Assistant Head Teacher

Assistant Head Teacher

Watford Full-Time 44000 - 48000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead school improvement while teaching half the time and inspiring students and staff.
  • Company: Join a dynamic school focused on growth, inclusion, and high educational standards.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive community.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while developing your leadership skills in a vibrant environment.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for education; special school experience is a plus.
  • Other info: Start date is September 2025; perfect for those ready to shape the future of education.

The predicted salary is between 44000 - 48000 £ per year.

Salary: Leadership Scale 5–9 (£52,073 – £57,482 per annum, DOE)

Contract: Full Time, Permanent

Start Date: September 2025

Reporting to: Headteacher

About the Role: We are seeking a committed and dynamic Assistant Headteacher to join our leadership team during a key phase of growth and improvement. This role offers a blend of strategic leadership and teaching (50% timetable) with a focus on Quality of Education, Teaching & Learning, and whole-school development. You will deputise for the Headteacher alongside the Deputy Head when required.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Strategic Leadership & School Improvement: Support the Headteacher in leading the school’s vision and improvement priorities. Lead specific areas of self-evaluation and school development. Inspire staff and pupils, model school values, and support performance management. Promote a culture of high standards, inclusion, and wellbeing. Support staff recruitment, induction, and retention.
  • Teaching & Learning: Teach 50% of the timetable, delivering high-quality lessons. Model best practice and support staff through coaching and mentoring. Use assessment to drive progress and inform planning. Lead on curriculum development and continuous improvement in teaching practice.
  • Operational Leadership: Lead key operational areas (e.g., curriculum, behaviour, timetabling). Contribute to quality assurance and staff CPD planning. Support timetabling, rotas, and school organisation.
  • Pastoral Leadership & Inclusion: Oversee behaviour, wellbeing, and inclusion across the school. Support safeguarding and work closely with DSLs. Build positive relationships with students, staff, families, and professionals. Ensure provision meets diverse learner needs, including SEND, EAL, and SEMH.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Foster strong partnerships with families, governors, and the wider community. Represent the school in external meetings and prepare stakeholder reports. Contribute to school events and assemblies.

We’re looking for a proven leader and teacher who:

  • Can drive change and lead school improvement.
  • Is resilient, proactive, and solution-focused.
  • Understands school evaluation, curriculum, and pedagogy.
  • Builds trust and motivates others.
  • Communicates with clarity and empathy.
  • Is passionate about inclusion and improving young lives.

Experience in a special school is welcome but not required—attitude and growth mindset matter most.

Assistant Head Teacher employer: Harton Search Ltd

At our school, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture. Located in the vibrant community of Essex, we offer competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to staff wellbeing, ensuring that our Assistant Headteacher can thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of our students.
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Contact Detail:

Harton Search Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Head Teacher

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the school's vision and improvement priorities. Understanding their specific goals will help you articulate how your leadership style aligns with their objectives during any discussions or interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare to discuss your experience in driving school improvement and leading teams. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've inspired staff and students, as well as how you've implemented successful strategies in previous roles.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your understanding of curriculum development and teaching practices. Be prepared to discuss innovative approaches you've used in the classroom and how you've supported colleagues in enhancing their teaching methods.

✨Tip Number 4

Highlight your commitment to inclusion and wellbeing. Share experiences where you've successfully built relationships with diverse learners and families, demonstrating your ability to create a supportive and inclusive environment.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Head Teacher

Strategic Leadership
Teaching and Learning Expertise
Curriculum Development
Coaching and Mentoring
Performance Management
School Improvement Planning
Behaviour Management
Safeguarding Knowledge
Stakeholder Engagement
Communication Skills
Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
Resilience and Adaptability
Inclusive Education Practices
Team Leadership
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Assistant Headteacher position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.

Craft a Tailored CV: Ensure your CV reflects your leadership experience and teaching background. Highlight specific achievements in school improvement, curriculum development, and staff mentoring that align with the role's requirements.

Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for education and your vision for the role. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you can contribute to the school's growth and improvement.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

How to prepare for a job interview at Harton Search Ltd

✨Understand the School's Vision

Before the interview, take time to research the school's vision and improvement priorities. Be prepared to discuss how your leadership style aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their strategic direction.

✨Showcase Your Teaching Experience

Since the role involves teaching 50% of the timetable, be ready to share specific examples of your teaching methods and successes. Highlight how you model best practices and support staff through coaching and mentoring.

✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills

Prepare to discuss your experience in leading school improvement initiatives. Share examples of how you've inspired staff and students, promoted high standards, and fostered a culture of inclusion and wellbeing.

✨Engage with Stakeholder Relationships

Be ready to talk about your experience in building relationships with families, governors, and the community. Discuss how you would represent the school in external meetings and contribute to stakeholder engagement.

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