Assistant Headteacher

New Barn School, part of Acorn Education, is seeking a dynamic, compassionate Assistant Headteacher to join our close-knit, thriving community. This is your chance to shape the future of a school dedicated to nurturing the academic, social, and emotional success of every pupil – especially those with SEMH challenges. If you’re a visionary leader who thrives on innovation, collaboration, and making a tangible difference, we want to hear from you Join a school where your leadership truly transforms lives. About the Role As Assistant Headteacher, you’ll be a driving force behind excellence in curriculum, assessment, behaviour, and pastoral care. Working side‑by‑side with the Headteacher, you’ll shape strategy, inspire staff, and create a vibrant, inclusive environment where all learners can flourish. Responsibilities Lead Curriculum Innovation: Design, develop, and continuously improve a high‑quality, engaging curriculum that meets the diverse needs of pupils with SEMH challenges, ensuring alignment with national standards and best practices. Oversee curriculum delivery, promote consistency, and ensure learning progression across all key stages. Drive Assessment & Progress Monitoring: Implement robust assessment strategies that provide meaningful insight into pupil progress. Use data to identify gaps, celebrate achievements, and support staff in tailoring teaching to maximise learner outcomes. Hold teams accountable for pupil achievement and help set ambitious, realistic targets. Champion Behaviour & Pastoral Care: Lead on behaviour management policies that foster a positive, respectful, and safe learning environment. Support the pastoral team to ensure pupils’ emotional wellbeing and social development are prioritised, working closely with families and external agencies to create personalised support plans. Develop & Inspire Staff: Take a proactive role in staff performance management, professional development, and coaching. Cultivate a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation among teaching and support staff, enabling them to reach their full potential and deliver outstanding education. Strengthen Community Partnerships: Build and nurture strong relationships with pupils, families, external agencies, and local partners. Act as an ambassador for the school, enhancing its reputation as a centre of excellence for SEMH education and expanding opportunities for pupils beyond the classroom. Strategic Leadership: Contribute to whole‑school planning and decision‑making at senior leadership level. Support the Headteacher in articulating the school's vision, setting strategic priorities, and driving improvement initiatives that ensure sustainable growth and excellence. Safeguarding & Compliance: Take a leadership role in safeguarding practices, health and safety, and statutory compliance, ensuring all policies are rigorously implemented to protect and promote pupil welfare. Qualifications & Requirements Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent Full UK Driving Licence Proven experience in senior or middle leadership roles within education A successful track record of raising pupil outcomes and enhancing teaching quality Outstanding classroom practitioner across multiple key stages Exceptional communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills Deep commitment to inclusion, safeguarding, and pupil wellbeing An inspirational leader who motivates and empowers teams to excel Benefits We offer a comprehensive package to support your wellbeing and professional growth: Life Assurance Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions Your Wellbeing Matters – access to a wide range of first‑class mental health support services and physical health checks A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad Cycle to Work Schemes Electric Car Purchase Scheme Critical illness cover Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support We also offer a 4‑Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, giving you one day less each week (or equivalent hours) while maintaining full‑time pay to promote work‑life balance. Location: Didcot, Oxfordshire – Up to £53k per annum depending on experience, Full Time. Posted by: Outcomes First Group – Posted: Sunday, 26 October 2025. Acorn Education is the UK's leading independent provider of specialist education, and part of Outcomes First Group, a leader in delivering measurable outcomes for those in our care. We are proud to be certified as a Great Place to Work for the fifth year running. We are committed to 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr