At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop pastoral support and inclusion for all pupils in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Dynamic school focused on inclusion and student wellbeing.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for professional development and leadership experience.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to creating an inclusive learning environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by promoting wellbeing and engagement.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience in pastoral care or SEND.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 65000 € per year.
We are seeking an inspirational and strategic Assistant Headteacher to lead and develop pastoral support and inclusion across the school. This is a key leadership role focused on ensuring that every pupil, regardless of need or circumstance, can access learning, feel safe, and thrive. You will shape whole-school systems, lead inclusive practice, and drive initiatives that have a lasting impact on pupils and their families.
Main Purpose of the Role
- Lead and develop the school's pastoral support provision with a strong focus on inclusion.
- Ensure all pupils, including those with additional needs, are fully supported and included in school life.
- Design, implement, and evaluate whole-school strategies that promote wellbeing, engagement, and access to learning.
Why This Role Matters
Pastoral care and inclusion are central to our ethos. This role ensures that vulnerable learners are not only supported but actively enabled to succeed. You will lead systems that directly improve attendance, engagement, emotional wellbeing, and educational outcomes.
Key Areas of Responsibility
- Provide strategic leadership across various areas, including:
- Parental Engagement Strategy: Strengthen home-school partnerships to support pupil wellbeing and progress.
- Support for Anxiety-Related Absence: Develop accessible curriculum pathways and re-engagement strategies, including remote learning.
- Personalised Timetables: Oversee provision and casework for pupils requiring highly individualised support.
- Regulation Support Plans: Lead implementation and staff coaching to ensure consistent practice.
- Sensory Environment Adaptations: Improve and coordinate inclusive learning environments.
- PSHE and RSE Curriculum Leadership: Ensure statutory, inclusive and accessible curriculum delivery.
- Social Understanding Curriculum: Develop provision supporting social communication and emotional literacy.
- SCERTS Framework Implementation: Lead training and embedding of SCERTS across the school.
- Transitions Support: Improve support for micro-transitions and major pupil transitions between phases or settings.
Leadership Responsibilities
- Contribute to whole-school leadership and improvement planning.
- Deputise for senior leaders when required.
- Engage with governance and Trust-level leadership, providing data-informed reporting.
- Lead and develop staff through coaching, CPD, and performance management.
- Support recruitment, induction, and professional development of staff.
- Model inclusive and therapeutic approaches to teaching and learning.
Safeguarding and Pastoral Systems
- Ensure safeguarding is embedded across all pastoral and inclusion work.
- Lead systems for assessment, monitoring, and intervention planning.
- Track pupil progress through person-centred plans and EHCP targets.
- Work closely with families and external agencies to support holistic outcomes.
Collaboration and External Working
- Build strong partnerships with families.
- Work with multidisciplinary and external professionals to support complex needs.
- Contribute to multi-agency approaches to pupil wellbeing and inclusion.
Policy, Data, and Resources
- Develop and implement inclusion and pastoral policies.
- Use data effectively to monitor impact and inform decision-making.
- Manage and oversee budgets linked to pastoral and inclusion provision.
Person Specification
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), relevant professional development in SEND, inclusion, pastoral care, or SCERTS; leadership training (desirable).
- Experience: Experience teaching in a school setting, leadership of pastoral and/or inclusion initiatives, experience supporting pupils with SEND, including sensory and anxiety-related needs, experience working with families and external agencies, experience developing curriculum areas such as PSHE/RSE and remote learning, experience coaching and supporting staff.
- Skills and Knowledge: Strong understanding of SCERTS and therapeutic approaches, knowledge of inclusion, differentiation, and sensory-informed practice, ability to lead curriculum development and inclusive provision, strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills, ability to use data to drive improvement, understanding of safeguarding requirements, financial and budget management capability.
- Personal Qualities: Commitment to inclusion and high expectations for all pupils, empathy, patience, and a person-centred approach, collaborative and solution-focused mindset, resilience and professionalism under pressure, commitment to reflective practice and ongoing development.
Essential Role-Specific Experience
- Leading parental engagement strategies.
- Supporting pupils with anxiety-related absence or school avoidance.
- Managing complex casework and personalised timetables.
- Developing and implementing regulation support plans.
- Leading sensory/environmental adaptations.
- Leading PSHE and RSE curriculum development.
- Implementing SCERTS or similar frameworks.
- Supporting transitions across settings and phases.
- Coaching staff in inclusive and therapeutic approaches.
Desirable Experience
- Senior or middle leadership experience in pastoral or inclusion roles.
- Experience in specialist SEND or special school settings.
- Training in SCERTS, trauma-informed practice, or sensory integration.
Safeguarding Statement
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced safeguarding checks. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of background or protected characteristics.
Assistant Headteacher in London employer: Destination Education Limited
As an Assistant Headteacher at our East Finchley school, you will join a vibrant and supportive community dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where every pupil can thrive. We prioritise professional development and offer numerous opportunities for growth, ensuring that our staff are equipped with the skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact. Our commitment to pastoral care and collaboration with families creates a rewarding atmosphere that values each individual's contribution to our school ethos.
Contact Detail:
Destination Education Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Headteacher in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, especially those who are already in leadership roles. They might have insider info on openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s ethos and current initiatives. Show us that you’re not just a fit for the role but also passionate about their mission in pastoral support and inclusion.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around inclusion and pastoral care. We want to hear how you’ve made a difference in previous roles and how you plan to do the same here.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in their minds and show your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your key points.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Headteacher in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Inclusion:When writing your application, let your passion for inclusion and pastoral care shine through. Share specific examples of how you've supported pupils with diverse needs in the past, as this will resonate with us at StudySmarter.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the role by highlighting relevant experiences and skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission to support every pupil, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and concise. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This helps us quickly understand your qualifications and how you can contribute to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Destination Education Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key areas of pastoral support and inclusion. Familiarise yourself with the SCERTS framework and be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented similar strategies in the past. This shows you’re not just a good fit, but that you’re passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you’ve led initiatives or teams in previous roles. Highlight your experience in coaching staff and developing inclusive practices. This is a leadership role, so demonstrating your ability to inspire and guide others will set you apart.
✨Engage with Real Scenarios
Think of specific challenges related to pastoral care and inclusion that you’ve faced. Be ready to discuss how you approached these situations, what strategies you employed, and the outcomes. This practical insight can really impress interviewers.
✨Connect with Their Ethos
Research the school’s values and ethos around inclusion and pastoral care. During the interview, express how your personal philosophy aligns with theirs. This connection can show that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely want to contribute to their mission.
