Assistant Headteacher

Assistant Headteacher – Behaviour and Attitudes

Location:

Smallbrook School, Shrewsbury, SY4 3HE

Hours:

37.5 hours per week, Monday – Friday (8.45am - 4.30pm)

Salary:
Up to £51,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)

Contract:

Permanent | Term Time Only

Start:
September 2026

UK applicants only – no sponsorship available.

We put wellbeing first by giving our teams more time to recharge.

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across behaviour, pastoral care, wellbeing and pupil engagement. You will ensure every young person receives the support they need to access learning, build confidence and achieve success.

You will lead whole‑school approaches that promote positive behaviour, emotional wellbeing and exceptional pastoral care. Working closely with therapeutic and clinical colleagues, families and external agencies, you will embed a trauma‑informed, relational culture that supports pupils to feel regulated, engaged and ready to learn.

This role is central to shaping school culture, supporting staff development and driving improvement across behaviour, attitudes and personal development.

• Leading whole‑school behaviour, attitudes and pastoral strategies
• Embedding trauma‑informed and relational approaches across the school
• Using data and evidence to drive improvement in behaviour, attendance and wellbeing
• Leading and maintaining robust safeguarding and pastoral systems
• Coaching, line managing and developing staff to promote consistent, high‑quality practice
• Building strong, trusting relationships with pupils, families and external agencies
• Leading reintegration, intervention and personalised support pathways
• Contributing to whole‑school improvement as a core member of the Senior Leadership Team

• QTS, QTLS or equivalent (NPQ desirable)
• An inspirational and confident leader with experience in behaviour, pastoral or SEND leadership
• Passionate about creating inclusive environments where every child can succeed
• Skilled in trauma‑informed practice, emotional regulation and behaviour support
• Experienced in leading teams and driving positive change
• Deeply committed to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing
• Motivated to inspire staff and improve outcomes for young people
• Driving licence required

Smallbrook School is currently increasing capacity from 50 students to 80 and has a large investment in our school site developing KS2 and sixth form provision. We are a co‑educational day school catering for pupils aged 7‑18 with a range of complex needs including social, emotional and mental health needs, as well as pupils who have been diagnosed with autism or demonstrate behaviours associated with autism.

We provide a therapeutic, supportive and inclusive learning environment and are committed to raising achievement and enabling pupils to recognise their potential and supporting them through a personalised, engaging curriculum.

Our School is based halfway between Shrewsbury and Wem in Shropshire.

Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence‑based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.

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 DBS.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• Your Wellbeing Matters – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including health, wellbeing and insurance benefits, hundreds of UK and international discounts, cycle to work scheme, electric car purchase scheme, critical illness cover, family growth support, enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.