Assistant Headteacher Inclusion and Student Engagement Lead

Full Job Description

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Job Title:  Assistant Headteacher Inclusion and Student Engagement Lead
Location:  Norton College – Worcester, Worcester WR5 2BA
Hours:      40 per week | Monday to Friday | 8.00am – 4.00pm
Salary:      £50,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract:  Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:        September 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

As Assistant Headteacher: Inclusion and Student Engagement Lead (SENCo & Inclusion) at Norton College Worcester, you will provide strategic leadership across SEND, Inclusion and Student Engagement. You will ensure that provision for students with diverse and complex needs is effective, compliant and supports strong outcomes.

Working closely with the Deputy Headteacher and external partners, you will help shape an accessible, ambitious curriculum and ensure high‑quality assessment, intervention and support. You will oversee statutory responsibilities for students with EHCPs, champion inclusive practice across the school and support staff to meet the needs of all learners, enabling them to access the curriculum and engage positively in school life.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Provide strategic leadership for SEND, Inclusion and Student Engagement as a member of the Senior Leadership Team
• Work with the Deputy Headteacher on curriculum design and implementation to meet pupil needs
• Ensure effective SEND provision that supports improved progress and outcomes
• Oversee statutory responsibilities for students with EHCPs, including organising and chairing Review Meetings
• Coordinate communication with all relevant stakeholders, ensuring timely sharing of information
• Promote a culture of inclusion and ensure systems, policies and practices enable full curriculum access
• Lead on strategies that enhance student engagement, participation and positive behaviour
• Monitor pupil progress and contribute to whole‑school evaluation and improvement
• Support staff across the school in understanding and meeting the needs of SEND learners

About You

You are a passionate and experienced leader who believes in the power of inclusive education.

You will have:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• SENCo qualification
• Strong experience supporting pupils with SEND and complex needs
• Outstanding behaviour management and leadership skills
• The ability to inspire, support and develop staff
• A collaborative approach and excellent communication skills
• A full UK driving licence (essential)

About Us

Norton College is a specialist independent school for students aged 11–19, with sites in Worcester and Tewkesbury. We support young people with a range of complex learning needs through vocational pathways and bespoke learning packages, helping them develop the skills, confidence, and independence they need for life beyond education.

Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.

We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
  • Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
  • Hundreds of UK and international discounts
  • Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
  • Critical illness cover
  • Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

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