At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead curriculum development and enhance teaching standards in a new SEN school.
- Company: Join a nurturing and ambitious school dedicated to supporting children with special needs.
- Benefits: Enjoy full training, health cash back, pension, and perks like free parking.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people with Autism and SEMH needs.
- Qualifications: Must have a recognised teaching qualification and experience in special education.
- Other info: Be part of an exciting journey as we open our doors in Autumn 2026.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 52000 £ per year.
Location: Backwell, Bristol
Contract Type: Full-time/Permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week
Salary: 51,773 - 55,747 (L1 - L4)
Preferred Start Date: 13th April 2026
Closing Date: 27th January 2026
School Staffing Solutions are proud to be recruiting an Assistant Head of School for a brand new SEN School which will open its doors in Autumn 2026. We are looking for an experienced Assistant Head of School (Curriculum) to help make this vision a reality. The school will be a nurturing, inclusive and ambitious school for children and young people aged 5-19 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
The role: As Assistant Head of School (Curriculum), you will work closely with the Head of School, Principal, and Senior Leadership Team to lead and manage all aspects of teaching and learning. You will take responsibility for driving high-quality teaching, improving standards of learning, and supporting staff to deliver an engaging curriculum that meets the needs of all learners.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading curriculum development and ensuring high standards of teaching and learning.
- Monitoring pupil progress and implementing strategies to secure improvement.
- Supporting CPD and mentoring staff to develop their practice.
- Contributing to school improvement planning and governance reporting.
- Line managing teachers and teaching assistants.
- Promoting a safe, inclusive, and aspirational learning environment.
Essential Qualifications:
- Recognised teacher training qualification - PGCE / QTS or QTLS / Diploma in Teaching.
Desirable Qualifications:
- Accredited training in specific areas of special education, e.g. Autism, Dyslexia etc.
- Management/leadership qualification.
Essential Experience:
- Proven track record of excellent creative and structured teaching within a special needs environment.
- Experience of holding responsibility for and turning policy into effective and successful practice.
- Leadership of a significant area or phase of inclusion, including responsibility for raising standards across the whole school.
- Effective team management and working collaboratively and effectively with others.
- Communicating effectively to a wide range of different audiences through a range of different mediums.
- Successful management of complex scenarios and conflict resolution.
- Effective relationships working successfully with a range of external agencies.
Desirable Experience:
- Experience of teaching pupils with autism.
- Evidence of developing and delivering effective and inspirational professional development for staff including mentoring and coaching as appropriate.
- Evidence of contributing effectively to the work of the senior leadership team.
- A clear understanding of the essential qualities necessary for effective teaching and learning.
- Up to date knowledge of statutory regulations and guidance on education at school level, attainment, progress and assessment methods.
Benefits:
- Full training and continued support.
- Life assurance and pension.
- Health cash back plan.
- Car lease scheme.
- Bike to work scheme.
- Perk box.
- Free parking.
Apply today by sending your CV and we will send you an application form to complete and send back to us for proofing. We look forward to hearing from you!
Assistant Headteacher in Woodford employer: School Staffing Solutions
Contact Detail:
School Staffing Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Headteacher in Woodford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school’s vision and values before your interview. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their mission. Plus, it’ll give you some great talking points!
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. They can provide insider info about the school culture and what they’re really looking for in an Assistant Headteacher.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask during your interview. This shows you’re engaged and serious about the role. Think about curriculum development, staff support, or how they measure pupil progress – it’ll impress them!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It’s a nice touch that shows your enthusiasm for the position and appreciation for their time.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Headteacher in Woodford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your CV Spot On: Before you even think about filling out that application form, make sure your CV is polished and highlights your experience in special education. We want to see your achievements and how you've made a difference in previous roles!
Tailor Your Application: When you get the application form, don’t just fill it out with generic info. Tailor your responses to reflect the specific requirements of the Assistant Headteacher role. Show us how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and qualifications. Remember, less is often more!
Reach Out if You Need Help: If you have any questions or need clarification about the application process, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jennifer. We’re here to help you through the process, so don’t be shy!
How to prepare for a job interview at School Staffing Solutions
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
As an Assistant Headteacher, you'll be leading curriculum development. Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest educational strategies and frameworks, especially those tailored for special needs. Brush up on your knowledge of ASD and SEMH to show that you can drive high-quality teaching.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams and improved teaching standards in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented for staff development and mentoring, as this will demonstrate your capability to support and inspire your colleagues.
✨Communicate Effectively
You’ll need to communicate with a variety of stakeholders, from teachers to external agencies. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider preparing a few anecdotes that highlight your ability to manage complex scenarios and resolve conflicts effectively.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Nurturing Environments
Since the school aims to be nurturing and inclusive, think about how you can contribute to this vision. Prepare to discuss your approach to creating safe learning environments and how you’ve previously supported diverse learners. This will resonate well with the interviewers.