Assistant Headteacher

Location: Chailey Heritage School, East Sussex

Salary: Leadership Scale L5 L8

Vacancy Type: Full Time, Permanent

We re seeking an experienced and motivated leader to join Chailey Heritage School as an Assistant Headteacher.

This is an opportunity to take on a significant leadership role within a specialist setting, supporting the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher to lead and develop a high-performing department. You will have direct line management responsibility for a team of teachers and, through them, Lead Education Assistants and Specialist/Education Assistants, ensuring high-quality teaching, care and outcomes for pupils with complex needs.

At Chailey Heritage School, we support children and young people with physical disabilities, complex communication needs, and a wide range of medical, sensory and cognitive needs. Our work is highly collaborative, with education, care and therapy teams working closely together to support each pupil s development, independence and wellbeing.

The role

As Assistant Headteacher, you will:

Lead and manage a school department, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning and care
Support and develop teachers to deliver consistent, high-quality practice
Translate whole-school priorities into clear departmental plans and improvement activity
Monitor pupil progress and provision, using evidence to inform improvement
Work closely with multidisciplinary teams, parents and external professionals
Contribute to whole-school leadership, culture and continuous improvement

You will also maintain a teaching commitment, alongside dedicated non-contact time to deliver your leadership responsibilities.

What you will bring

Experience as a strong and effective teacher, with a good understanding of SEND
Leadership experience beyond the classroom, including supporting and developing colleagues
The ability to lead, influence and support others to improve the quality and consistency of practice
Confidence in holding high expectations and supporting colleagues to achieve them
Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
A collaborative approach and the ability to build effective working relationships
A clear commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and improving outcomes for children and young people with complex needs

Why join us?

Chailey Heritage Foundation is a unique organisation, combining education, care and therapy to support children and young people with complex needs. You will be part of a collaborative and values-led leadership team, with opportunities to contribute to wider school and organisational development.

We re committed to supporting your professional development and progression, and to creating an environment where colleagues feel valued, supported and able to do their best work.

More than just your salary!

We believe in nurturing potential - for children and young people, and for colleagues too. That s why we invest in you with:

Competitive Salary
Healthcare Cash Plan & Wellbeing Support with 24/7 Doctor Line
Enhanced maternity, adoption, and paternity leave
Cycle to Work scheme
Retail and leisure discounts
Onsite parking
Café, and kitchen facilities

Plus, we cover the cost of all DBS checks and renewals.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Chailey Heritage Foundation, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.

Chailey Heritage Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to appropriate safeguarding checks.

Chailey Heritage Foundation

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