DBS0922/26 - Assistant Headteacher - Benton Dene School (Special) in England

Full time, permanent position required for 20th April 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter at Benton Dene School (Specialist Primary) where all pupils are valued, challenged, supported and successful. Are you a confident, solution focused, inspiring practitioner who is passionate about the teaching and learning of pupils with MLD/ASD? Benton Dene School is a vibrant, highly successful primary specialist provision for pupils with Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD) and/or for pupils with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We share our site with a mainstream primary school, in an integrated primary learning campus with excellent grounds and facilities.

The Governors of this innovative and inclusive school are excited to appoint a creative, hard-working, enthusiastic and highly motivated Assistant Headteacher who will contribute fully to raising standards. We are looking for an excellent primary practitioner with experience across the early years and primary age range who can uphold the highest of standards with regard to all aspects of school life. We have an outstanding staff team, an exciting and creative approach to the curriculum and wonderful children.

Benton Dene’s curriculum and assessment approach is designed to provide a vast array of exciting learning opportunities for children as well as preparing them for adulthood. The school’s curriculum approach is based on the National Curriculum and is continuously evolving to meet the holistic needs of our inspirational pupils including the incorporation of communication strategies, sensory regulation strategies, outdoor learning and life skills. We look forward to welcoming a new senior leader to support us on this journey. The school is recognised for its expertise by providing outreach to schools across North Tyneside and the North Tyneside Learning Trust.

Our new AHT will need to have:

• A positive “can do” attitude, promoting resilience.
• The ability to successfully support the SLT in the day to day management of the school.
• A proven track record of excellent EYFS/primary teaching and the desire to continue teaching when required.
• Experience, understanding and passion for creating opportunities for pupils with SEND, particularly those with MLD/ASD.
• A positive behaviour for learning approach.
• A commitment to school improvement and raising achievement for all.
• Skills to monitor, evaluate and report on standards of attainment, learning and an ability to impact on the practice of others.
• The ability to be an innovative and strategic thinker with vision, ideas and strong ethics.
• Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to inspire, challenge and motivate the whole school community.
• Enthusiasm for nurturing partnerships between pupils, parents, staff, governors, schools and the wider community.
• The passion to champion safeguarding and inclusion, ensuring every learner feels safe, supported, and valued.
• The skills to inspire your phase team, creating a culture of collaboration, wellbeing, and continuous improvement.

We are delighted to offer:

• A creative, welcoming and supportive team.
• An opportunity to work with highly-skilled multi-disciplinary professionals who love what they do.
• The opportunity to work alongside committed leaders who share practice and support one another.
• The opportunity to make a tangible difference to children, families, and the North Tyneside Community.
• Excellent opportunities for high quality professional development and support.
• Enthusiastic pupils who are eager to learn.
• A comprehensive induction programme.
• A well informed and supportive Governing Body who are committed to the development of all staff.
• Supportive parents with high aspirations of children and our school.
• A comprehensive wellbeing and support package for all staff.

If you’re ready to lead with purpose and transform lives, we’d love to hear from you. Benton Dene School is a school best experienced in person, where the moment you step inside, you will feel the nurturing ethos, vibrant energy, and pride we feel to work here. Prospective candidates are warmly invited to contact the Headteacher, Claire Harrison-Hoggarth, for a discussion and visit to school.

The closing date for this post is 9am on Thursday 29th January 2026. Interviews are scheduled for Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th February 2026. Completed application forms should be returned to:

Benton Dene School is committed to safeguarding its pupils. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), have two fully supportive references from current employers/placements and will need to carry out the school's safeguarding code of conduct. As part of our Safer Recruitment practice and in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025, we will undertake an online search for all candidates who are shortlisted to attend an interview. Shortlisted candidates will be provided with additional information about this prior to interview.