Assistant Head

P
lease note that this role is due to start in September 2026.

If we receive a high volume of applications, the advert may close early.

Our Assistant Head Teachers are fulfilled by the idea of making even the smallest positive changes in our young people, so we celebrate the little things. There’s lots of ups and downs, and to some of our young people, sitting through a lesson can be a big win. We call these huge small victories and whilst they may seem small on the surface, they add up to make a big difference.

You’ll be working with children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. Alongside the Head Teacher, you’ll set the vision for the future of the school, ensuring we have the right people and plans in place so that our young people leave feeling proud of what they’ve achieved. You’ll work as part of a team of two, leading the curriculum, teaching, learning and school culture collaboratively.

You’ll put children first and be a creative, flexible leader who can inspire both staff and pupils. This role can be Primary or Secondary based, and you’ll have a fantastic team supporting you every step of the way.

You will need to be resilient and dedicated, but those huge small victories that you achieve will be something you’re really proud of.

It can be hard work, but the positive steps forward will more than make up for it. As an Assistant Head Teacher at Witherslack Group, you’ll get all the support you need to succeed, from the broader management team to a range of supporting specialists. Your colleagues will be the best at what they do, the school environments will be well-resourced, and we’ll be with you every step of the way, helping you build a rewarding teaching career.

Hartwell School is an independent specialist day school providing high quality education, based in Stockton-on-Tees. The school meets the needs of a diverse group of pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, Autism and a range of other associated conditions. The recent Ofsted rating of Good has established the school as one of the leading specialist provisions in the North East.

We know you’re going to do great things. For your hard work and commitment, we reward you with the best salary and benefits package in the education sector. With us, you’ll get to bring learning to life and make a genuine difference to the lives of our young people – plus you’ll get:

Training: A full induction and on the job training

Holiday:
You’ll work hard at WG, so you’ll be rewarded with full school holidays

Progression:
If career development is your thing, most of our head teachers have been promoted from within our group

Flexible benefits: meaning you can increase/decrease benefits such as life insurance – check out our benefits here

Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance

Medical cover so you can claim back the cost of things like an opticians or dentist appointment and a host of high-street discounts

Pension:we offer a range of pensions to suit your lifestyle needs including Teachers’ Pension and our very attractive TPS alternative

Beautiful working environments with the very best facilities – check out our schools here

A recommend a friend scheme that offers a £1,000 bonus every time

Our young people come from all walks of life, diverse backgrounds and with different needs – and our workforce reflects that diversity, so that our teams can engage, encourage and inspire our young people to be themselves. You’ll be more than an Assistant Head Teacher, you’ll be able to connect with our pupils because of:

You’ll need previous teaching experience and have Qualified Teacher Status
- You’ll also need leadership and management experience

Your drive to raise the quality of teaching and learning

Your understanding of what good behaviours for learning look like

Your effective leadership and coaching skills

Your knowledge of how best to use your interpersonal skills to develop a strong staff team

Leadership and management experience,…