Assistant Headteacher - Teaching & Learning
About This Role
Start date: September 2026
Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 12 April 2026
Interview dates: Week commencing 13 April 2026
Are you ready to inspire, innovate and make a real difference? Are you an exceptional educator with recent, successful leadership experience with a proven ability to raise standards, develop colleagues and model teaching excellence?
Join us at The King Edmund School, a vibrant and ambitious secondary school in Rochford, as our new Assistant Headteacher – Teaching and Learning! With a dynamic, forward-thinking staff team, we are committed to providing life-changing education in a supportive and inclusive environment. As part of our Senior Leadership Team, you’ll play a key role in shaping the future of teaching and learning across the school, working closely with the Deputy Headteacher for Teaching Excellence to drive classroom innovation and ensure every student thrives.
This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a school on the rise. We are determined to become the school of choice in Essex—a place where every young person is challenged, supported, and inspired to thrive. This isn’t a dream - it is a promise and you will be at the centre of delivering and creating this. This is a career changing and career developing opportunity.
The Role
You will be responsible for teaching, learning and curriculum innovation, ensuring that classroom practice across the school is consistently excellent, inclusive and forward-thinking. With a deep commitment to equity, achievement and ambition, you will work collaboratively with our staff to unlock potential and deliver life-changing education.
As a visible and influential member of the leadership team, you will:
Lead the development and implementation of outstanding teaching and learning practices
Empower staff through professional development, coaching and collaboration
Ensure a culture of high expectations, achievement and ambition for every student
Champion equity, inclusion and creativity throughout our curriculum
Make a measurable impact on students’ lives and outcomes
What We’re Looking For
An exceptional teacher and leader with a proven record of impact
A commitment to continuous improvement, innovation and teamwork
Strong leadership, communication and people skills
A passion for unlocking potential and delivering a truly inclusive education
Why Join King Edmund School?
This is a school with immense potential and a powerful sense of purpose. Under new leadership, we are creating something exceptional—step by step, brick by brick. You will be joining a committed, talented team at a moment of transformation, where your leadership will directly shape our school’s success story.
Come and be part of something extraordinary! The school offers an extensive support programme, including mentor/buddy system, Initial Teacher Training support for Early Career Teachers (ECTs) or for those seeking Qualified Teacher Status (QTS / QTLS), a system of twilight training sessions, as well as excellent development opportunities. Staff benefits include free car parking, onsite gymnasium and swimming pool as well as staff recognition schemes. If you are currently considering a career move, we would very much like to hear from you. Apply exclusively via the WhatSchool platform. We also welcome and encourage telephone calls on 01702 560904 to register an interest or to find out more about the school and the role. If you wish to arrange an informal conversation or visit to the school prior to interview, we would be delighted to welcome you to KES prior to the closing date, to offer you the opportunity to get a real sense of the school first hand. To arrange a visit, please email your request to Mrs Andrea Atkins – HR Manager at recruitment@kes.essex.sch.uk and provide your availability, as well as a contact telephone number.The King Edmund School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment and undergo an enhanced DBS check as part of our Safer Recruitment & Selection Procedures.