Assistant Headteacher

About Us

Ashcombe is a larger than average primary school with capacity for 630 pupils. We recently had a £6 million extension added to our existing building and we’re very proud of our site and the opportunities it offers. At Ashcombe, our mantra is ‘We are Ashcombe’. That means we work together and no one individual is more important than the whole. Our culture is one of respect where staff are valued and treated with kindness. We are an inclusive school which is ambitious for our children and our community. Working in any school is never easy, but it is always worth it. We are looking for members of the team who are willing to work hard and are motivated by their desire to make a difference to all children and the community they serve. We like to have fun and a sense of humour is essential. In a large school, we need team players who enjoy working with others. Many of our staff have worked here for many years and although we’re a large school, we have a family feel and look out for each other

About the Role

The role is full-time and will consist of 2/3 days teaching and 2/3 days out of class depending on responsibilities. The specific areas of responsibility for this post will be determined following appointment, based on the successful candidate’s expertise and the strategic needs of the school. We are particularly interested in appointing a leader who can bring strength in one or more of the following areas:

Strategic leadership of SEND and inclusive practice

Raising attainment and achievement, with a strong record of impact on outcomes

Developing the quality of teaching, coaching staff and building leadership capacity across the school

Leading the development of the school curriculum

Raising whole school attendance and reducing persistent absence This flexibility allows the successful candidate to work in an area where they can make the greatest difference, while growing their leadership experience further

Key Responsibilities (to be agreed upon appointment)

The Assistant Headteacher will:

Be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to whole-school strategic planning, self-evaluation and improvement

Play a significant role in driving high standards of teaching, learning and achievement

Lead and manage a major whole-school responsibility, agreed following appointment

Support and challenge colleagues through effective monitoring, coaching and professional development

Contribute to the leadership of behaviour, inclusion, safeguarding and pupil wellbeing

Deputise for the Headteacher in the absence of the Deputy Headteacher

Act as a positive role model for pupils, staff and the wider school community

Potential leadership areas may include (but are not limited to):

SEND leadership and inclusive provision

Curriculum and assessment

Teaching and learning

Staff development and mentoring

Achievement and progress of key pupil groups

We are looking for someone who:

Is an experienced school leader, currently an Assistant Headteacher, senior leader, or an aspiring leader with substantive whole-school responsibility

Has a successful track record of impact within their area of leadership

Can demonstrate either: Strong expertise in SEND and inclusive practice, or Proven success in raising attainment and developing others

Has excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to inspire, support and challenge colleagues

Is reflective, outward-facing and committed to continuous improvement

Shares our commitment to inclusion, equity and high expectations for all pupils

What We Offer:

A supportive and collaborative staff team.

Opportunities for professional development across the Trust.

A friendly, inclusive school environment with enthusiastic pupils.

Trust-wide resources, systems, and wellbeing initiatives.

A varied and fulfilling role at the heart of the school community.

Ashcombe School is part of Kaleidoscope Multi-Academy Trust (KMAT) and central to the planning and systems of KMAT are our 5 C’s:

1. Our schools are Child-centric (focusing on the whole child)

2. Creative and innovative

3. Community focused

4. Collaborative but distinctive

5. We have a Culture of high expectations and excellence, striving for and sharing best practice

Please include a cover letter with your application (no longer than two pages) stating why you feel you are the perfect candidate for the role

We warmly encourage visits to the school.

Please get in touch to arrange a tour and meet the team.