At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a department, ensuring high standards of teaching and care for pupils with complex needs.
- Company: Chailey Heritage School, a unique organisation supporting children with physical disabilities and complex needs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, healthcare support, professional development, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to continuous improvement and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong teaching experience, leadership skills, and a commitment to inclusion and safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 48700 - 53200 € per year.
Location: Lewes
Salary: in line with Leadership Scale L5 : L8
Vacancy Type: Full Time / Permanent
We’re seeking an experienced and motivated leader to join Chailey Heritage School as an Assistant Headteacher. This is an opportunity to take on a significant leadership role within a specialist setting, supporting the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher to lead and develop a high-performing department. You will have direct line management responsibility for a team of teachers and, through them, Lead Education Assistants and Specialist/Education Assistants, ensuring high-quality teaching, care and outcomes for pupils with complex needs.
At Chailey Heritage School, we support children and young people with physical disabilities, complex communication needs, and a wide range of medical, sensory and cognitive needs. Our work is highly collaborative, with education, care and therapy teams working closely together to support each pupil’s development, independence and wellbeing.
The role
As Assistant Headteacher, You Will:
- Lead and manage a school department, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning and care
- Support and develop teachers to deliver consistent, high-quality practice
- Translate whole-school priorities into clear departmental plans and improvement activity
- Monitor pupil progress and provision, using evidence to inform improvement
- Work closely with multidisciplinary teams, parents and external professionals
- Contribute to whole-school leadership, culture and continuous improvement
You will also maintain a teaching commitment, alongside dedicated non-contact time to deliver your leadership responsibilities.
What you will bring:
- Experience as a strong and effective teacher, with a good understanding of SEND
- Leadership experience beyond the classroom, including supporting and developing colleagues
- The ability to lead, influence and support others to improve the quality and consistency of practice
- Confidence in holding high expectations and supporting colleagues to achieve them
- Strong organisational skills and agility to manage competing priorities
- A collaborative approach and the ability to build effective working relationships
- A clear commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and improving outcomes for children and young people with complex needs
Why join us?
Chailey Heritage Foundation is a unique organisation, combining education, care and therapy to support children and young people with complex needs. You will be part of a collaborative and values-led leadership team, with opportunities to contribute to wider school and organisational development. We’re committed to supporting your professional development and progression, and to creating an environment where colleagues feel valued, supported and able to do their best work.
More than just your salary
We believe in nurturing potential – for children and young people, and for colleagues too. That’s why we invest in you with:
- Competitive Salary
- Healthcare Cash Plan and Wellbeing Support with 24/7 Doctor Line
- Enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity leave
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Retail and leisure discounts
- Onsite parking
- Café and kitchen facilities
Plus, we cover the cost of all DBS checks and renewals.
Assistant Headteacher in Lewes employer: TipTopJob
Chailey Heritage Foundation is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead within a specialist educational setting in Lewes. With a strong commitment to professional development and a collaborative work culture, employees are supported in their growth while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with complex needs. The organisation provides competitive benefits, including a healthcare cash plan, enhanced family leave, and various discounts, ensuring that staff feel valued and empowered to excel in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Headteacher in Lewes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education, especially those who have experience in leadership roles. They might have insider info on opportunities or even recommend you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Be ready to discuss how your leadership style aligns with their mission, especially in supporting pupils with complex needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your collaborative spirit! During interviews, highlight examples of how you've worked with multidisciplinary teams to improve outcomes for students. This is key in a setting like Chailey Heritage School.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Headteacher in Lewes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Assistant Headteacher role. Highlight your experience with SEND and leadership skills, showing us how you can contribute to our unique environment.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:We want to see how you lead and support others! Share examples of how you've developed colleagues and improved teaching practices in your previous roles. This will help us understand your approach to leadership.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your ideas and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the position.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Chailey Heritage School.
How to prepare for a job interview at TipTopJob
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the role and the school’s ethos. Familiarise yourself with Chailey Heritage School's approach to supporting pupils with complex needs, as this will show your genuine interest and commitment.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in developing teachers and managing teams. Think about how you've influenced practice in the past and be ready to discuss how you can bring that to the Assistant Headteacher role.
✨Collaborative Mindset
Since the role involves working closely with multidisciplinary teams, come prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated with others in previous roles. Share specific instances where teamwork led to improved outcomes for students.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the school’s vision and how they measure success. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the school aligns with your values and leadership style.
