Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to support students with special educational needs.
- Company: Sherwood Foundation School, a supportive and ambitious environment for learners.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership pay scale, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dynamic senior leadership team dedicated to student success.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of students with complex needs.
- Qualifications: NPQML or equivalent, proven leadership experience, and a passion for education.
The predicted salary is between 65642 - 77209 £ per year.
Sherwood Foundation School is a Foundation Special School located in the London Borough of Sutton and made up of three campuses:
- Sherwood Park Campus: A specialist school for learners aged 3-19 years who have severe, multiple and complex learning difficulties and/or disabilities. All learners require high levels of adult support to access learning.
- Sherwood Hill Campus: A specialist school for autistic learners aged 3-19 years who have multiple and complex barriers to learning, requiring high levels of support to access education and learning around their peers.
- Sherwood Manor Campus: A specialist school primarily for autistic learners aged 11-19 years who have moderate to severe barriers to learning. Most of our pupils can access a highly adapted formal learning environment with high levels of adult support.
Our curriculum ensures that our pupils, who come from a wide range of backgrounds, have exceptional opportunities to excel and access exciting opportunities in school, and beyond school, to develop their physical, social and emotional well-being. We are a senior leadership team who have enormous ambition for our pupils and are looking for a senior leader with a growth mindset and passion for supporting our children to achieve their full potential, to join our team.
You will assist the Head of School in the oversight of the day-to-day running of the school. You would be expected to work effectively as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and wider school teams to demonstrate and articulate the school vision and values in day-to-day practice.
Qualifications and Experience:
- A National Professional Qualification for Middle Leaders (NPQML), degree, management qualification or equivalent.
- A proven track record of developing appropriate personalised curriculum for pupils with special educational needs leading to positive academic, personal and social outcomes.
- Successful experience of leading a department.
- Experience of regularly delivering consistently good and outstanding teaching.
- The ability to engage, motivate and successfully manage staff to deliver an established vision, values and aspirations.
Safeguarding Recruitment Statement: Sherwood Foundation School is committed to equal opportunities, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are made subject to receipt of a completed application, satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check. Please note applicants must demonstrate how they meet all sections and subsections of the person specification for this role. Although you will be employed by Sherwood Foundation School, please specify a preference as to which campus you think you would be best suited to.
Closing Dates for Applications: Friday 8th May 12pm
Interviews: Week commencing 18 May, 2026
Assistant Headteacher (Closing date 8th May) employer: Sherwood Foundation School
Contact Detail:
Sherwood Foundation School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Headteacher (Closing date 8th May)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Sherwood Foundation School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s values and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the culture at Sherwood!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common leadership questions. We want to see how you handle challenges and inspire others, so be ready to share your success stories!
✨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 our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Headteacher (Closing date 8th May)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting learners with special educational needs shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission at Sherwood Foundation School.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in developing personalised curriculums and leading teams. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to achieve positive outcomes for pupils.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to articulate your qualifications and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the role.
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 Sherwood Foundation School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sherwood Foundation School
✨Know the School's Vision
Before your interview, take some time to really understand Sherwood Foundation School's vision and values. Think about how your own educational philosophy aligns with theirs, especially in supporting learners with special educational needs. This will help you articulate how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your proven track record in developing personalised curriculums and leading departments. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully engaged and motivated staff, as well as the positive outcomes for students. This will demonstrate your capability and fit for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and leadership style. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them, particularly in a special education context. This will show your growth mindset and ability to adapt.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the panel. Inquire about the school's approach to professional development or how they measure success for their pupils. This shows your genuine interest in the role and commitment to continuous improvement.