Assistant Headteacher

What skills and experience we're looking for

We are seeking a leader who embodies our inclusive values, has a proven record of whole‑school impact, and instinctively takes collective responsibility for the success of every child and every colleague. You will be someone who never walks past an opportunity to improve, who uses their influence courageously, and who leads with integrity, compassion and ambition.

The successful candidate will

• Actively lead and promote the Catholic Christian ethos of our school
• Demonstrate a strong track record of whole‑school leadership and measurable impact
• Have completed or be willing to complete the Creditation qualification for SENDCos.
• Be an inspirational classroom practitioner with a passion for teaching and learning
• Bring expertise in assessment, monitoring, tracking and intervention
• Inspire colleagues through innovative practice and a commitment to professional growth
• Show resilience, empathy and determination in supporting young people to overcome barriers

Champion a culture of high ambition particularly for those with additional needs preparing students to become confident, compassionate “game changers” in the world

What the school offers its staff

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join the senior leadership team of a thriving, oversubscribed 11–16 Voluntary Aided RC High School at a pivotal moment in its development. Our governors are seeking to appoint an exceptional Assistant Headteacher who is ready to make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of young people.

We are looking for a visionary, energetic and highly motivated leader, someone who combines creativity with strategic thinking, and who is driven by a deep commitment to educational excellence underpinned by Christian values.

At St Joseph’s, we do not have a SEND department; instead, we operate through our RAISE Network, reflecting our belief that every young person has individual strengths, needs, and aspirations. We focus not on deficit-based labels but on identifying and removing barriers to learning so that all students can flourish. Inclusion is a whole-school responsibility, and every member of staff acts as a triage nurse, identifying emerging needs, signposting support, and working collaboratively to ensure that every student receives the provision required to succeed. As part of our continued commitment to this vision, we are excited to be opening a brand new Resource Provision in September 2027, enabling us to further enhance our support for students with more complex needs whilst remaining firmly rooted in our inclusive ethos. We are seeking an innovative, strategic, and inspirational leader who is excited by the opportunity to champion this distinctive approach, develop an exceptional culture of inclusion, and ensure that every student is empowered to become the very best version of themselves.

You will join a dynamic, forward‑thinking senior team where your influence will be felt immediately and your leadership potential will be nurtured and expanded. For an aspirant future Headteacher, this role offers the perfect platform to grow, innovate and lead with purpose.

Further details about the role

We recognise that Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be a valuable tool in helping candidates to organise, refine, and present their ideas, and it may assist in the preparation of application materials. However, we are ultimately seeking to appoint a person, not a product of AI. We are looking for a leader who demonstrates authenticity, professional judgement, empathy, and a genuine commitment to young people. We therefore encourage applicants to ensure that their application reflects their own values, experiences, and voice, enabling us to gain a true understanding of who they are as a leader and the contribution they could make to the St Joseph’s community.

Commitment to safeguarding

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is subject to an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Please note

online searches may be done as part of due diligence checks on shortlisted candidates