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- Tasks: Lead and develop inclusive practices for students with special educational needs.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at an Outstanding secondary special school.
- Benefits: Supportive environment, professional development, and potential for career advancement.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence school improvement and work collaboratively with skilled professionals.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while shaping the future of education.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience in SEND leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 47185 - 131056 £ per year.
We are seeking an exceptional, ambitious and values-driven leader to join our dedicated and experienced Senior Leadership Team as Assistant Headteacher (SEND) at our Outstanding secondary special school for pupils with moderate learning difficulties (MLD).
This exciting role carries strategic responsibility for SEND across the whole school, including fulfilling the statutory role of SENCo. The successful candidate will lead and further develop inclusive practice, contribute significantly to senior leadership decision-making, and play a key role in shaping the next phase of the school’s development. The post will particularly appeal to experienced leaders aspiring to Deputy headship who wish to deepen their leadership experience within a highly supportive and successful school environment.
The successful candidate will join a highly skilled, collaborative and committed staff team and will play a key role in driving continued excellence and shaping the school’s future development.
The Assistant Head Teacher is to be:
- Skilled in teaching and leading provision for pupils with a wide range of complex special educational needs
- A leader of teaching and learning, contributing strategically and operationally as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Highly experienced in managing and supporting challenging behaviour, with a strong commitment to inclusive and trauma-informed practice
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCo/NPQ SENCO) or commitment to complete within statutory timescale
- Evidence of continuing professional development, particularly in SEND and inclusive leadership
- Postgraduate qualification related to SEND, leadership, or inclusion
- SENCo experience in a leadership role
- Safeguarding training at DSL or deputy level
- Successful teaching experience across at least one key stage
- Significant experience of working with pupils with SEND
- Proven impact in improving outcomes for pupils with SEND
- Experience of leading or contributing to whole-school improvement
- Experience as a SENCo or Deputy SENCo
- Experience of SEND provision mapping and resource deployment
- Experience of Ofsted inspection relating to SEND or inclusion
- EHCP processes and statutory timelines
- Inclusive quality-first teaching
- Strong knowledge of adaptive teaching and reasonable adjustments
- Understanding of leadership accountability and school improvement planning
- Understanding of commissioning and joint working with local authorities and health services
- Knowledge/awareness of the 2026 White Paper ‘Every Child Achieving & Thriving’ and how this relates to specialist MLD settings
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for The Abbey School, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Locations
Assistant Headteacher: SENCO - Full-time in Farnham, Surrey employer: The Abbey School
Contact Detail:
The Abbey School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Headteacher: SENCO - Full-time in Farnham, Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, especially those who are already in leadership roles. They might have insider info on openings or even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and recent developments. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around SEND and inclusive practices. We want to hear about your experiences and how you’ve made a difference in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at The Abbey School.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Headteacher: SENCO - Full-time in Farnham, Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Assistant Headteacher (SEND). Use specific examples from your past that demonstrate your commitment to inclusive practice and leadership in SEND.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your qualifications, especially your QTS and any relevant postgraduate qualifications. If you have the National Award for SEN Coordination or are committed to completing it, make that clear!
Highlight Your Leadership Experience: We want to see your leadership skills shine! Share your experiences in managing teams, improving outcomes for pupils with SEND, and contributing to whole-school improvement. This is your chance to show us how you can drive excellence.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, the best way to apply is through our website. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place. We’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Abbey School
✨Know Your SEND Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Familiarise yourself with the latest policies, like the 2026 White Paper, and be ready to discuss how they impact your approach to inclusive education.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing teams and driving school improvement. Think about specific instances where you've made a positive impact on SEND provision and how you can bring that expertise to the role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle challenging behaviour or support pupils with complex needs. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Engage with the School's Vision
Research The Abbey School’s ethos and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal philosophy aligns with their commitment to inclusive practice and high-quality SEND provision. Show them you're not just a fit for the role, but for the school culture too.