Assistant Headteacher

Colchester
£45,000 - £50,000 per annum
Full Time - 40 hours per week

Leader Group is delighted to be working in partnership with a respected Therapeutic Education Service provider to recruit an Experienced  Assistant Headteacher  for an exciting specialist SEND school in Colchester.

Purpose of the Role

We are seeking an ambitious and dedicated Assistant Headteacher to play a key leadership role in a brand-new specialist school opening in September 2026.

You will lead and develop curriculum design, teaching quality, and pupil achievement across the school, ensuring that all pupils — including those with complex needs — receive a high-quality, broad, balanced, and coherent education.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape a new provision from the ground up and make a lasting impact.

About the Provision

We provide specialist therapeutic education and essential support for young people with complex needs, including emotional, behavioural, and mental health challenges.

Our approach is tailored for pupils who have struggled in mainstream settings or are at risk of exclusion, vulnerability, or disrupted education.

Our mission is to create a safe, supportive, and aspirational environment where every pupil can thrive, achieve, and progress.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, and implementation of an accessible, engaging, and differentiated curriculum for pupils with SEND and complex needs

Ensure statutory curriculum requirements are met, including literacy, numeracy, science, ICT, and vocational pathways

Monitor and evaluate teaching quality through lesson observations, work scrutiny, and pupil voice

Use assessment data to identify gaps in learning and implement targeted interventions to improve outcomes

Support and develop subject leaders and teaching staff through coaching, CPD, and sharing best practice

Promote high standards of behaviour, safeguarding, and inclusive practice

Requirements

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Proven experience leading curriculum development and improving teaching quality

Strong understanding of curriculum design, assessment, and evidence-informed teaching strategies

Ability to lead, motivate, and support teaching staff, modelling high professional standards

Excellent interpersonal skills with staff, pupils, families, and external agencies

Confident in using data to inform curriculum planning and teaching strategies

What We Offer

Enhanced pension scheme

Staff referral bonus scheme

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

Access to Blue Light Card discounts

Fully funded training and qualifications

Enhanced pay scales based on experience and qualifications

Employee wellbeing support and discount platform

Life assurance

INDTEP