Assistant Headteacher in London

Ready for SLT? This could be the career move that changes everything.

October 2026 or January 2027 Start | Permanent | Leadership Scale £59,864–£88,721

Are you an ambitious Assistant Headteacher, experienced Middle Leader or outstanding classroom practitioner ready to make a genuine impact at whole-school level? Do you want a leadership role where you'll have real influence, genuine autonomy and a clear pathway towards Deputy Headship? What if your next school gave you the opportunity to shape teaching, culture and outcomes rather than simply adding another title to your CV?

KPI Education is exclusively supporting an ambitious and rapidly improving secondary school in London to appoint an exceptional Assistant Headteacher for either October 2026 or January 2027. The school name is being kept confidential at this stage – but for the right leader, this is an opportunity worth a conversation.

Assistant Headteacher – The Headlines

• London secondary school
• £59,864–£88,721 – Leadership Scale
• Permanent, full-time position
• October 2026 or January 2027 start
• Genuine whole-school leadership responsibility
• Join an ambitious and supportive Headteacher and SLT
• Opportunity to influence teaching, learning, standards and school culture
• Scope to shape the remit around the successful candidate's strengths
• Excellent CPD and leadership development
• Genuine pathway towards Deputy Headteacher
• Confidential conversations welcomed before application

This isn't a "Sit in Meetings" leadership role. The Headteacher is looking for someone who wants to be visible, influential and involved. Someone who can walk into a classroom and recognise great teaching. Someone who can challenge underperformance while bringing staff with them. Someone pupils respect, teachers trust and senior leaders can rely upon.

The exact portfolio can be shaped around the successful candidate, with potential responsibility spanning:

• Teaching & Learning
• Curriculum
• Behaviour & Culture
• Outcomes
• Inclusion
• Personal Development
• Staff Development

You will work directly alongside the Headteacher and wider SLT to drive improvement while retaining a strong connection to what actually happens in classrooms.

Who Should Apply?

You don't necessarily need to already be an Assistant Headteacher. This school is equally interested in exceptional:

• Assistant Headteachers
• Associate Assistant Headteachers
• Heads of Department
• Heads of Faculty
• Lead Practitioners
• Pastoral Leaders
• Teaching & Learning Leaders
• Experienced Middle Leaders ready for SLT

You will need QTS, a strong record of improving outcomes and evidence that your impact extends beyond your own classroom. More importantly, you'll need presence, credibility, ambition and the ability to inspire others.

Why Is This One Different? Because the school isn't looking for somebody to simply maintain what already exists. They're looking for a leader who wants to build something. You will be joining at an exciting point in the school's development, with a Headteacher who wants fresh thinking, high standards and leaders who aren't afraid to challenge the status quo.

For somebody with ambitions of becoming a Deputy Headteacher and potentially a future Headteacher, the exposure and responsibility available could make this a significant career move. You will need to be open to a structured confidentiality discussion prior to formal application. The role is open to candidates available for October 2026 or January 2027. The strongest leadership opportunities rarely stay available for long.