Assistant Head Teacher

Assistant Head Teacher

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and inspire young people with diverse needs, celebrating their small victories every day.
  • Company: Join Witherslack Group, a leader in special education and care.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, full school holidays, and excellent training opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children while developing your teaching career.
  • Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and leadership experience required.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and personal growth.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Please note: This role is to start in June 2026. Our Assistant Head Teachers are fulfilled by the idea of making even the smallest positive changes in our young people, so we celebrate the little things. There’s lots of ups and downs, and to some of our young people, sitting through a lesson can be a big win. We call these huge small victories and whilst they may seem small on the surface, they add up to make a big difference.

You’ll be working with children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. Alongside the Head Teacher, you’ll set the vision for the future of the school, ensuring we have the right people and plans in place to see that our young people leave feeling proud of what they’ve achieved. You will need to be resilient and dedicated, but those huge small victories that you achieve will be something you’re really proud of. It can be a tough journey, but the positive steps forward will more than make up for it.

As an Assistant Head Teacher at Witherslack Group, you’ll get all the support you need to succeed, from the broader management team, to a range of supporting specialists. Your colleagues will be the best at what they do, the school environments will be well-resourced and we’ll be with you every step of the way, helping you build a rewarding teaching career.

Opening in September 2026, Bowersgate School is a purpose built, brand new, state of the art school. The school will cater for up to 72 pupils aged 6 – 16 with a wide range of needs including autism and social, emotional and mental health needs. This new exciting opportunity serves Wythenshawe and the wider communities, you are at the heart of its development. Our aim is to ensure that every pupil has an outstanding educational experience with individual pupil progress and care at the heart of what is offered.

We know you’re going to do great things. For your hard work and commitment, we reward you with the best salary and benefits package in the education sector. With us, you’ll get to bring learning to life and make a genuine difference to the lives of our young people – plus you’ll get:

  • Training: A full induction and on the job training
  • Holiday: You’ll work hard at WG, so you’ll be rewarded with full school holidays
  • Progression: If career development is your thing, most of our head teachers have been promoted from within our group
  • Flexible benefits: meaning you can increase/decrease benefits such as life insurance
  • Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance
  • Medical cover: so you can claim back the cost of things like an opticians or dentist appointment and a host of high-street discounts
  • Pension: we offer a range of pensions to suit your lifestyle needs including Teachers’ Pension and our very attractive TPS alternative
  • Beautiful working environments: with the very best facilities
  • A recommend a friend scheme: that offers a £1,000 bonus every time

Our young people come from all walks of life, diverse backgrounds and with different needs – and our workforce reflects that diversity, so that our teams can engage, encourage and inspire our young people to be themselves. You’ll be more than an Assistant Head Teacher, you’ll be able to connect with our pupils because of:

  • You’ll need previous teaching experience and have Qualified Teacher Status
  • You’ll also need leadership and management experience
  • Your drive to raise the quality of teaching and learning
  • Your understanding of what good behaviours for learning look like
  • Your effective leadership and coaching skills
  • Your knowledge of how best to use your interpersonal skills to develop a strong staff team

At Witherslack Group, inclusion is part of who we are. We’re committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued and that they truly belong. As a specialist provider of education and care for children and young people with special educational needs, we understand the importance of embracing individuality and championing difference – especially when it comes to neurodiversity. We celebrate diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and the unique strengths that each person brings to our community. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities. We are proud to be recognised as an inclusive employer and are committed to making our recruitment and workplace practices inclusive and accessible. If you need any adjustments to support you through the recruitment process or in the workplace, we’ll be there every step of the way. By building a diverse and inclusive team, we’re better able to support the children, young people and families we serve and ensure every member of our team can thrive, grow, and be their authentic self.

The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (we will cover the cost) and an online search. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.

Assistant Head Teacher employer: Witherslack Group Ltd.

At Witherslack Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people with special educational needs. Our new Bowersgate School in Wythenshawe offers a state-of-the-art environment, comprehensive training, and a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and clear pathways for career progression, we empower our staff to thrive while celebrating every small victory in our students' journeys.
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Contact Detail:

Witherslack Group Ltd. Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Head Teacher

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Witherslack Group on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Assistant Head Teacher role. Personal connections can give you an edge!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the school's values and mission. Think about how your teaching philosophy aligns with their focus on celebrating 'huge small victories'. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've made a difference in students' lives.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills! During the interview, highlight your previous management experience and how you've successfully led teams. Discuss your approach to fostering a positive learning environment, especially for students with special educational needs.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Witherslack community. Let’s make those huge small victories happen together!

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Head Teacher

Qualified Teacher Status
Leadership Experience
Management Experience
Teaching Experience
Understanding of Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Understanding of Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs
Effective Leadership Skills
Coaching Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Commitment to Inclusion
Ability to Connect with Pupils
Drive to Raise Quality of Teaching and Learning
Adaptability
Resilience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for education and making a difference shine through. We want to see how excited you are about helping young people achieve their huge small victories!

Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant teaching and leadership experience. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've supported children with diverse needs, so don’t hold back on those stories!

Be Authentic: We value authenticity, so be yourself in your application. Share your unique perspective and experiences that have shaped your approach to education and leadership. It’s all about connecting with our values!

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 info you need about the role and our amazing team.

How to prepare for a job interview at Witherslack Group Ltd.

✨Understand the Role

Before your interview, take some time to really understand what being an Assistant Head Teacher involves. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with the role and demonstrate your commitment to making those 'huge small victories' happen.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a potential leader in the school, it’s crucial to highlight your leadership and management experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in the past, especially in educational settings. This will show that you have the drive to raise the quality of teaching and learning, which is key for this position.

✨Connect with the School's Vision

Make sure you’re well-versed in the school's vision and values. During the interview, express how you can contribute to creating an inclusive environment where every pupil feels valued. Share your thoughts on how to engage and inspire young people from diverse backgrounds, as this aligns perfectly with the ethos of the Witherslack Group.

✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about the school and its approach to education. Ask about the support systems in place for staff and students, or how the school measures success in terms of pupil progress. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.

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