Assistant Headteacher

“..Empowered and engaged learners..”

We are seeking an exceptional Assistant Headteacher to join our Leadership Team and help drive our vision of fostering a community where every learner is empowered and fully engaged in their journey towards independence, confidence, and success.

Bishopswood School is a vibrant community special school for children aged 4–16 with severe or profound and multiple learning difficulties (SLD/PMLD), complex needs, and autism (ASD).
Part of the Propeller Academy Trust
, we pride ourselves on delivering innovative, inclusive education across two co‑located sites with mainstream partners.

• Competitive salary
• Full induction programme and ongoing CPD, including specialist SEN training
• Paid wellbeing days, free flu vaccinations and on‑site parking
• Flexible working options (part‑time or job share considered)
• Teachers’ Pension Scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Refer‑a‑friend scheme (earn up to £500)
• A strong, therapeutic and supportive school culture

• Provide strategic leadership across key areas of school improvement, contributing to whole‑school direction and decision‑making.
• Lead high‑quality teaching and learning for pupils with MLD, SLD and PMLD, encompassing pre‑formal, semi‑formal and formal curriculum pathways.
• Oversee personalised learning approaches, sensory‑based provision and specialist communication strategies (e.g AAC, PECS).
• Support behaviour culture with empathy, consistency and ambition, using data to drive proactive approaches.
• Play a significant role in safeguarding, attendance and pastoral care systems, ensuring strong multi‑agency collaboration.
• Work closely with families, offering sensitive support through complex circumstances, reviews and multi‑disciplinary meetings.
• Lead, coach and support staff teams through line management, performance development and professional learning.
• Contribute to the development and evaluation of EHCP outcomes, curriculum planning and accreditation routes.
• Promote inclusion, safety and wellbeing through effective risk assessment for behaviour, mobility, medical needs and personal care.

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a relevant degree
• Strong, sustained professional development linked to SEND leadership
• In‑depth understanding of the SEND Code of Practice (2015), including needs linked to MLD, SLD and PMLD
• Knowledge of safeguarding, including vulnerabilities associated with severe and profound needs and non‑verbal pupils
• Experience of teaching pupils with complex needs, including medical, sensory and communication requirements
• Proven leadership experience in a specialist setting, including staff development and performance management
• Experience contributing to behaviour, attendance or pastoral leadership
• Strong data analysis skills relating to behaviour, safeguarding and attendance
• Ability to communicate effectively with pupils who are non‑verbal or have significant communication barriers
• Excellent interpersonal skills and confidence working with healthcare teams, families and multi‑agency partners

To apply for this rewarding opportunity, please apply online via the link provided. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

To arrange a visit or to find out more, please contact the School Business Manager, Catherine King, recr