At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead coaching initiatives and develop impactful professional development programmes for staff.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking school dedicated to excellence in education and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on staff development and student wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while fostering a culture of collaboration and learning.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status, leadership experience, and a passion for inclusive education.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are seeking an inspirational and experienced leader to join our senior leadership team as an Associate Assistant Headteacher. This is a key role supporting the strategic direction of the school while ensuring the highest standards of teaching, learning, and pastoral care for our pupils. The successful candidate will work closely with the Headteacher and senior leaders to drive school improvement, champion inclusive practice, and support staff development across the school.
Responsibilities
- Lead and embed a coaching culture that strengthens teaching quality and accelerates staff growth at every career stage.
- Design, deliver and evaluate a coherent, evidence-informed Professional Development (PD) programme aligned to school priorities.
- Improve classroom practice through high-impact coaching, instructional feedback, and precise development pathways (ECT, ITT, Early Career, developing and expert teachers, and support staff).
- Assure the quality of CPD and its impact on pupil progress, inclusion and wellbeing.
- Establish and quality-assure coaching cycles (diagnose model deliberate practice in-class feedback review).
- Provide instructional coaching and/or mentoring for identified staff (ECTs, new staff, colleagues requiring support, aspiring leaders).
- Curate and deliver evidence-informed CPD – relevant and appropriate for our context.
- Commission external expertise as appropriate.
- Ensure CPD is accessible and inclusive.
- Define impact measures.
- Report regularly to SLT/Governors on implementation, participation, and outcomes; refine provision in response to evidence.
- Lead/coordinate teaching & learning reviews, peer observations, and moderation linked to PD priorities.
- Line-manage designated staff (e.g., mentors/ECTs/cover HLTA), setting clear objectives and providing supportive challenge.
- Oversee ECT/ITT: induction quality, mentor training, fidelity to statutory requirements, and timely assessment points.
- Manage and support progression and succession planning.
- Maintain robust CPD systems.
- Ensure safeguarding, health & safety, data protection.
- Champion a learning culture: psychological safety, collaboration, reflective practice, and professional curiosity.
- Work with curriculum leads, curriculum block groups, SENCO, behaviour leads and senior leaders to align PD with curriculum, SEND provision, behaviour and wellbeing.
Qualifications
- Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- Has leadership experience.
- Is passionate about education.
- Has experience working within a special school or specialist provision.
- Has strong knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice.
- Has excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Is passionate about inclusion and improving outcomes for vulnerable learners.
Associate Assistant Head - Coaching and Professional Development in Cockermouth employer: Woolmer Hill School
Join our vibrant school community as an Associate Assistant Headteacher, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our pupils and staff. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises professional development, offering tailored coaching and growth opportunities for educators at every stage of their career. Located in a supportive environment, we are committed to ensuring that our staff feel valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our students.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Assistant Head - Coaching and Professional Development in Cockermouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at the school you're eyeing. A friendly chat can give you insider info and show your genuine interest in their coaching culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can champion inclusive practices. Have examples ready that showcase your experience in supporting staff development and improving teaching quality.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for education! During interviews, share your vision for professional development and how you plan to embed a coaching culture that benefits everyone in the school.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Assistant Head - Coaching and Professional Development in Cockermouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Education:When writing your application, let your passion for education shine through! We want to see how much you care about teaching and learning, especially in supporting vulnerable learners. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Associate Assistant Headteacher. We’re looking for someone who can lead a coaching culture and improve classroom practice, so highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with these responsibilities.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of what you want to say. Use bullet points if necessary to make your key achievements stand out!
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 shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Woolmer Hill School
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the SEND Code of Practice and have a solid understanding of how to champion inclusive practices. Brush up on the latest educational strategies and be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented them in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in coaching and professional development. Think about specific instances where you’ve driven school improvement or supported staff growth, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Be Evidence-Informed
Since the role involves designing and delivering evidence-informed PD programmes, come prepared with examples of how you’ve used data to inform your decisions. Discuss how you measure the impact of CPD on pupil progress and staff development.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This position requires working closely with various stakeholders. Be ready to talk about how you foster collaboration among staff and promote a culture of psychological safety. Share your thoughts on how you would engage with curriculum leads and other senior leaders to align PD with school priorities.
