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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 believe every child deserves to feel safe, valued and empowered to achieve their full potential. We're looking for an exceptional Assistant Headteacher – Wellbeing, Inclusion & Personal Development to join our Senior Leadership Team and help shape a school where pupils flourish academically, socially and emotionally.
This is an exciting opportunity to combine strategic leadership with a SENCO commitment of up to 50%, leading whole-school wellbeing, inclusion, SEND and personal development while making a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people with autism and additional needs.
Working closely with the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher, you'll lead innovative practice, develop an inclusive culture and ensure every pupil receives the support, opportunities and guidance they need to thrive.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead the strategic development of wellbeing, inclusion, SEND and personal development across the school, ensuring every pupil can thrive.
- Fulfil the statutory responsibilities of SENCO, leading high-quality SEND provision and ensuring compliance with the SEND Code of Practice and statutory guidance.
- Oversee attendance, behaviour, pastoral care and wellbeing, using data to improve engagement, outcomes and pupil experiences.
- Lead and develop the Personal Development curriculum, including PSHE, RSE, careers education, enrichment and preparation for adulthood.
- Monitor and evaluate SEND provision, EHCP processes and personalised support plans, ensuring pupils receive effective, outcome-focused interventions.
- Line manage pastoral leaders, Learning Support Assistants and relevant staff, providing coaching, professional development and performance management.
- Build strong partnerships with pupils, families, local authorities and external professionals to promote inclusion and positive outcomes.
- Contribute strategically to whole-school improvement, quality assurance, self-evaluation and inspection readiness as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team.
About You
We're looking for someone who is:
- A qualified teacher (QTS or equivalent) with successful leadership experience in a specialist or inclusive education setting.
- Passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with autism, SEND and additional needs.
- An experienced SENCO, or someone with the knowledge and commitment to lead outstanding SEND provision.
- An inspirational leader who can motivate, develop and support staff while building positive relationships with pupils, families and external professionals.
- Confident using attendance, behaviour, wellbeing and progress data to drive school improvement.
- An excellent communicator with outstanding organisational, coaching and leadership skills.
- Committed to continuous professional development. NPQ in Leading Behaviour & Culture, 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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