At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead SEND provision, support staff training, and champion inclusive education.
- Company: Overton School, a nurturing environment for autistic young people and those with complex needs.
- Benefits: Up to £45,000 salary, flexible benefits, mental health support, and career development.
- Other info: Join a passionate team in a beautiful Shropshire countryside setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while shaping whole-school strategies.
- Qualifications: Qualified with NASENCO, experienced in SEND settings, and aspiring leaders welcome.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
Employer: Acorn Care and Education
Location: Ludlow
Pay: Up to £45,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Disability Confident: No
Closing Date: 18/06/2026
About this job: At OFG we allow for greater work life balance and extra time to do the things you love outside work.
Location: Overton School, Ludlow, SY8 4AD.
Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday–Friday | 8.30am - 4.30pm.
Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata).
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only.
Start: June 2026 (UK applicants only). No sponsorship available.
About the Role: At Overton School, we believe every young person deserves an education that unlocks their potential and celebrates their individuality. We are looking for an ambitious and passionate Assistant Headteacher – SENDCO & SEND Services to join our Senior Leadership Team and play a key role in shaping the future of our specialist provision. This is more than a SEND leadership role; it’s an opportunity to influence whole‑school strategy, drive innovation, champion inclusion, and create lasting impact for pupils with diverse and complex needs.
What you will be doing:
- Lead and develop whole‑school SEND provision and inclusive practice.
- Act as an active and influential member of the Senior Leadership Team.
- Deliver staff training and support high‑quality teaching and differentiation.
- Contribute to school improvement, quality assurance and strategic planning.
- Oversee SEND assessments, pupil progress tracking and reviews.
- Ensure EHCPs, IEPs and pupil documentation are accurate, effective and compliant.
- Lead annual reviews, PEP meetings and multi‑agency collaboration.
- Monitor interventions, transition plans and access arrangements.
- Build strong partnerships with families, therapists and external agencies.
- Promote wellbeing, inclusion and a safe, supportive learning environment for all pupils.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has qualified with NASENCO, PGCE/BEd or equivalent.
- Has experience teaching within specialist SEND settings.
- Has experience in Senior Leadership or is aspiring to further leadership responsibility.
- Is knowledgeable in EHCP processes, SEND legislation and safeguarding practice.
- Is an inspiring leader with excellent organisational and communication skills.
- Is passionate about inclusive education and improving outcomes for young people.
- Is collaborative, proactive and solution‑focused.
- Possesses a full UK driving licence.
About Us: Overton School provides specialist education in a nurturing, therapeutic setting for autistic young people and those with learning disabilities and complex needs. Set in the Shropshire countryside near Ludlow, the school offers personalised learning within a sensitively adapted Victorian building and outdoor‑rich environment. We support pupils to re‑engage with education, build confidence, and develop independence.
Benefits:
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase contributions.
- “Your Wellbeing Matters”: mental health support and physical health checks.
- 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.
Assistant Headteacher- SENDCO and SEND Services in Ludlow employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
Acorn Care and Education is an exceptional employer that prioritises work-life balance, allowing staff to engage in meaningful activities outside of their professional commitments. Located in the picturesque Shropshire countryside, Overton School fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture, offering extensive employee growth opportunities through leadership roles and professional development. With a strong focus on wellbeing and a range of benefits including mental health support and flexible working options, Acorn Care and Education is dedicated to creating a rewarding environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people with diverse needs.
Contact Details:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Headteacher- SENDCO and SEND Services in Ludlow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Overton School on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the school culture and what they really value in a candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into SEND practices and legislation. Brush up on your knowledge of EHCPs and IEPs, as well as how you can champion inclusion. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during the interview. Think of examples where you've led initiatives or made a positive impact in previous roles. We love to hear about how you’ve driven change and supported inclusive education.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Overton School.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Headteacher- SENDCO and SEND Services in Ludlow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Assistant Headteacher – SENDCO & SEND Services. We want to see your passion for inclusive education and how you can contribute to our vision at Overton School.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As this role is part of the Senior Leadership Team, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've led initiatives or teams in the past, especially in SEND settings, to show us you're the right fit.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences. Avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see your strengths.
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 the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Know Your SEND Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of SEND legislation, EHCP processes, and inclusive practices. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or initiatives in the past, especially in SEND settings. Highlight your experience in staff training and collaboration with external agencies, as this will demonstrate your capability to influence whole-school strategy.
✨Engage with the School's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Overton School's ethos and values. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of supporting pupils with diverse needs. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the role and the school.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about their current SEND strategies or how they measure success in inclusion. Asking questions not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
