Assistant Headteacher (Teaching and Curriculum)

We are seeking to appoint a passionate, skilled, and ambitious Assistant Headteacher to join our senior leadership team with responsibility for Teaching and Curriculum.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader who is committed to inclusive and trauma-informed education, with a particular focus on meeting the needs of pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and associated conditions or learning disabilities.

You will work closely with the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher to communicate the school’s vision, support the strategic leadership and daily management of the school, and will lead teaching and curriculum development in line with the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework and School Inspection Toolkit (2025), with particular responsibility for the Quality of Education and the implementation of inclusive, evidence informed practice across the school.

What you’ll be doing:

• Provide clear leadership and vision for high‑quality teaching across the school.
• Promote consistently strong, evidence‑informed classroom practice that meets the diverse needs of pupils with SEND.
• Model exemplary teaching and lead by example through visibility in classrooms.
• Ensure teaching establishes strong foundations for learning, with clear explanations, effective modelling and systematic checking of understanding.
• Lead the design, implementation and ongoing refinement of a coherent, well-sequenced and ambitious curriculum for pupils aged 7–16.
• Ensure curriculum intent reflects statutory requirements, EHCP outcome areas, and the school’s vision for pupils’ learning, independence and personal development.
• Oversee subject and pathway leadership, supporting colleagues to articulate curriculum intent, sequencing and end points clearly.
• Ensure curriculum adaptation allows all pupils to access meaningful learning without lowering ambition.

We are looking for a compassionate and resilient leader who:

• Has a proven track record of improving teaching, learning, and curriculum outcomes
• Can inspire, coach, and empower staff at all stages of their career
• Thinks strategically and acts with integrity
• Wants to be part of a leadership team that is ambitious and determined to make a difference
• Models excellent classroom practice
• Has Qualified Teacher Status
• Has leadership and management experience in a specialist provision
• Understands the importance of trauma-informed and inclusive practice
• Understands the OFSTED Framework and Independent School Standards
• Has strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive working relationships
• Demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding, SEND, and whole-school improvement

Why join us?

• Annual salary reviews and enhanced pension contributions for qualified teachers.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• A collaborative and dedicated team of professionals.
• A rewarding and fulfilling role making a real difference to children's lives.

We value your hard work and dedication, and we’re committed to ensuring you feel supported, both professionally and personally so that you are in the best position to make the most impact for the children in our care.

When you join Kedleston Group, you can be certain that your work will have purpose and meaning. You can also expect a supportive environment which enables you to excel in your role and grow in your career.

You will have access to an attractive benefits package including;

• Access to health and well-being programmes, including a free and confidential 24/7 helpline and counselling service
• Discounts on retail, travel, and leisure through our benefits platform
• Cycle to work scheme
• Generous life cover

Who are we?

Hawley Woods School provides specialist education for autistic children and those with associated conditions or learning disabilities across Key Stages 2-4 supporting children aged 7-17 (school years 3-11).

We help children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) who may be struggling to keep up with the pace of work, may be losing confidence, or struggling with the overwhelming sensory environment of their mainstream school. We also help children who have been out of education for a period of time, to positively re-engage in an education which takes into account any negative experiences they may have had in schools so far.

Hawley Woods School is part of Kedleston Group. We specialise in providing specialist education for children aged 7-19 with a range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). These include autistic spectrum condition (ASC), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and social emotional and mental health needs (SEMH).

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting children and we expect all colleagues to share this commitment. We will do everything possible to ensure that only those who are suitable to work with children are recruited to work for us. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020 and is subject to a range of vetting checks including a criminal records disclosure.

We are a disability confident committed and equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from all sections of the community.

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