Assistant Headteacher

Salary: £44,000 - £48,000 per annum [Dependant on Experience]

Working weeks: Ordinarily, this will consist of 190 days (38 weeks term time), of direct contact with students, employees, or agencies, 5 days (1 week) professional development, 15 discretionary days as directed by the Headteacher, which may be disaggregated for twilight sessions or attendance at important events.

About Our Provision: Physis Academy is a specialist independent school based in Whitchurch, Shropshire, providing education for up to 45 pupils aged 11–18 who are at risk of, or have experienced, exploitation and may present with low mood or associated emotional needs. The school delivers highly individualised educational provision, for pupils who require exceptional levels of understanding, consistency, and continuity. Learning is supported through an integrated therapeutic approach, ensuring each young person’s academic, emotional, and social needs are met. Our pupils thrive within the safe, nurturing, and aspirational environment we create, while our colleagues value the meaningful, individualised professional relationships they develop with each young person. Physis Academy is rated Good by Ofsted, and we are proudly ambitious for our pupils, whose life chances are significantly enhanced through the education, care, and support they receive with us.

We are looking to appoint a highly motivated leader who:

• Can demonstrate and display a clear vision for raising standards within the Academy’s ethos.
• Can plan strategically, provide challenge and support to the Headteacher, and can motivate those around them to deliver the best outcomes for young people.
• Can transfer strong leadership skills from one context to another and has experience of leading teams on a daily basis and through Ofsted inspections.
• Can work collaboratively within a strong team and independently on areas of assigned responsibility.
• Can demonstrate excellent interpersonal, organisation and communication skills, and role models excellent standards of teaching, learning and personal development.

This is a teaching position, but the subject offered by the successful candidate is negotiable. Previous experience at senior leadership level is desirable; however, applications are also welcomed from faculty leaders or individuals with significant whole-school responsibilities who are ready to take the next step in their leadership journey. To support career progression towards future Deputy Headteacher roles, the Assistant Headteacher’s portfolio of responsibilities will rotate over time. In the first instance, the role is likely to focus on the strategic leadership of Curriculum and Teaching. Given the nature of our small setting, flexibility and a willingness to contribute across a range of areas are essential. Ultimately, we are seeking a passionate, committed, and diligent practitioner with a proven track record of leading and implementing positive change, and who is motivated to make a meaningful impact on pupils’ outcomes and school improvement.

Full UK Driving Licence – Essential (use of onsite vehicles required)

Safer Recruitment: Successful applicants will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Check by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Any unspent conviction/cautions should be declared at the point of application. Any adult cautions (simple or conditional) or spent convictions that are not protected as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 should also be declared. We reserve the right to withdraw this advertised post at any time.