At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a dedicated team while teaching across Key Stages 1-3.
- Company: A nurturing specialist SEN school in Breckland, Norfolk.
- Benefits: Supportive staff team and potential for permanent position.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to safeguarding and student wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of pupils with additional needs.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and proven leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 £ per year.
Grass Roots Academic Support is supporting a specialist SEN school in the Breckland area in its search for an experienced and committed Assistant Headteacher. This is a fixed-term appointment for an initial one-term period, with the potential for a permanent position for the successful candidate.
Location: Breckland, Norfolk
Contract: Fixed-Term (Initial One-Term Appointment)
Start Date: September 2026
Salary: dependent on experience
Potential for Permanent Appointment Following Successful Completion of Initial Term
About the School
They are a small, nurturing specialist SEN school located in the Dereham area, providing high-quality education and support for pupils with a range of additional needs. Our school serves pupils from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 3 and is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and aspirational learning environment where every child can thrive. The school supports pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Our purpose-designed facilities provide a safe, supportive and stimulating environment where every child can flourish. They deliver a therapeutic and holistic approach to education, addressing both academic achievement and emotional wellbeing. Led by an experienced Headteacher, our dedicated team works closely with pupils and their families to unlock potential, build confidence and inspire success.
The Role
This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled leader who remains passionate about classroom teaching. The successful candidate will combine strategic leadership responsibilities with a teaching commitment across Key Stages 1-3. Working closely with the Headteacher, the Assistant Headteacher will play a key role in driving school improvement, supporting staff development, maintaining high standards of teaching and learning, and ensuring the wellbeing and safeguarding of all pupils.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the day-to-day leadership and management of the school, supporting the Headteacher.
- Contribute to the strategic direction and ongoing development of the school.
- Lead specific school improvement priorities and monitor their impact.
- Support quality assurance activities, including lesson observations, learning walks and pupil progress reviews.
- Promote a positive, inclusive and supportive school culture.
- Deliver high-quality teaching across Key Stages 1, 2 and 3 as required.
- Model excellent classroom practice and adaptive teaching strategies for pupils with SEND.
- Act as the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
- Lead safeguarding practice across the school, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.
- Manage safeguarding referrals and liaise effectively with external agencies, local authorities and families.
- Maintain accurate safeguarding records and ensure staff receive appropriate safeguarding training and support.
- Support performance management and professional development processes.
- Coach, mentor and support colleagues to achieve the highest standards of practice.
Person Specification
Essential
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- Proven leadership experience within a school setting.
- Experience working with pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
- Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation and best practice.
Desirable
- Knowledge of SEMH, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), communication needs and complex learning needs.
What We Offer
- A supportive and dedicated staff team.
- A genuine opportunity to secure a permanent Assistant Headteacher position following the initial fixed-term appointment.
Safeguarding Statement
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS clearance, satisfactory references and all relevant pre-employment checks.
Deputy Headteacher employer: Grass Roots Academic Support
Grass Roots Academic Support is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing environment at a specialist SEN school in Breckland, Norfolk. With a strong commitment to staff development and a focus on creating an inclusive culture, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with additional needs. The potential for a permanent position following the initial term further enhances the appeal of this role, making it an ideal opportunity for passionate educators seeking to grow in their careers.
Contact Details:
Grass Roots Academic Support Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Headteacher
✨Get Involved in Local Edu-Tech Meetups
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✨Volunteer for Online Educational Events
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✨Leverage Social Media Groups
Join social media groups focused on digital education, like Facebook or LinkedIn groups. These communities often share job postings for temporary roles and can help us connect with current members at Grass Roots Academic Support who can potentially put in a good word for you.
✨Make Your Passion for Teaching Visible
Consider creating content that showcases your knowledge of digital learning—maybe a blog or a series of helpful videos. This not only builds your portfolio but establishes your credibility in the field. Plus, you never know who from Grass Roots Academic Support might stumble upon your work while looking for a Deputy Headteacher!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Headteacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Digital Skills:In the digital learning and education sector, it's crucial to highlight your tech-savviness. Make sure your CV includes any experience with e-learning platforms, digital content creation, or learning management systems. This tech flair helps us see you're ready to thrive in our digital landscape at Grass Roots Academic Support.
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Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certifications related to digital education—like teaching online or instructional design—make sure you highlight those in your application. They can really set you apart from other candidates and show us you're knowledgeable and committed to the field.
Tailor Your Portfolio:If you’ve created any digital learning materials, this is the perfect time to showcase them! We love seeing examples of your work, so include a link to your portfolio that features your best creations relevant to the temporary role at Grass Roots Academic Support. This hands-on evidence can speak volumes about your creative capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Grass Roots Academic Support
✨Show Off Your Creativity in Digital Learning
When preparing for your interview with Grass Roots Academic Support, think about how you can showcase your creative approaches to digital learning. Bring along examples of projects or modules you've designed, especially those that highlight your ability to engage students remotely. It’ll help demonstrate your hands-on experience, which is essential for this role.
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Get familiar with the latest in educational technology tools that are popular in the digital-learning field, like learning management systems and online assessment platforms. Being able to chat fluently about tools such as Moodle or Google Classroom during your interview could give you a real edge and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Flexibility is Key for Temporary Roles
Since this role with Grass Roots Academic Support is temporary, it’s super important to convey your flexibility and adaptability during the interview. Be ready to discuss how you can quickly acclimate to new environments and seamlessly integrate into existing teams. It shows you’re a team player and can handle the ebb and flow of temporary work.
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In the digital learning space, showing a passion for education and personal development can really set you apart. Be prepared to chat about how you stay current with trends in digital education and any extra courses or resources you’ve explored. It’ll highlight your motivation and potential value to Grass Roots Academic Support as they seek to innovate in their teaching approaches.
