Assistant Headteacher - SENCO

About the school

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

The experienced team creates a calm, structured setting in which pupils build confidence and resilience. The curriculum develops the knowledge, emotional resilience, social communication and life skills pupils need to succeed in education, their communities and beyond. Red Kite School is part of Acorn Education and Outcomes First Group.

The role

Red Kite School seeks an exceptional Assistant Headteacher - SENCO to join the leadership team. The successful candidate will help shape an outstanding educational experience for every pupil while maintaining a 70% teaching commitment. This permanent, term-time-only position begins in November 2026 and offers a salary of up to £50,000 per annum, depending on experience.

The postholder will support the Headteacher with strategic leadership and day-to-day management, lead whole-school assessment, drive school improvement and promote an inclusive culture in which all pupils, including those with SEND, achieve ambitious outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Support the Headteacher with strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the school.
• Lead and model outstanding teaching and learning while maintaining a substantial teaching commitment.
• Drive school improvement through high expectations, effective curriculum leadership and evidence-informed practice.
• Lead the school’s assessment strategy, analyse pupil progress and implement targeted interventions.
• Develop, coach and performance-manage teachers and middle leaders.
• Promote an inclusive culture where all pupils, including those with SEND, access high-quality education and achieve strong outcomes.
• Ensure high standards of behaviour, safeguarding, wellbeing and professional conduct.
• Build strong partnerships with parents, carers, governors and external agencies.

Requirements

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a relevant degree.
• Successful leadership and management experience within a school.
• Strong track record of outstanding classroom practice and improving outcomes.
• Experience leading, developing and performance-managing staff.
• Excellent knowledge of curriculum, assessment and school improvement.
• Thorough understanding of SEND and inclusive education.
• Ability to motivate, inspire and build positive relationships with pupils, staff and families.
• Commitment to safeguarding, equality and the highest standards of education.
• Full driving licence.
• NPQSL or equivalent leadership qualification is desirable but not essential.

Benefits & package

• Life assurance.
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions.
• Mental health support and physical health checks through the “Your Wellbeing Matters” programme.
• Flexible Benefits Platform including health, wellbeing and insurance benefits, plus hundreds of UK and international discounts.
• Cycle to Work Scheme and Electric Car Purchase Scheme.
• Critical illness cover.
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity and paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support.

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