Assistant Headteacher - SENCO

Full Job Description

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Job Title:  Assistant Headteacher - SENCO
Location:  Red Kite School, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, HP27 0JW
Hours:      40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8am - 4pm
Salary:      Up to £50,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Contract:  Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:        November 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

Your duties will include:

• Supporting the Headteacher in the strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the school.
• Acting as the school's SENCO, ensuring outstanding provision and positive outcomes for pupils with additional needs.
• Driving whole-school improvement through effective use of assessment, data and evidence-based practice.
• Leading on assessment and pupil progress, ensuring interventions have maximum impact.
• Coaching, mentoring and developing staff to achieve their full professional potential.
• Strengthening partnerships with families, external agencies and other stakeholders.
• Championing safeguarding, wellbeing and positive behaviour throughout the school.
• Contributing to the school's vision, values and long-term success.

What will you be doing

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a relevant degree.
• Proven leadership experience within a school setting.
• Experience of leading, supporting and developing colleagues.
• A strong understanding of curriculum design, assessment and school improvement.
• Expertise in SEND and inclusive educational practice.
• The ability to inspire, motivate and influence others.
• A commitment to safeguarding, equality and ensuring every pupil reaches their potential.
• Full driving licence required

About Us

Red Kite School is an independent special school for up to 60 young people aged 11–18 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

Opened in September 2024, the school is located in the beautiful market town of Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire. We provide a safe, nurturing and supportive environment where every young person is understood, valued and encouraged to thrive.

Our experienced team creates a calm, structured environment where pupils build confidence, resilience and achieve positive outcomes through personalised learning, high expectations and strong relationships.

Our curriculum develops the knowledge, emotional resilience, social communication and life skills pupils need to succeed in education, their communities and beyond, helping every young person become a confident learner, responsible citizen and prepared for their future.

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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