Assistant Headteacher

Purpose of the Role

To lead and develop the curriculum, teaching quality, and pupil achievement across the school, ensuring that all pupils, including those with complex needs, receive a high-quality, broad, balanced, and coherent education. The Assistant Headteacher will champion evidence-based teaching practices and professional development, modelling the Keys Group EPIC values and adhering strictly to the Staff Code of Conduct.

At Rivacre Brook School

What makes Rivacre Brook School special is our staff's ability to foster excellent working relationships with our students where other schools haven't managed. Our students require specialist support from the English Teacher to help them feel supported enough to engage in learning and it is this caring, nurturing, trauma-informed environment that we provide.

While we recognise the importance of, and our students work towards, formal qualifications such as AQA unit awards, Functional Skills and GCSEs, we also ensure our students leave us with a wide range of life skills and qualities by taking part in activities such as outdoor learning, swimming, horse riding, rock climbing, E-Sports, boxing and many more.

Key Responsibilities

• Model professional integrity, respectful communication, and high standards of behaviour consistent with the Staff Code of Conduct.
• Work collaboratively with senior leaders, staff, parents, and external agencies to meet pupils’ needs.
• Embed trauma-informed and therapeutic approaches in curriculum delivery and teaching practices.
• Lead the design, development, and implementation of a curriculum that is accessible, engaging, and tailored to the needs of pupils with complex needs and SEND.
• Ensure statutory curriculum requirements are met, and that literacy, numeracy, science, ICT, and vocational subjects are effectively delivered.
• Use assessment data to identify gaps in learning and lead targeted interventions to improve pupil outcomes.
• Support subject leaders and teaching staff through coaching, training, and sharing best practice, alongside the use of valid and reliable assessment and reporting systems that inform teaching and learning.
• Lead strategies to raise pupil attainment and progress across all subjects.
• Ensure that teaching supports pupils’ social and emotional development alongside academic progress.
• Engage parents and carers as partners in their children’s learning.
• Encourage reflective practice and engagement with educational research.
• Contribute to budget planning related to curriculum resources and staff training.
• Promote a positive, safe learning environment where pupils can thrive emotionally and academically.
• Ensure compliance with Independent School Standards (Parts 3 and 5) and all relevant health and safety regulations.

Requirements

• Qualified Teacher Status; relevant leadership qualification NPQSL or equivalent.
• Proven experience leading curriculum development and improving teaching quality.
• Deep understanding of curriculum design, assessment, and evidence-informed teaching strategies.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and support teaching staff, modelling the Staff Code of Conduct.
• Strong interpersonal skills with staff, pupils, parents, and external partners.
• Commitment to professional conduct and safeguarding as per the Staff Code of Conduct.
• Ability to use data to inform teaching strategies and curriculum planning.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting pupil wellbeing.
• Resilience, adaptability, empathy, and passion for improving pupil outcomes.

Benefits of Joining Keys

• NEST enhanced pension scheme.
• Staff Referral Scheme – Refer a friend to join Keys 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.

Keys Education is a national network of alternative learning solutions and pathways, designed to support learners with diverse needs to achieve their goals and realise their potential. It helps individuals with support needs build stability, resilience, and a sense of belonging through Connected Support.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are also committed to supporting the Armed Forces community through our Armed Forces Covenant. Eligible candidates from military backgrounds are guaranteed an interview – please include details of your service on your CV.

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.