Associate Assistant Head of School School

Associate Assistant Head of School – Shaftesbury School

Salary: £55,747 - £61,534 per annum (subject to experience) – Leadership Pay Range L4 – L8.
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent – commencing as soon as possible.

We are seeking an ambitious, creative and inspiring leader to drive substantial and sustained improvement across the English Department and Teaching & Learning on a whole‑school level. The role reports to the Head of School and is based at Shaftesbury School in Dorset.

• Lead English Language, Literature and Literacy across the school and oversee Film & Media Studies.
• Partner with the Senior Leadership Team – Head of School, Deputy Head, SENDCo, DSL and two Assistant Headteachers.
• Manage and motivate the dedicated English team, ensuring high quality curriculum, teaching and learning.
• Champion evidence‑based practice, including the Teaching & Learning toolkit, Rosenshein’s principles and Sherrington’s Walkthroughs.
• Facilitate Poetic and Oracy initiatives, collaborate with Voice 21 and implement the Accelerated Reader programme.
• Contribute to the Trust’s behaviour management system and support the 6th Form.
• Engage in safeguarding duties, including first aid provision, child protection and support to up‑to‑date DBS checks.
• Participate in the Safeguarding, Equality and Diversity framework, ensuring an inclusive environment.

• Strong track record of leading English curriculum and teaching improvement.
• Excellent organisational, leadership and communication skills.
• Experience working within a whole‑school Senior Leadership Team.
• Understanding of safeguarding procedures and statutory requirements.

Shaftesbury School offers a modern, well‑facilitated learning environment including a Techno Gym Suite, Astro Turf, climbing wall, ICT suites, and a fully resourced library. Staff receive daily refreshments, a staff café, a staff well‑being charter and staff counselling support.

The role is open to all qualified individuals in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. SAST welcomes support for a diverse workforce, free from discrimination and promotes fair promotion and cultural acceptance.