At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support a team in providing personalised learning for autistic young people.
- Company: Riseley Green School, a specialist school dedicated to nurturing neurodivergent students.
- Benefits: Exceptional reward package, mental health support, and flexible benefits tailored to your needs.
- Why this job: Make a lasting difference in the lives of young people with autism and complex needs.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and SENCo qualification required.
- Other info: Join a certified 'Great Place to Work' with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Requirements / Qualifications
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- SENCo qualification
- Experience working in specialist or inclusive settings
- Strong understanding of complex and diverse SEND profiles
- Commitment to personalised learning, teamwork, and pupil well-being
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who believes in the potential of every child and wants to make a lasting difference within a specialist SEN school.
About Us
Riseley Green School is an independent specialist school for autistic young people aged 4 to 16 years. Situated on the outskirts of Reading, Berkshire, the school provides a distinctive blend of education and support tailored to a diverse range of pupil needs and abilities. Riseley Green School opened in May 2025 and has a capacity for 60 pupils. The school caters to pupils with autism (ASC) and complex needs, offering a nurturing and structured environment where each child can thrive.
For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided care and education to pupils, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are a leading provider of specialist education, delivering innovative approaches that produce measurable outcomes for neurodivergent young people and young adults.
We are really proud to say that in 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Why join Options Autism?
We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Benefits
Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
- “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:
- A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
- 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
- Cycle to Work Schemes
- Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
SENCo/Assistant Headteacher in Reading employer: Riseley Green School
Contact Detail:
Riseley Green School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SENCo/Assistant Headteacher in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who work with SEND. They might know about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Riseley Green School and Outcomes First Group. Understand their values and how they support neurodivergent young people. This will help you show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to personalised learning and teamwork. We want to hear how you can contribute to the well-being of pupils in a specialist setting.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace SENCo/Assistant Headteacher in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for working with autistic young people shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives and how your experience aligns with our mission at Riseley Green School.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the SENCo/Assistant Headteacher role. Highlight your Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and SENCo qualification, along with any relevant experience in specialist or inclusive settings. We love seeing how your background fits with our unique environment!
Be Specific About Your Experience: In your written application, be specific about your experience with complex and diverse SEND profiles. Share examples of how you've supported personalised learning and teamwork in previous roles. This helps us understand how you can contribute to our school community.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Riseley Green School
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of complex and diverse SEND profiles. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used in the past to support pupils with autism and other complex needs. This shows that you’re not just qualified, but also passionate about personalised learning.
✨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
Since teamwork is key in this role, prepare examples of how you've collaborated with colleagues to create a supportive environment for pupils. Think about times when you’ve worked with other teachers or specialists to implement effective learning strategies.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Well-being
Be prepared to talk about how you prioritise pupil well-being in your teaching approach. Share specific instances where you’ve made a positive impact on a child’s emotional or social development, as this aligns perfectly with the ethos of Riseley Green School.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the school’s approach to education and support. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the school’s values align with yours. It’s a win-win!