Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop inclusive practices for pupils with special educational needs.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at an Outstanding secondary special school.
- Benefits: Supportive environment, professional development, and leadership opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape the future of a thriving school community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while advancing your leadership career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and experience in SEND leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 65000 £ 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
Full Time Permanent Assistant Headteacher 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 Full Time Permanent Assistant Headteacher 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 Full Time Permanent Assistant Headteacher in Farnham, Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for SEND: When writing your application, let your passion for special educational needs shine through. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in the lives of pupils with SEND and why you believe inclusive practice is so important.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in leading SEND provision and managing challenging behaviour. We want to see how your skills align with our values and goals!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our school and what we stand for.
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, including the 2026 White Paper, and be ready to discuss how you can implement inclusive practices in the school.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing challenging behaviour and improving outcomes for pupils with SEND. Think about specific situations where you've made a positive impact and be ready to share these stories.
✨Understand the School's Vision
Research The Abbey School’s ethos and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of providing high-quality SEND provision.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the school's approach to SEND or how they support their staff in professional development. It shows you're genuinely interested and engaged.