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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 in Farnham.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a collaborative and ambitious school setting.
- 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.
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.
Assistant Headteacher SEND in Farnham 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
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, especially those who have experience with SEND. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you a heads-up on what the school is looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s values and recent achievements. We want to see how you can align your vision for SEND with theirs, so come ready with ideas on how to enhance their inclusive practices.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during the interview. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams or initiatives in SEND. We love hearing about your successes and how you’ve made a difference!
✨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 serious about joining our team at The Abbey School.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Headteacher SEND in Farnham
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 examples of how you've made a difference in this area, as we want to see your commitment to inclusive practice.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role of Assistant Headteacher (SEND). Highlight your leadership experience and how it aligns with our values and the responsibilities outlined in the job description. We love seeing candidates who understand what we're all about!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences at a glance.
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 the 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 Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the SEND Code of Practice and the latest developments in inclusive education. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these practices in your previous roles, as this will show your depth of knowledge and commitment to high-quality SEND provision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and driving improvements in SEND. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them. This will demonstrate your capability as a leader and your potential to contribute to the Senior Leadership Team.
✨Engage with the School's Vision
Familiarise yourself with the school's ethos and values. During the interview, connect your personal teaching philosophy and leadership style to their mission. This shows that you're not just looking for any job, but that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations related to SEND. Think through various scenarios, such as managing challenging behaviour or working with external professionals. Practising your responses will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.