care, supported accommodation, and specialist education — our school exists to help young people with complex SEMH needs reconnect with learning, with others, and with themselves. Rooted in Love, Care, and Consistency, we are unapologetically ambitious for our pupils and for the adults who work alongside them.

We are now seeking a values-led, relational Assistant Head of School (Teaching & Learning) to join our Senior Leadership Team. This role blends strategic leadership with hands-on modelling of trauma-informed practice, shaping an ambitious, therapeutic curriculum that empowers pupils to succeed, thrive, and belong.

The Role

  • Lead the strategic development and delivery of our whole-school curriculum — academic, vocational, and therapeutic.
  • Model trauma-informed, relational pedagogy and support staff to embed it across all subjects.
  • Design and implement systems for curriculum planning, assessment, and pupil progress.
  • Drive instructional coaching, modelling, and high-trust feedback to grow staff confidence and craft.
  • Lead quality assurance, learning walks, and collaborative planning cycles.
  • Champion professional learning pathways and co-lead CPD with the Headteacher.
  • Contribute to whole-school leadership and act as DSL/DDSL as required.
  • Teach small groups (typically 3–6 pupils) across at least two subject areas, bringing creativity, flexibility, and therapeutic understanding to every lesson.
  • Build strong, attuned relationships with pupils, using co-regulation, restorative practice, and relational approaches to promote safety and learning.
  • Work closely with therapists, pastoral staff, and care teams to deliver joined-up, wraparound provision.

This is a role for a leader who knows that transformation happens one relationship at a time — and that excellence and empathy are partners, not opposites.

Who We’re Looking For

  • A qualified teacher with substantial teaching experience and proven impact on teaching, learning, and outcomes.
  • Deeply relational, with strong understanding of trauma-informed practice, SEMH, SEND, or alternative provision.
  • Skilled in coaching, feedback, and leading with humility, clarity, and emotional intelligence.
  • Experienced in curriculum leadership, assessment systems, and driving quality across a team.
  • Reflective, growth-oriented, and open to supervision, coaching, and continuous learning.
  • Flexible, resilient, and grounded in the belief that behaviour is communication.

Desirable:

  • Senior or middle leadership experience in a specialist setting
  • NPQSL or equivalent (or willingness to undertake)
  • Experience developing cross-curricular or thematic learning
  • Involvement in school improvement and inspection readiness

What We Offer

  • A full-time embedded Education Therapist within the education team
  • Small class sizes and high staff-to-pupil ratios
  • A beautifully renovated Grade II Listed therapeutic environment
  • Extensive CPD in trauma-informed practice, SEND, safeguarding, and relational pedagogy
  • Structured staff supervision and reflective practice
  • Coaching-based professional development and leadership pathways
  • Opportunities for further qualifications (e.g., NPQs, trauma-informed certifications)
  • A high-trust, collaborative staff community with a deep moral purpose
  • Wellbeing support and a culture that values the whole person

Safeguarding

Cameron & Cooper Limited is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will undergo thorough child protection screening, including reference checks and an enhanced DBS check.

Assistant Head of School employer: Cameron McInnes Limited

The Beech House School, part of Cameron & Cooper Limited, is an exceptional employer that prioritises a values-led work culture where compassion and creativity thrive. With a strong focus on professional development, including extensive CPD in trauma-informed practices and opportunities for further qualifications, employees are supported in their growth while working in a beautifully renovated therapeutic environment. The small class sizes and high staff-to-pupil ratios ensure that educators can build meaningful relationships with students, making this a truly rewarding place to work.
Cameron McInnes Limited

Contact Detail:

Cameron McInnes Limited Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Head of School

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education, especially those who are already part of The Beech House School or similar environments. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could make all the difference.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by diving deep into trauma-informed practices and the specific needs of SEMH pupils. Show us how your experience aligns with our values and how you can contribute to our mission of healing and growth.

✨Tip Number 3

Bring your creativity to the table! Think about how you can model innovative teaching strategies that resonate with our therapeutic curriculum. We love fresh ideas that empower pupils to thrive and belong.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our amazing team at The Beech House School.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Head of School

Curriculum Development
Trauma-Informed Practice
Relational Pedagogy
Instructional Coaching
Assessment Systems
Quality Assurance
Emotional Intelligence
Teaching Experience
SEMH Understanding
SEND Knowledge
Coaching and Feedback
Collaborative Planning
Flexibility
Resilience
School Improvement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Be Authentic: When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through! We want to see your passion for education and how your values align with ours. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to creating a nurturing learning environment.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific role of Assistant Head of School. Highlight your experience in trauma-informed practice and how you've successfully led curriculum development in the past. This shows us you understand what we're looking for!

Showcase Your Leadership Style: We’re keen to know about your leadership approach! Use your application to demonstrate how you foster relationships, support staff, and drive positive change. Share examples of how you've coached others and contributed to a collaborative team environment.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our school and values.

How to prepare for a job interview at Cameron McInnes Limited

✨Know Your Values

Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your own values and how they align with those of The Beech House School. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've demonstrated these values in your teaching and leadership roles.

✨Showcase Your Trauma-Informed Practice

Prepare to share your understanding and experience with trauma-informed pedagogy. Think of concrete examples where you've successfully implemented this approach in your classroom or leadership style, and how it positively impacted your students.

✨Engage in Collaborative Thinking

Since the role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to discuss how you foster collaboration among staff. Share strategies you've used to build strong relationships and promote a culture of feedback and support within your team.

✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Resilience

The interviewers will likely want to see how you handle challenges. Prepare to talk about a time when you faced a difficult situation in your teaching or leadership role, how you adapted, and what you learned from the experience.

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>