ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER (CURRICULUM)
Silverstone, Northamptonshire
Support, nurture, inspire, empower
On Track Silverstone
On Track Education Silverstone is a 40-place independent special school for pupils aged 11–16, offering a highly personalised approach through small-group and individualised learning. Positive, trusting relationships and the therapeutic principles of THRIVE® underpin our work, supporting pupils' social, emotional and academic development. Set within extensive grounds with excellent facilities, the school provides a nurturing environment where every young person is encouraged to succeed.
About the role
We are seeking an ambitious, experienced and inspirational leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Assistant Headteacher.
Reporting to the Headteacher, you will play a key role in driving the quality of education across the school and contributing to the strategic leadership and ongoing development of the provision. You will work closely with colleagues to develop curriculum intent, implementation and impact, while supporting staff development, safeguarding and whole-school improvement.
The successful candidate will also undertake responsibilities as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) and lead on staff training and curriculum development across the school.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of the school curriculum.
- Work alongside the Headteacher to ensure the highest standards of teaching and learning.
- Monitor curriculum quality through lesson observations, learning walks, work scrutiny and pupil progress reviews.
- Support staff in delivering a personalised and ambitious curriculum that meets the needs of pupils with SEND.
- Lead on curriculum planning, assessment and progress tracking.
- Oversee staff training and professional development programmes.
- Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- Support admissions, transitions and pupil induction processes.
- Undertake line management responsibilities for teaching staff.
- Contribute to school self-evaluation and improvement planning.
- Lead and promote a whole-school culture of high expectations, aspiration and achievement.
- Support the development of foundational knowledge across the curriculum, ensuring pupils are equipped with the skills required for future success.
- Use assessment and progress data to evaluate curriculum effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
- Lead curriculum developments in response to Ofsted expectations, SEND best practice and school improvement priorities.
- Support the development of attendance, engagement and positive pupil outcomes through strategic interventions.
- Contribute to the preparation for inspections, audits and external quality assurance activities.
For further details on this role, please download our Information Pack for Job Applicants.
About you
We are looking for an experienced and passionate educational leader who is committed to improving outcomes for young people with SEND and SEMH needs.
You will be an excellent classroom practitioner and educational leader with a strong understanding of curriculum design, teaching and learning, and school improvement. You will be confident in leading and developing others, using data and evidence to drive improvement, and creating an environment where both staff and students can thrive.
Most importantly, you will share our belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed and will be committed to providing the support, challenge and inspiration needed to help them achieve their full potential.
You will ideally have:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- Leadership experience within a school setting
- Experience of curriculum development and quality assurance
- A strong understanding of SEND and/or SEMH provision
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
NB: Applicants must hold a full UK driving licence and have access to their own vehicle. Staff may be required to work across different locations, attend off-site meetings or activities, and, where appropriate and in accordance with school policies, transport pupils.
About On Track Education
On Track Education provides specialist education for young people with diverse and complex needs. Established in 2004 by a dedicated team of Special Educational Needs (SEN) teachers, we now operate nine independent schools across England. At the heart of our philosophy is a commitment to providing a nurturing, personalised, and needs-led educational experience, aiming to restore young people’s self-confidence and self-motivation through flexible programmes that combine academic, vocational, and outdoor learning opportunities.
Why join us?
- Be part of a nationwide group of specialist schools led by innovative and supportive professionals.
- Play a key leadership role in helping young people with SEND and SEMH needs achieve positive outcomes.
- Work within a personalised and therapeutic educational environment where wellbeing and achievement go hand in hand.
- Join a welcoming, dedicated and collaborative team.
- Access ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities.
- Make a genuine difference to the lives of young people every day.
Salary & benefits
£44,265 - £48,875 per annum, dependent on qualifications and experience.
Company benefits include:
- Workplace pension
- Online GP access
- Retailer discounts
- Wellbeing programmes
- Free eye tests and flu jabs
To find out more about our current staff benefits, please visit: https://www.ontrackeducation.com/work-with-us/staff-benefits
Working hours
Full-time: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday
Closing date:
Completed application forms must be submitted by 5:00pm on Tuesday 30 June 2026. Please note that applications will be viewed on receipt and we reserve the right to close the role early.
Safeguarding and equality statement
On Track Education Services is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Safeguarding is central to everything we do, and all staff are required to remain vigilant and responsive to any child protection concerns.
As part of our safer recruitment process, robust pre-employment checks will be carried out before any appointment is confirmed. This includes a full Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, as amended by the Exceptions Orders 1975, 2013 and 2020, therefore, certain spent convictions and cautions are protected and do not need to be disclosed. If disclosed in error, they will not be taken into consideration.
On Track Education is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome applications from all candidates, regardless of gender, age, marital status, disability, race, religion, or sexual orientation.
#IND
Pay: £44,265.00-£48,875.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
