Assistant Headteacher (Pastoral) / SENCO

Assistant Headteacher (Pastoral) / SENCO

Holme Court School

Location: Cherry Hinton Hall, Cherry Hinton Rd, Cambridge CB1 8DW

Start Date: January 2027

Contract: Full Time, Permanent

Salary: Up to £46,000pa (DOE)

Holme Court School is seeking an exceptional Assistant Headteacher (Pastoral) / SENCO to join our Senior Leadership Team. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the pastoral provision of a specialist school whilst continuing to teach and make a direct impact in the classroom.

About the Role

This is a key leadership position for an ambitious and nurturing professional who can combine strategic leadership with hands‑on support for pupils, families and staff.

As Assistant Headteacher (Pastoral) / SENCO, you will lead the school's approach to:

• Pastoral care and pupil wellbeing
• Behaviour and attendance
• Safeguarding and child protection
• Inclusion and personal development
• Emotional literacy and mental health support

Alongside your pastoral leadership responsibilities, you will also serve as the school's named SENCO, taking responsibility for SEND provision, EHCP processes, annual reviews and liaison with local authorities, parents and external professionals.

Importantly, this role includes a teaching commitment, allowing you to remain closely connected to pupils and make a direct impact on learning outcomes across the school.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leading behaviour, attendance and pastoral systems across the school
• Acting as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
• Overseeing SEND provision as the school's SENCO
• Coordinating EHCP reviews, annual reviews and SEND support plans
• Supporting pupils with specific learning difficulties and associated needs
• Building strong relationships with families and external agencies
• Contributing to whole-school improvement planning
• Line managing and supporting colleagues
• Working closely with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team
• Maintaining a teaching timetable and delivering high-quality lessons
• Helping create a positive, structured and nurturing learning environment where pupils can flourish

We are looking for someone who:

• Holds QTS
• A minimum of a recognised Level 5 SENCO Qualification
• Is an experienced and successful teacher
• Has leadership experience within a school environment
• Has a strong understanding of safeguarding, behaviour and inclusion
• Has substantial experience supporting pupils with SEND
• Is passionate about pupil wellbeing and personal development
• Can confidently work with parents, local authorities and external professionals
• Has excellent communication and organisational skills
• Is committed to achieving the very best outcomes for every child

Why Join Holme Court School?

Holme Court School specialises in supporting pupils with specific learning difficulties and associated needs. We pride ourselves on providing a highly personalised, nurturing and inclusive environment where pupils build confidence, develop resilience and achieve their potential.

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Join a supportive and forward-thinking Senior Leadership Team
• Shape the strategic direction of pastoral provision across the school
• Lead SEND provision as SENCO
• Continue teaching and working directly with pupils
• Make a lasting difference to the lives of neurodiverse young people
• Be part of the growing Inspired Learning Group

Closing date for applications is 2nd November 2026

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The school reserves the right to appoint before the advertised deadline should an exceptional candidate be identified.

Safeguarding Statement

Holme Court Cambridge is totally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children & young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, as all new staff will be subject to enhanced DBS clearance, identity checks, qualification checks and employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps within employment, two satisfactory references and registration with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

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