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Job Title: Assistant Headteacher - Pupils' Education, Training and Recreation
Location: Stretton Shires School, Stretton, Rutland, LE15 7GT
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday–Friday | 8:30am – 4:30pm
Salary: £48,000 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: September 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available
About the Role
At The Shires School, we're passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that enable every pupil to flourish. We're looking for an exceptional Assistant Headteacher – Pupils' Education, Training & Recreation to join our Senior Leadership Team and help shape the future of our specialist provision.
This is an exciting leadership opportunity combining strategic responsibility with up to a 50% teaching commitment, allowing you to lead by example while driving excellence across curriculum, teaching and learning. You'll work closely with the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher to develop an ambitious, engaging curriculum that inspires pupils, raises achievement and prepares young people for successful futures.
If you're an inspirational leader with a passion for inclusive education, curriculum innovation and developing outstanding teaching practice, we'd love to hear from you.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead the strategic development, implementation and evaluation of an ambitious, engaging curriculum that delivers outstanding outcomes for all pupils.
- Drive high-quality teaching and learning across the school, supporting staff to deliver innovative, evidence-informed practice.
- Monitor pupil progress, attainment and achievement, using data to inform school improvement and raise standards.
- Line manage Subject Leaders and teachers, providing coaching, performance management and high-quality professional development.
- Lead curriculum quality assurance, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and the Independent School Standards.
- Contribute to whole-school improvement planning, self-evaluation and governance reporting, helping shape the future direction of the school.
- Build strong partnerships with pupils, families, external professionals and the wider community to enrich learning opportunities.
- Model outstanding classroom practice through a teaching commitment of up to 50%, inspiring both pupils and colleagues.
About You
We're looking for someone who is:
- A qualified teacher (QTS or equivalent) with a proven track record of outstanding classroom practice.
- An experienced middle or senior leader with expertise in curriculum development, teaching and learning, and school improvement.
- Passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with autism, SEND and additional needs.
- Skilled in analysing attainment and progress data to drive continuous improvement.
- An inspirational leader who can motivate, develop and support teachers and middle leaders.
- An excellent communicator with the confidence to work collaboratively with pupils, families, governors and external professionals.
- Committed to continuous professional development. NPQ in Leading Teacher Development, NPQ SENCO (or equivalent qualifications) are desirable.
- Holds a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
About Us
Set in the heart of the Rutland countryside, Stretton Shires School is an independent day and residential school catering for autistic young people, and those with associated needs, offering specialist secondary education for pupils aged 11 – 18.
Established in 2005 as a residential home and school, we are currently growing our day pupil numbers, meaning we constantly need to recruit passionate and dedicated staff to support our growth aspirations.
Our aim for the young people coming to Stretton Shires is quite simple; we want every young person to progress developmentally, educationally and socially. We want them to develop an understanding of themselves and to experience what success feels like. Through these actions, we can equip every young person with the skills and knowledge they need to go on to succeed.
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 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, including 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.
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
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