At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead inclusion and personal development in a specialist ASD school.
- Company: Olsen House School, a supportive and ambitious environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, Teachers’ Pension, wellbeing support, and discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with ASD and strong leadership abilities required.
- Other info: Join a passionate team focused on student outcomes and staff wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 48700 - 53500 £ per year.
Assistant Headteacher – Inclusion and Personal Development
Leadership Scale: L5–L8 (£57,137 - £61,534)
Start: September 2026
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Location: Olsen House School, Merseyside
Our vision at Olsen House School is simple: Dream • Believe • Achieve. As a specialist ASD school, we want every student to dream about their future, believe in themselves, and achieve outcomes that prepare them for life beyond school. This vision is underpinned by our values: Be Kind, Be Ambitious, Be Inspired.
About Olsen House School:
Olsen House School is a specialist setting for students with Education, Health and Care Plans, focusing on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and associated social, emotional and mental health needs. Many of our students have experienced barriers to learning or disruption to their education, and we respond with calm, structured, autism-responsive practice and exceptionally strong relationships.
The opportunity:
We are seeking an exceptional Assistant Headteacher – Inclusion and Personal Development to join our Senior Leadership Team. This is a key strategic role, leading inclusion and personal development within a specialist ASD setting, and supporting staff to deliver consistently high-quality, autism-responsive practice.
You will be passionate about:
- Building a whole-school culture that reflects our values of kindness, ambition and inspiration
- Improving outcomes for students with ASD and complex presentations
- Leading high-quality inclusion and SEND provision
- Developing strong personal development, wellbeing and enrichment opportunities
- Supporting and developing staff through coaching, CPD and quality assurance
Key responsibilities:
- Strategic leadership for inclusion and personal development across KS2–KS4
- Line management of key staff, including SENDCo and PSHE leadership (and teaching PSHE where required)
- Using data, evaluation and student voice to inform improvement
- Working in partnership with families and external agencies
- Contributing to self-evaluation and school improvement planning as part of SLT
- A reduced teaching timetable aligned to the strategic nature of the role
We are looking for someone who:
- Leads with kindness, consistency and emotional intelligence
- Holds ambitious expectations for students and staff in a SEND context
- Inspires others through visible, values-driven leadership
- Has strong experience working with students with ASD and complex needs
- Is confident leading, line managing and developing staff
- Is committed to safeguarding and student wellbeing
Why work for us?
- Competitive salary on leadership scale (L5–L8)
- Teachers’ Pension Scheme
- Comprehensive induction and high-quality CPD
- A supportive, visible leadership team and a culture of trust and professionalism
- Staff wellbeing focus and workload-aware systems
- Benefits including (where applicable): refer-a-friend bonus, wellbeing support/EAP, cycle to work scheme, discounts, long service awards
Visit us:
We welcome candidates who would like to visit the school before applying. Please contact: Karen Horocks (Office Manager) Tel: 0151 924 0234, email olsenhouse@kedlestongroup.com to arrange a visit.
How to apply:
For full details, please see the job description and person specification. Closing date: 27 February 2026 at 12pm. Interviews: Week beginning 2 March 2026. Start date: September 2026.
Kedleston Group Limited is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its children and young people and we expect all staff to share this commitment. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. You will be expected to engage in annual safeguarding training, be familiar with key policies and ensure you know the steps to take should you be made aware of a safeguarding or child protection concern.
The successful candidate is required to provide references and will be expected to undertake an enhanced DBS check. We will ask you to complete a criminal self-declaration form, and we will conduct online searches for information that is publicly available. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.
Assistant Head Teacher employer: KEDLESTON GROUP
Contact Detail:
KEDLESTON GROUP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Head Teacher
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take some time to research Olsen House School. Understand their values and vision, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission to help students dream, believe, and achieve.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for inclusion! During your interview, share specific examples of how you've successfully supported students with ASD and complex needs. Highlight your commitment to creating a nurturing environment that reflects kindness and ambition.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss leadership! As an Assistant Headteacher, you'll be leading staff and driving change. Prepare to talk about your leadership style and how you inspire others to improve outcomes for students.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Show your interest by asking insightful questions about the school's approach to personal development and inclusion. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Head Teacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for inclusion and personal development shine through. We want to see how you embody our values of kindness, ambition, and inspiration in your approach to education.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role at Olsen House School. Highlight your experience with ASD and complex needs, and how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in similar settings.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and concise. Use straightforward language to communicate your ideas effectively. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the point while showcasing your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Olsen House School.
How to prepare for a job interview at KEDLESTON GROUP
✨Know the Vision and Values
Before your interview, make sure you understand Olsen House School's vision of 'Dream • Believe • Achieve' and their core values: Be Kind, Be Ambitious, Be Inspired. Reflect on how your own experiences and leadership style align with these principles, as this will show your commitment to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Experience with ASD
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully worked with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and complex needs. Highlight your strategies for fostering inclusion and personal development, as this is a key focus for the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your approach to leading and developing staff. Think about how you've previously managed teams, supported professional development, and created a positive school culture. This will be crucial in showcasing your fit for the Assistant Headteacher position.
✨Engage with Data and Improvement Strategies
Familiarise yourself with how to use data and student feedback to inform improvements in teaching and learning. Prepare to discuss any relevant experiences where you've implemented changes based on evaluation, as this aligns with the school's commitment to high-quality, autism-responsive practice.