Assistant Headteacher - SENCO

We’re looking for an ambitious and inspirational Assistant Headteacher & SENCO to join our leadership team and help shape the next chapter of our school. This is more than a leadership position. It’s an opportunity to influence whole-school improvement, champion outstanding SEND provision and help create an environment where every young person can succeed.

Working closely with the Headteacher and wider leadership team, you’ll play a key role in setting the school’s direction, developing staff and raising standards across teaching, learning, behaviour, assessment and inclusion. With a 70% teaching commitment, you’ll remain closely connected to classroom practice while using your leadership expertise to drive meaningful improvements across the school.

Your duties will include:

• Supporting the Headteacher with the strategic leadership and day-to-day running of the school.
• Leading and modelling high-quality teaching and learning, while maintaining a 70% teaching commitment.
• Taking a lead role in SEND provision, ensuring pupils receive the right support, challenge and opportunities to thrive.
• Driving school improvement, using evidence, assessment and pupil outcomes to identify priorities and deliver change.
• Leading the school’s assessment strategy, using data effectively to monitor progress and put timely interventions in place.
• Coaching, developing and performance managing staff, helping teachers and leaders grow in confidence and expertise.
• Providing strong curriculum leadership and promoting ambitious expectations for every pupil.
• Championing an inclusive culture where pupils are understood, valued and supported to achieve their potential.
• Maintaining high standards of behaviour, safeguarding, wellbeing and professional conduct.
• Building positive relationships with families, governors and external professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for pupils.

Who We're Looking For

You’ll be an experienced teacher and leader who combines high expectations with a genuine passion for supporting young people with additional needs. You’ll bring:

• QTS and a relevant degree.
• Successful leadership and management experience within a school setting.
• A strong track record of effective classroom practice and improving pupil outcomes.
• Experience of leading, developing and supporting staff.
• Strong knowledge of curriculum, assessment and whole-school improvement.
• A thorough understanding of SEND and inclusive education.
• The ability to inspire others, build trust and create strong professional relationships.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, with the confidence to work collaboratively with families and external professionals.
• A commitment to safeguarding, equality and ensuring every pupil has the opportunity to succeed.
• A full driving licence.

NPQSL or an equivalent leadership qualification is desirable, but not essential.

About Us

Red Kite School is an independent special school for up to 60 young people aged 11–18 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Opened in September 2024, the school is located in the beautiful market town of Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire. We provide a safe, nurturing and supportive environment where every young person is understood, valued and encouraged to thrive.

Our experienced team creates a calm, structured environment where pupils build confidence, resilience and achieve positive outcomes through personalised learning, high expectations and strong relationships. Our curriculum develops the knowledge, emotional resilience, social communication and life skills pupils need to succeed in education, their communities and beyond, helping every young person become a confident learner, responsible citizen and prepared for their future.

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 the 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.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

Wherever you work – whether in a city location or one of our more rural settings – you’ll be part of one dynamic family, aiming high and dreaming big, and helping the people we work with achieve their own personal goals.