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- Tasks: Lead a department, ensuring high standards of teaching and care for students with complex needs.
- Company: Chailey Heritage Foundation, a unique organisation supporting children with physical disabilities and complex needs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, healthcare support, enhanced leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career growth and support for your professional journey.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong teaching experience, leadership skills, and a commitment to inclusion and safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 48785 - 53349 £ per year.
Location: Lewes
Salary: in line with Leadership Scale L5 - L8
Vacancy Type: Full Time / Permanent
We’re seeking an experienced and motivated leader to join Chailey Heritage School as an Assistant Headteacher. This is an opportunity to take on a significant leadership role within a specialist setting, supporting the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher to lead and develop a high-performing department. You will have direct line management responsibility for a team of teachers and, through them, Lead Education Assistants and Specialist/Education Assistants, ensuring high-quality teaching, care and outcomes for pupils with complex needs.
At Chailey Heritage School, we support children and young people with physical disabilities, complex communication needs, and a wide range of medical, sensory and cognitive needs. Our work is highly collaborative, with education, care and therapy teams working closely together to support each pupil’s development, independence and wellbeing.
The role As Assistant Headteacher, you will:
- Lead and manage a school department, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning and care
- Support and develop teachers to deliver consistent, high-quality practice
- Translate whole-school priorities into clear departmental plans and improvement activity
- Monitor pupil progress and provision, using evidence to inform improvement
- Work closely with multidisciplinary teams, parents and external professionals
- Contribute to whole-school leadership, culture and continuous improvement
You will also maintain a teaching commitment, alongside dedicated non-contact time to deliver your leadership responsibilities.
What you will bring:
- Experience as a strong and effective teacher, with a good understanding of SEND
- Leadership experience beyond the classroom, including supporting and developing colleagues
- The ability to lead, influence and support others to improve the quality and consistency of practice
- Confidence in holding high expectations and supporting colleagues to achieve them
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
- A collaborative approach and the ability to build effective working relationships
- A clear commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and improving outcomes for children and young people with complex needs
Why join us? Chailey Heritage Foundation is a unique organisation, combining education, care and therapy to support children and young people with complex needs. You will be part of a collaborative and values-led leadership team, with opportunities to contribute to wider school and organisational development. We’re committed to supporting your professional development and progression, and to creating an environment where colleagues feel valued, supported and able to do their best work.
More than just your salary! We believe in nurturing potential - for children and young people, and for colleagues too. That’s why we invest in you with:
- Competitive Salary
- Healthcare Cash Plan & Wellbeing Support with 24/7 Doctor Line
- Enhanced maternity, adoption, and paternity leave
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Retail and leisure discounts
- Onsite parking
- Café, and kitchen facilities
Plus, we cover the cost of all DBS checks and renewals.
To Apply If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Chailey Heritage Foundation, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.
Assistant Headteacher in Lewes employer: Chailey Heritage Foundation
Contact Detail:
Chailey Heritage Foundation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Headteacher in Lewes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Chailey Heritage School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s values and recent initiatives. We want to see how you can align your leadership style with their mission to support children with complex needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your collaborative spirit! Be ready to discuss examples of how you've worked with multidisciplinary teams in the past. This is key for a role that thrives on teamwork.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who follow our process!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Headteacher in Lewes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that align with the Assistant Headteacher role. We want to see how your background fits into our unique setting at Chailey Heritage School.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Since this role involves leading a team, don’t forget to emphasise your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've supported and developed colleagues in the past – we love to see collaboration in action!
Highlight Your Understanding of SEND: Given our focus on supporting children with complex needs, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). We’re looking for candidates who can show they’re committed to improving outcomes for all pupils.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chailey Heritage Foundation
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the role and the school’s ethos. Familiarise yourself with Chailey Heritage School's approach to supporting pupils with complex needs, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their values.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience beyond the classroom. Think about times when you’ve supported or developed colleagues, and be ready to explain how you can lead a team effectively in a specialist setting.
✨Collaborative Mindset
Since the role involves working closely with multidisciplinary teams, come prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated with others in the past. Share specific instances where teamwork led to improved outcomes for students.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the school’s future goals, how they measure success in teaching and care, or what support systems are in place for staff. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.