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 wellbeing support.
- 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 51700 - 58000 £ per year.
£60,145 - £66,368 + excellent benefits
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 Autumn term 2026, Ardenwood School will operate as the primary campus of The Secret Garden School, an all-through school, spanning primary and secondary across two sites. Ardenwood is a purpose-built, state-of-the-art primary campus and will cater for up to 40 pupils with a wide range of needs, including autism and social, emotional and mental health needs. This new exciting opportunity serves Coventry and the wider communities; you are at the heart of its development.
Our aim is to ensure that every pupil will continue to receive an outstanding educational experience, with individual progress, care and wellbeing at the centre of everything we do.
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 in Coventry employer: Witherslack Group
Contact Detail:
Witherslack Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Head Teacher in Coventry
✨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 your interview. Personal connections can give you insights that will help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by thinking about those 'huge small victories' you’ve achieved in your teaching career. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've made a difference in students' lives, especially those with special educational needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for inclusion and diversity during the interview. Talk about how you’ve embraced different backgrounds and needs in your teaching practice. This aligns perfectly with our values at Witherslack Group!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school’s vision and how you can contribute to it. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to be part of the team. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Head Teacher in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for working with children and young people shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives, especially those with special educational needs.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant teaching and leadership experience. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills in raising the quality of teaching and learning, so don’t hold back!
Be Authentic: We value diversity and individuality, so be yourself in your application. Share your unique perspective and experiences that have shaped your approach to education and leadership.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly, and we can’t wait to hear from you.
How to prepare for a job interview at Witherslack Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of working with children who have Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs. Brush up on relevant teaching strategies and frameworks that can help these young people thrive. This knowledge will show your passion and commitment to making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Assistant Head Teacher, leadership is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in the past. Think about times when you’ve inspired others or implemented changes that improved learning outcomes. This will demonstrate your capability to set a vision and motivate your colleagues.
✨Celebrate Small Victories
Familiarise yourself with the concept of 'huge small victories' and be ready to discuss how you would celebrate these moments in your role. Share personal anecdotes where you’ve recognised and celebrated progress, no matter how small, to highlight your understanding of the importance of every step forward in education.
✨Be Yourself
Witherslack Group values diversity and authenticity, so don’t shy away from sharing your unique experiences and perspectives. Be open about your teaching philosophy and how it aligns with their inclusive approach. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you’re a great fit for their team.