Assistant Headteacher

Assistant Headteacher (Specialist School for Deaf Students)

Salary: £76,771 - £80,654 plus approximately £8,000 allowance for additional dutiesFull Time | On-Site Leadership Role

Are you an exceptional leader with a passion for special education and a commitment to helping young people achieve their full potential?

We are seeking an inspirational Interim Assistant Headteacher to lead a highly regarded specialist school and college, providing education and residential support for young people with additional needs.

The successful candidate will provide strong strategic leadership, working closely with Trustees, Governors, staff, families and external partners to ensure every student receives an outstanding educational and residential experience.

About the Role

As an Assistant Headteacher, you will take overall responsibility for the leadership, management and day-to-day operation of the school, college and residential provision. You will drive a culture of excellence, inclusion and continuous improvement, ensuring that students develop the skills, confidence and independence needed to thrive in adult life.

You will lead the delivery of an ambitious and accessible curriculum, champion high-quality teaching and learning, oversee safeguarding, and ensure the organisation continues to provide exceptional outcomes for young people with complex communication and special educational needs.

Key Responsibilities

\n
• Provide inspiring and visible leadership across education and residential services.
\n
• Develop and deliver a clear strategic vision focused on excellence, inclusion and student achievement.
\n
• Lead school improvement planning and self-evaluation processes.
\n
• Ensure outstanding teaching, learning and residential care standards.
\n
• Promote preparation for adulthood, independence, communication, wellbeing and employability.
\n
• Lead and develop staff through effective performance management and professional development.
\n
• Oversee safeguarding and child protection across the organisation.
\n
• Manage budgets, resources and staffing to ensure sustainability and value for money.
\n
• Build strong relationships with families, Trustees, Governors, local authorities and external agencies.
\n
• Ensure compliance with Ofsted, DfE, safeguarding and regulatory requirements.
\n

About You

We are looking for an experienced and compassionate leader who can demonstrate:

\n
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a recognised teaching qualification.
\n
• Significant senior leadership experience within a special school or similar educational setting.
\n
• A proven track record of driving improvement and raising outcomes for students with SEND.
\n
• Experience leading and developing staff teams.
\n
• Strong safeguarding leadership experience as a DSL or Deputy DSL.
\n
• Excellent strategic planning, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
\n
• Knowledge of SEND legislation, education frameworks and quality assurance processes.
\n

Desirable

\n
• NPQH or equivalent leadership qualification.
\n
• Experience supporting deaf learners and an understanding of Deaf culture.
\n
• British Sign Language (BSL) skills or a willingness to actively develop them.
\n

Safeguarding

Reed Education and the employing school are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and comply with safer recruitment procedures.

If you are a senior leader looking for a new challenge, we would love to hear from you!