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- Tasks: Lead SEND strategy and inclusive practices in a supportive school environment.
- Company: Outstanding secondary special school in Farnham, Surrey.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative team.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team committed to excellence and inclusive education.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education for pupils with moderate learning difficulties.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience in SEND leadership.
The predicted salary is between 61582 - 67796 £ per year.
Location: Farnham, Surrey
Salary: WL7 to WL11 (£61,582 to £67,796)
Vacancy Type: Full Time, Permanent
Closing date: Friday 15 May
Interviews: Thursday 21 May
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.
We welcome applications from candidates who are:
- Experienced leaders from special or mainstream settings
- Primary or secondary specialists with relevant leadership experience
- Strongly committed to inclusive practice and high-quality SEND provision
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:
- An outstanding teacher with substantial experience and knowledge of SEND across key stages
- An experienced and inspirational team leader, able to motivate and develop others
- 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
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- National Award for SEN Coordination (NASENCo/NPQ SENCO) or commitment to complete within statutory timescale
- Degree or equivalent professional qualification
- Evidence of continuing professional development, particularly in SEND and inclusive leadership
Desirable
- Postgraduate qualification related to SEND, leadership, or inclusion
- SENCo experience in a leadership role
- Safeguarding training at DSL or deputy level
Experience
Essential
- 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
- Strong understanding of the SEND Code of Practice (2015) and statutory responsibilities
- Experience of working with parents/carers and external professionals (e.g. EPs, SALT, CAMHS)
Desirable
- Experience as a SENCo or Deputy SENCo
- Experience of line-managing staff
- Experience of SEND provision mapping and resource deployment
- Experience working within a specialist or complex SEND context
- Experience of Ofsted inspection relating to SEND or inclusion
Knowledge
Essential
- In-depth understanding of:
- SEND Code of Practice
- Graduated response (Assess–Plan–Do–Review)
- EHCP processes and statutory timelines
- Inclusive quality-first teaching
- Behaviour, attendance, safeguarding, and wellbeing as they relate to SEND
- Strong knowledge of adaptive teaching and reasonable adjustments
- Understanding of leadership accountability and school improvement planning
Desirable
- Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and neurodiversity-affirming approaches
- Understanding of commissioning and joint working with local authorities and health services
- Knowledge of specialist interventions and alternative provision pathways
- Knowledge/awareness of the 2026 White Paper ‘Every Child Achieving & Thriving’ and how this relates to specialist MLD settings
To Apply
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 SEND 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 SEND in Farnham, Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education, especially those who are already in leadership roles. They might have insider info on opportunities or even recommend you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s ethos and values. Make sure you can articulate how your experience aligns with their mission, especially around SEND and inclusive practices.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want you to sound confident and authentic, so maybe do a mock interview with a friend or colleague.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Headteacher SEND in Farnham, Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for SEND: When writing your application, let your passion for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities shine through. Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to inclusive practice and how you've made a difference in the lives of pupils with SEND.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Highlight your relevant leadership experience and how it aligns with the responsibilities of the Assistant Headteacher role. We want to see how you can contribute to our school's vision!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and concise. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. This will help us understand your qualifications and experiences without getting lost in complex terminology.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our school there.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Abbey School
✨Know Your SEND Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the SEND Code of Practice and the Graduated Response model. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in your previous roles, as well as any specific strategies you've used to support pupils with complex needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and driving inclusive practices. Think about times when you've motivated staff or improved outcomes for students, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Engage with the School's Vision
Familiarise yourself with the school's ethos and recent developments. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their ongoing success and future growth.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and approach to challenging behaviour. Think through potential situations you might encounter and how you would handle them, demonstrating your commitment to trauma-informed practice.