Assistant Head Teacher

Assistant Headteacher - SEMH/SEND Provision 
Northumberland
£45,000 – £50,000 per year (DOE)
Full-time

Are you an experienced and compassionate school leader ready to make a real impact in specialist education?

We’re looking for an Assistant Headteacher (Site Lead) to join a highly supportive SEMH and SEND provision.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in a dynamic, people-centred environment. You’ll lead day-to-day operations across one of our sites, supporting students with a range of neurodiverse and social, emotional, and mental health needs.

About the Role
As Assistant Headteacher and Site Lead, you will:

• Provide visible, confident leadership to staff and students each day.
• Oversee safeguarding as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), maintaining strong links with families and external agencies.
• Lead on pastoral systems, attendance, and family engagement, ensuring all students receive the consistency and care they need.
• Support and coach staff to embed trauma-informed and therapeutic approaches to behaviour.
• Teach approximately 3 days per week, focusing on SEN interventions and high-impact support.
• Maintain site compliance with the Independent School Standards and contribute to quality assurance processes.
• Promote a safe, structured, and nurturing environment where every learner feels valued and understood.

This is an excellent opportunity to lead a dedicated team, shape provision, and help young people overcome barriers to learning.

About You
You’ll be an experienced and emotionally intelligent leader who thrives in complex, relational settings. You’ll bring calm, structure, and high expectations, even on the toughest days.

Essential:

• Strong leadership experience within SEMH, SEND or alternative provision
• Excellent understanding of neurodiversity, trauma-informed practice, and behaviour support
• Proven ability to manage safeguarding and multi-agency work
• Exceptional communication, organisation, and team leadership skills
• Reflective, resilient, and approachable, with a coaching mindset

Desirable:

• QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) or equivalent
• DSL or SENCO training (or willingness to complete)
• Experience with Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), SCERTS, or Zones of Regulation frameworks

What We Offer

• A supportive, values-driven school community that genuinely prioritises wellbeing
• A strong, collaborative senior leadership team
• Opportunities to shape and influence whole-school practice
• Ongoing professional development in trauma-informed and therapeutic approaches
• The chance to make a tangible difference every single day

If you’re a compassionate, resilient leader who believes in creating safe and inspiring environments for young people with complex needs, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and help us continue to change lives.

If you are interested in this role please email Rachael.chapman @ednetwork.co.uk with an up to date copy of your CV, or give us a call on 0191 823 97 52 for an informal chat about opportunities. 
 
The Education Network Offer: 
Our specialist team boasts extensive combined experience and an unrivalled reputation within the education sector. We take great pride in delivering consistently high service levels to both schools and candidates. Our approach is honest, efficient, and designed to offer a recruitment solution tailored to your needs. Additionally, we provide opportunities for further training and development to enhance your career. 
You will work in a friendly, caring, and supportive environment where every child matters. Our highly committed and hardworking consultants will strive to find roles that suit your professional aspirations. We also offer excellent rates of pay and ongoing opportunities for professional growth. 
 
The Education Network is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to our comprehensive vetting procedures, including enhanced DBS checks and references. We adhere to Safer Recruitment practices and maintain the highest standards of compliance. 
We are an equal opportunities employer, and The Education Network operates as a recruitment agency for this role. Due to the high volume of applications, we will contact shortlisted candidates within three days. 
 
Data Privacy and Processing 
By applying for this role, you are agreeing for The Education Network to process and store your personal data, including your CV and application form, for the purposes of recruitment. The Education Network is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your data in accordance with GDPR. Your information will be kept securely and will not be shared with third parties without your consent. We will retain your data for up to 24 months unless you request us to delete it earlier. You have the right to request access to, amend, or delete your data at any time by contacting Neville Wood at The Education Network.


The Education Network Offer:

Our specialist team have a combined experience of over 25 years and have unrivalled reputation within the education market, taking great pride in the extremely high service levels that we provide to both our schools and our candidates. Our service is honest and efficient and, in addition to our recruitment solution, we offer the opportunity for additional training and development for our candidates. You will also receive personalised career support from the team.

The opportunity to work in friendly, caring and supportive atmosphere where every child matters. Highly supportive, committed and hard working Consultants who will endeavor to find assignments suited to your needs.
An opportunity to extend your professional development as well as excellent rates of pay.

The Education Network is committed to safe guarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Appointments will be subject to our stringent vetting procedures, including enhanced DBS checks and references.-
The Education Network is committed to Safer Recruitment and recruits to Compliance+ standards. Any appointment will be subject to an enhanced DBS check in addition to other safeguarding checks. The Education Network is an equal opportunities employer. The Education Network is acting as a recruitment agency in relation to this vacancy.
Due to the expected high-volume of applications we receive only short-listed candidates will be contacted within 3 days.