Assistant Head of School / Exams Lead
Location: Meldreth, near Royston, on the Cambridgeshire/Hertfordshire border
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week
Salary: Leadership Scale L1-L6 (£49,781 - £56,316 per annum)
About the school
Our client supports children and young people aged 6-19 with complex learning difficulties, often combined with profound physical disabilities and medical needs. Our provision includes on-site residential care for 15 students, with additional students attending as day pupils. Each students journey is enriched by a diverse range of resources and settings, including sensory rooms, rebound therapy, and hydrotherapy, tailored to enhance their experiences, build self-esteem, and promote independence.
As our school expands, we are preparing for a refurbishment to welcome additional students, making it an exciting time to join our growing team. We are currently seeking a motivated Assistant Head of School/Exams Lead to join our leadership team and contribute to this development.
The Role
In this role, you will lead in the Head of School's absence and oversee all aspects of the school's examination process. This position is ideal for a creative leader who excels at fostering collaboration and has a passion for achieving meaningful outcomes for students.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with staff and students to maintain the schools strategic objectives
- Assist the Head of School in monitoring and evaluating our Quality Improvement Plan
- Lead and support staff development, tracking progress and promoting continuous training and professional growth
- Oversee student welfare, behavior, and progress, ensuring that individual needs and goals are effectively communicated to all staff
- Build partnerships with parents, carers, external agencies, and the community to promote pupil achievement, personal growth, and inclusion
- Partner with key staff to develop and assess the schools curriculum and monitor student progress and achievement
Please note: Duties may vary, and flexibility is required to assist with various school needs. A full job description is available via the link below.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- Proven leadership experience
- Minimum of 5 years teaching experience in a special needs environment, demonstrating successful, structured, and creative teaching methods
- Background in managing whole-school responsibilities and implementing effective policy
- Demonstrated experience in community outreach and building collaborative networks
- Track record of raising standards across the school in a key area, phase, or inclusion
Desirable Qualifications
- NPQSL or accredited training in special education (e.g., PMLD/SLD/ASD)
- Experience working with and supporting governors, trustees, or executives
Professional Knowledge
- Strong understanding of effective teaching and learning strategies, ideally within a special school setting
- Experience with behaviour and teaching strategies, such as TEACCH or other ASD intervention methods
- Up-to-date knowledge of statutory regulations, OFSTED standards, and special education developments
What We Offer
- Comprehensive training and continued professional support
- Life assurance and pension scheme
- Health cash back plan
- Car lease scheme
- Bike to work scheme
- Perkbox for high street discounts
- Free on-site parking