At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead teaching excellence and drive school improvement while inspiring students and staff.
- Company: Join Bluebank School, a nurturing environment for pupils with SEMH and complex needs.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, life assurance, flexible benefits, and mental health support.
- Other info: Be part of a certified 'Great Place to Work' with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives and shape the future of education.
- Qualifications: QTS, NPQSL, and a passion for teaching and curriculum excellence required.
The predicted salary is between 47185 - 131056 £ per year.
We are seeking an Assistant Headteacher to join our Senior Leadership Team - a pivotal role combining strategic leadership with up to 50% teaching commitment. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on whole-school improvement, curriculum excellence and the outcomes of every child and young person in our community.
What you will be doing
- Curriculum & Teaching Excellence: Ensure high-quality teaching and learning across the school. Lead curriculum design, innovation and implementation that meets statutory requirements and reflects the needs of our cohorts. Champion research-informed practice, including the use of technology to enhance learning. Oversee curriculum groups, supporting them to analyse data, identify priorities and plan for improvement.
- Raising Attainment & Standards: Lead on attainment and progress to secure outstanding outcomes for all pupils. Coordinate whole-school data collection, analysis and reporting – including presentations to Governors. Ensure quality assurance processes drive meaningful action planning and school improvement.
- Professional Development & Leadership: Shape and deliver staff development linked to teaching, learning and curriculum. Line-manage teachers and middle leaders, ensuring high performance and professional growth. Contribute to the School Improvement Plan, SEF and Governors' reports. Support the Headteacher with performance management processes.
- Community, Culture & Engagement: Promote a positive, celebratory school ethos through strong leadership and visibility. Strengthen partnerships with parents, external agencies, local schools and the wider community. Develop meaningful opportunities for pupil voice and parental engagement in school review.
Qualifications: QTS, NPQSL and a Degree required. Passionate about teaching, learning and curriculum excellence. Skilled in data analysis and able to translate findings into action. A confident communicator who inspires trust and motivates others. Committed to inclusion, high expectations and continuous improvement. Ready to make a meaningful difference to children, staff and the wider community. Driving licence required.
Bluebank School is an Acorn Education school in Chesterfield, supporting pupils with SEMH and complex needs. We provide a safe, nurturing environment where every pupil feels valued and supported. Small classes and personalised programmes help pupils develop academic, social, and life skills. Our inclusive approach empowers young people to grow in confidence, resilience, and independence.
Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people's lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.
We are really proud to say that in 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us? We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
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 employer: FirstGroup plc
Bluebank School, part of Acorn Education, is an exceptional employer located in Chesterfield, dedicated to providing a nurturing environment for pupils with SEMH and complex needs. We pride ourselves on our inclusive work culture that values every team member, offering extensive professional development opportunities and a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying benefits such as a flexible benefits platform, mental health support, and a supportive community focused on continuous improvement.
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We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Headteacher
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