At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and enhance teaching and learning for students with complex needs.
- Company: St Giles School, a specialist school in Croydon dedicated to inclusive education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive staff, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a caring community committed to safeguarding and promoting student welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of exceptional pupils and drive educational excellence.
- Qualifications: Minimum three years of senior leadership experience in teaching and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 62677 - 72009 £ per year.
St Giles School, Croydon is a specialist school for pupils aged 2–19 with complex health needs, physical disabilities and associated learning difficulties. The school delivers education across PMLD and SLD pathways, through pre‑formal, semi‑formal and formal learning approaches, underpinned by high expectations, consistency and first‑class teaching for all pupils.
This is a key Senior Leadership role with strategic responsibility for Teaching & Learning and Inclusion. Working closely with the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher, the post holder will drive and secure consistently high-quality teaching across the school, ensuring that all pupils benefit from highly effective, inclusive practice and a strong Total Communication approach.
We are seeking an exceptional and experienced leader. Applicants must demonstrate a minimum of three years’ senior leadership experience with a proven track record of securing measurable improvements in teaching and learning and/or inclusion. This post requires a leader who is confident in holding others to account, able to secure consistency across teams, and committed to ensuring that teaching is consistently strong or better across all pathways.
Applications are welcomed from colleagues in both specialist and mainstream settings who can demonstrate expert-level pedagogical knowledge, a deep understanding of inclusive practice, and the ability to translate this into consistently high-quality provision for pupils with complex needs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and embed first‑class teaching across all phases and pathways
- Secure a consistent approach to teaching and learning school‑wide
- Champion and embed a Total Communication approach and provide strategic oversight of all areas of inclusion
- Use evidence and data to evaluate impact and drive improvement
- Support staff development through coaching and professional learning
- Ensure equality of access to learning for all pupils
- Monitor the impact of inclusion strategies on pupil outcomes
Leadership, Behaviour and Safeguarding:
- Provide leadership oversight of student behaviour, promoting calm, safe and purposeful learning environments
- Ensure safeguarding is embedded in daily practice and systems
- Support the day‑to‑day leadership and management of the school
- Work collaboratively with SLT and middle leaders to ensure coherence and shared accountability
We Are Looking for a Leader Who:
- Is passionate about transforming children’s lives
- Is an excellent classroom practitioner with strong SEND experience
- Has proven leadership impact in teaching and learning and/or inclusion
- Understands and champions Total Communication
- Values consistency, clarity and high expectations
- Is reflective, forward‑thinking and committed to professional development
We Offer:
- The opportunity to make a real difference to exceptional pupils
- A welcoming, supportive and skilled staff team
- A committed and knowledgeable governing body
- A bespoke programme of high‑quality CPD
- A caring and inclusive school community
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The school follows safer recruitment procedures. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure & Barring Service.
How to Apply:
Please complete an application form and submit a supporting statement addressing the job description and person specification. Email: Margaret Booker on mbooker2.306@lgflmail.org
Closing date: 09:00 am, Thursday 21 May 2025
Interviews: Friday 22 May 2025
Assistant Headteacher — Teaching, Learning & Inclusion in Croydon employer: Stgiles
St Giles School in Croydon is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where dedicated professionals can truly make a difference in the lives of pupils with complex needs. With a strong commitment to professional development and a collaborative leadership team, staff are empowered to drive high-quality teaching and learning while benefiting from a bespoke programme of continuous professional development. The school's recent 'Good' Ofsted rating reflects its ambition for excellence, making it an ideal place for passionate educators seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Headteacher — Teaching, Learning & Inclusion in Croydon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education, especially those who know St Giles School. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the school's ethos and values. Show us how your vision aligns with their commitment to high-quality teaching and inclusion. We love candidates who do their homework!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common leadership questions. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role. We want to hear about your successes in driving teaching and learning improvements!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to showcase your passion for transforming lives through education. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles. We’re all about that positive impact!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Headteacher — Teaching, Learning & Inclusion in Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure to customise your supporting statement to reflect the specific requirements of the Assistant Headteacher role. Highlight your experience in teaching, learning, and inclusion, and how it aligns with the school's vision and values.
Showcase Your Leadership Experience:We want to see your leadership chops! Be sure to detail your previous senior leadership roles and the measurable improvements you've achieved in teaching and learning. Use specific examples to illustrate your impact.
Emphasise Your Commitment to Inclusion:Since this role is all about inclusion, share your understanding and experience with inclusive practices. Talk about how you've championed Total Communication approaches and ensured equality of access for all pupils in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it makes the process smoother for both you and us.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stgiles
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of teaching, learning, and inclusion, especially in relation to complex health needs and disabilities. Brush up on the Total Communication approach and be ready to discuss how you've implemented it in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, particularly in driving improvements in teaching and learning. Think about specific instances where you’ve held others accountable or fostered a culture of high expectations among staff.
✨Be Data-Driven
Demonstrate your ability to use evidence and data to evaluate impact and drive improvement. Be ready to discuss how you’ve used data to inform your decisions and improve pupil outcomes in your previous positions.
✨Engage with the School's Vision
Familiarise yourself with St Giles School’s ethos and recent Ofsted report. Show genuine enthusiasm for their mission and be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs, particularly regarding inclusivity and bespoke learning experiences.
