Assistant Headteacher in Heckington

Purpose of the Role

To lead and support fully on the school’s KS4 English Curriculum, while also leading on teaching and learning for KS4 English and literacy. The Assistant Headteacher will ensure a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment that supports pupils’ social, emotional, and behavioural needs, reflecting the trauma-informed, therapeutic ethos of Keys Group and embodying the EPIC values with the Senior Leadership Team. This role demands modelling the highest standards of professional conduct as set out in the Staff Code of Conduct.

At Heckington House School, we offer specialist provision for students with SEMH and those who have found mainstream education difficult. Our facilities include small, nurturing classrooms fully equipped with smart boards to facilitate learning. We provide vocational subjects such as Hair and Beauty and Construction alongside traditional curriculum areas. Our class sizes are based on a model of 4 students to 2 adults enabling us to provide a trauma-led approach to both pastoral support and educational progress. We will offer you the chance to make a real difference to young people and give you the time to plan to meet the needs of a small group of students.

Key Responsibilities

• Joining the Senior Leadership Team to provide outstanding leadership and management of the school while leading on teaching and learning for the KS4 English curriculum supporting on literacy lead responsibilities.
• Have a deep and accurate understanding of the school’s strategies for improvement for teaching and learning using the National Curriculum.
• Providing exemplary teaching and learning across the school including literacy lead responsibilities for KS4 English.
• Be responsible for the standards and curriculum of all pupils including monitoring of progress towards achievement.
• Implement tracking, data, and assessments to support analysis of learning across the school.
• Manage a staff team and resources within the school.
• Contribute to the appraisal process and inductions of new staff within the school.
• Have experience and understanding of the OFSTED framework and independent school standards.
• Contribute to the mental health and wellbeing of staff and students.
• Identify and support with teaching and learning training needs within the school.
• Maintain accurate records.
• Attending multi-agency meetings to effectively support our pupils.
• Develop strong relationships with professional services and community groups.

Requirements

• Have a proven track record of school improvement and leadership.
• Self-manage the KS4 English curriculum from exam preparation, to lesson preparation, and teaching & learning.
• Are currently working as a Senior Leader professional or subject leader looking for their next challenge.
• Have extensive understanding of the OFSTED framework and independent school standards.
• Can demonstrate leadership on safeguarding, curriculum planning, and exam preparation.
• Are leaders in behaviour management and can implement good behaviour standards across the whole school setting supporting the Senior Leadership Team.
• Have a thorough understanding of the SEND code of practice and supporting students with SEND.
• Can evidence a working understanding of Keeping Children Safe in Education.
• Strong interpersonal skills with pupils, staff, parents, and external partners.
• QTS/QTLS is a requirement.

Benefits of Joining Keys Group

• NEST enhanced pension scheme.
• Staff Referral Scheme – Refer a friend to join Keys Group and split a £500 referral bonus between you.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
• Access to a blue light discount card.
• Fully funded training and qualifications for all colleagues.
• Enhanced pay scales based on experience and qualifications.
• Employee benefits scheme such as wellbeing app and a range of discounts.
• Life assurance.

Commitment to Equality and Armed Forces Covenant

Keys Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including veterans and military families, through our Armed Forces Covenant. Eligible service personnel and veterans are guaranteed an interview when their military experience is detailed in their CV. We provide veteran-friendly policies, peer support, and military awareness training.

Safeguarding

We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All posts require an enhanced DBS check.

School tours are highly welcomed as a part of our interview selection process. Please note we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of suitable applications. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education an online search will be carried out on shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence checks.