Assistant Headteacher

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Job Title:

Assistant Headteacher Salary:
Up to £56,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)

Location:

New Barn School, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 8HZ

Hours:

40 hours per week | Monday–Friday Rota: 8:30am–4:30pm (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri) | 8:30am–5:00pm (Wed)

Contract:

Permanent | Term Time Only Start:
February 2026 UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship. As part of our continued growth, we are excited to invite an ambitious and inspirational Assistant Headteacher to join the exceptional team at New Barn School — a role offering real influence, meaningful leadership, and the opportunity to shape lives every day. About the Role New Barn School, part of Options Autism, is looking for a passionate and forward-thinking Assistant Headteacher ready to make a lasting impact on pupils, staff, and the wider school community.

Working closely with the Headteacher, you will play a key strategic and operational role, helping to drive school improvement while maintaining a nurturing, inclusive environment where every pupil feels safe, valued, and able to succeed. This is more than a leadership position — it’s an opportunity to lead with purpose. You will help shape a vision that enables children and young people with additional needs to build confidence, achieve success, and realise their full potential both inside and beyond the classroom.

Key Responsibilities Lead the development of an innovative, engaging curriculum tailored to pupils with SEMH and complex needs Drive pupil progress and outcomes through effective, data-informed leadership Champion positive behaviour, wellbeing, and pastoral care, fostering a calm and supportive school culture Inspire and develop staff through coaching, mentoring, and high-quality professional development Provide visible, confident leadership that strengthens expectations and school identity Build strong partnerships with families, external professionals, and the wider community to enhance opportunities for pupils Who We’re Looking For You will be an enthusiastic and resilient leader with the vision, empathy, and determination to inspire others and drive meaningful change.

You will bring:
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent A full UK driving licence Proven experience in middle or senior leadership within education A strong track record of raising standards and improving outcomes Excellence as a classroom practitioner across multiple key stages Outstanding communication, organisational, and people leadership skills A deep commitment to inclusion, safeguarding, and pupil wellbeing If you are ready to take the next step in your leadership journey and join a school where your leadership will truly matter, we would love to hear from you.

About Us New Barn School, part of Options Autism, provides inclusive, nurturing education for autistic children and young people with complex needs across three sites. We deliver personalised learning, therapeutic support, and vocational opportunities tailored to each pupil’s Education, Health and Care Plan. Pupils learn in small, supportive settings that promote confidence, independence, and emotional wellbeing. Built on strong partnerships with families, New Barn empowers every learner to thrive 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 year running.

Why Join Us? We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced…