Assistant Headteacher - Personal Development and Wellbeing

Full Job Description

At OFG we allow for greater work life balance and extra time to do the things you love outside work.

Location:

Groveside School, Reading, RG2 7AY

Hours:

37.5 per week | Monday–Friday

Salary:
Up to £50,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata) plus a Welcome Bonus of £1,000. T&C's apply.

Contract:

Permanent | Term Time Only

Start:
January 2027

UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

Are you a dynamic, compassionate and forward‑thinking leader who believes in the power of relationships, creativity and personal development to transform young lives? Groveside School is seeking an exceptional Assistant Headteacher for Personal Development & Wellbeing to join our leadership team and help shape the next chapter of our school’s journey. This is a rare opportunity to take a strategic lead on personal development, wellbeing and the wider curriculum in a school that places creativity, connection and pupil experience at the heart of everything we do.

• Inspire pupils and staff through exceptional teaching, high expectations and a passion for personal development and wellbeing.
• Lead on the quality of Teaching, Learning and Assessment, modelling outstanding practice and driving continual improvement.
• Develop, implement and monitor effective assessment systems and an enriching, creative curriculum that secures strong outcomes for all pupils.
• Build secure, trusting relationships with young people, including through trauma‑informed and restorative approaches.
• Motivate, support and develop staff across a collaborative team, ensuring consistent implementation of school policies and high standards.
• Monitor pupil progress and targets to ensure every learner achieves ambitious, personalised outcomes.
• Contribute strategically to the School Development Plan and lead whole‑school improvement initiatives with clarity and purpose.
• Communicate effectively with pupils, staff, families and external partners, remaining calm, approachable and solution‑focused.
• Work as a key member of the multi‑disciplinary team, strengthening links across education, clinical and pastoral provision.
• Uphold the highest standards of safeguarding, wellbeing, inclusion and professional conduct, promoting a positive and aspirational school culture.

• QTS or equivalent required.
• A proven ability to deliver high‑quality teaching and learning, modelling excellent practice and inspiring others to do the same.
• Strong leadership skills with the confidence to drive whole‑school improvement, develop staff and lead strategic initiatives with clarity and purpose.
• A deep commitment to personal development, wellbeing and inclusion, with the ability to build secure, trusting relationships with young people.
• Expertise in curriculum design, assessment systems and monitoring progress to ensure every pupil achieves ambitious, personalised outcomes.
• The emotional intelligence, resilience and communication skills needed to work collaboratively across multi‑disciplinary teams, families and external partners.
• A reflective, solution‑focused approach, grounded in safeguarding excellence, professional integrity and a passion for creating exceptional pupil experiences.

Groveside School is a Special Educational Needs School for Pupils 7–16 years old with Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs. Our school opened in September 2024 and will cater for 60 pupils. To the ideal candidate, Groveside School offers the following opportunities:

• To work in a school that is passionate about all achievement for all pupils.
• To work with fantastic pupils who enjoy a dynamic and engaging curriculum.
• To begin your journey with a strong induction programme tailored to your experience and needs.
• To engage collaboratively within a very supportive environment where professional development is an essential aspect of our daily practice.
• To develop your career.
• To be committed to creating exceptional pupil experiences and learning for all.

Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives.…