Assistant Head of School in Surrey, West Molesey

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.