Assistant Headteacher - Curriculum and Quality of Education

Assistant Headteacher
- Curriculum and Quality of Education

• Gunnislake
• Permanent

Salary:
Up to £52,000 per annum

Hours:

40 hours per week, Monday to Friday

At OFG we believe in creating a better work life balance.

Job Title:
Assistant Headteacher
- Curriculum and Quality of Education
Location:
Copper Fields School, Gunnislake, PL18 9EH

Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | Mon 8.30am - 5pm, Tue - Fri 8.30am - 4.30pm
Salary:
Up to £52,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Contract:
Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:
January 2027
- Sooner if possible

UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the direction of our curriculum and wider school provision, creating a personalised curriculum that brings our school vision to life and ensures every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Working closely with the Headteacher, you’ll help shape our strategic direction, strengthen teaching and learning, develop our staff and drive whole-school improvement. You’ll be a visible and influential leader, helping to create a culture of high expectations, collaboration and continuous improvement.

And while you’ll be leading strategically, you’ll also continue to do what you love most. The role includes a classroom-based teaching commitment, giving you the opportunity to lead through outstanding practice, remain close to students and use your own expertise to influence teaching and learning across the whole school.

• Work with the Headteacher to shape the school’s vision, curriculum and strategic direction.
• Lead school improvement, using assessment and student progress data to drive positive outcomes.
• Champion high-quality teaching, modelling best practice and supporting colleagues to develop.
• Promote high expectations, positive behaviour and an inclusive culture where every student can thrive.
• Lead, line manage and develop staff, supporting performance, wellbeing and professional growth.
• Work collaboratively with families, professionals, governors and external partners.
• Support safeguarding, risk management and the effective day-to-day running of the school.
• Take on wider leadership responsibilities as delegated by the Headteacher.

The role may also include a teaching commitment of up to 70%, providing you with the opportunity to remain close to classroom practice while influencing teaching and learning across the wider school.

• QTS, a degree and NPQSL (or equivalent leadership experience) required.
• Proven school leadership, teaching and line management experience.
• Experience of staff development, performance management and school improvement.

Copper Fields School is a specialist co-educational school in Gunnislake, Cornwall, supporting students aged 4–16 with autism, communication and language needs, and additional complex needs. In a nurturing and inclusive environment, students receive personalised support to develop academically, socially, and emotionally. Our broad and balanced curriculum, enriched by outdoor learning and local community experiences, foster independence, confidence, and personal growth. Copper Fields celebrates every individual, empowering students to achieve their best outcomes and prepare for life beyond school.

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.

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