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- Tasks: Lead coaching initiatives and develop professional growth for teaching staff.
- Company: Mayfield Special Needs School, dedicated to inclusive education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership scale, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to safeguarding and promoting student welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable learners through impactful leadership.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and leadership experience in special education.
The predicted salary is between 57137 - 63070 £ per year.
Mayfield Special Needs School
Full-Time: Permanent
Competitive Salary: Leadership Scale L5 £57137 to L9 £63070 Pro Rata 1.0 FTE (L5 plus Depending on experience).
Please note there is also a teaching responsibility with this role.
Start Date: 01 September 2026
We are seeking an inspirational and experienced leader to join our senior leadership team as an Associate Assistant Headteacher. This is a key role supporting the strategic direction of the school while ensuring the highest standards of teaching, learning, and pastoral care for our pupils.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and embed a coaching culture that strengthens teaching quality and accelerates staff growth at every career stage.
- Design, deliver and evaluate a coherent, evidence‑informed Professional Development (PD) programme aligned to school priorities.
- Improve classroom practice through high‑impact coaching, instructional feedback, and precise development pathways (ECT, ITT, Early Career, developing and expert teachers, and support staff).
- Assure the quality of CPD and its impact on pupil progress, inclusion and wellbeing.
- Curate and deliver evidence‑informed CPD – relevant and appropriate for our context.
- Commission external expertise as appropriate.
- Ensure CPD is accessible and inclusive.
- Define impact measures.
- Report regularly to SLT/Governors on implementation, participation, and outcomes; refine provision in response to evidence.
- Lead/coordinate teaching & learning reviews, peer observations, and moderation linked to PD priorities.
- Line‑manage designated staff (e.g., mentors/ECTs/cover HLTA), setting clear objectives and providing supportive challenge.
- Oversee ECT/ITT: induction quality, mentor training, fidelity to statutory requirements, and timely assessment points.
- Manage and support progression and succession planning.
- Maintain robust CPD systems.
- Ensure safeguarding, health & safety, data protection.
- Champion a learning culture: psychological safety, collaboration, reflective practice, and professional curiosity.
- Work with curriculum leads, curriculum block groups, SENCO, behaviour leads and senior leaders to align PD with curriculum, SEND provision, behaviour and wellbeing.
- Build partnerships with external providers; share and import best practice.
We Are Looking For Someone Who
- Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- Has leadership experience.
- Has experience working within a special school or specialist provision.
- Has strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice.
- Has excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Is passionate about inclusion and improving outcomes for vulnerable learners.
Safeguarding
Mayfield Special School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and appropriate pre‑employment checks.
Associate Assistant Head - Coaching and Professional Development in Whitehaven employer: Mayfield
Contact Detail:
Mayfield Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Assistant Head - Coaching and Professional Development in Whitehaven
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have experience in special needs. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you a heads-up on what Mayfield Special Needs School is really looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s values and recent initiatives. We want to see how you can align your coaching and professional development strategies with their goals. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but a perfect match for their culture!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around leadership and inclusion. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to build your confidence and refine your answers. The more prepared you are, the better you'll shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Mayfield Special Needs School. Let’s get you that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Assistant Head - Coaching and Professional Development in Whitehaven
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Associate Assistant Head role. Highlight your leadership experience and how it aligns with our vision for coaching and professional development.
Showcase Your Passion for Inclusion: We want to see your commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable learners. Share examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your dedication to inclusion and how you've made a positive impact in similar settings.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your ideas, and make sure to address all key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Mayfield Special Needs School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mayfield
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the SEND Code of Practice and have a solid understanding of how it applies to your role. Brush up on the latest trends in coaching and professional development, as well as any relevant evidence-informed practices that could enhance teaching quality.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in the past. Think about specific situations where you’ve embedded a coaching culture or improved staff development. Be ready to discuss your approach to line management and how you set clear objectives for your team.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with Mayfield Special Needs School’s mission and values. During the interview, express how your personal philosophy aligns with their goals, especially regarding inclusion and improving outcomes for vulnerable learners. This shows you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the school’s culture.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about their current CPD programmes, how they measure impact, or what challenges they face in implementing their coaching culture. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.