Are you an ambitious SEND practitioner ready to take the next step into leadership? We are seeking a dedicated and dynamic Assistant Headteacher to help shape high‑quality provision for pupils aged 5–19 with complex presentations including SEMH, ASC and associated needs, while maintaining a meaningful teaching role.

We are seeking a dedicated and dynamic Assistant Head Teacher to play a key role within our Senior Leadership Team, with responsibilities across our SEMH provision. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated individual to help shape provision, drive quality, and lead both teaching and learning for KS3 and learners, while maintaining a teaching commitment.

You will lead by example, inspiring colleagues and supporting the continuous improvement of the learning experience for all our pupils. This role combines leadership with hands-on teaching (up to 50% allocated leadership time), enabling a balance of strategic leadership and outstanding classroom practice.

As Assistant Headteacher, you will play a key role in developing staff practice through coaching, CPD, mentoring (including ECT support), and modelling relational, trauma‑informed approaches that reflect the school’s values of kindness, belonging and ambition.

Key Leadership responsibilities

• Support the Deputy Head in operational leadership of SEMH provision.
•          Develop and implement policies aligned with the School Development Plan.
•          Lead curriculum delivery, teaching quality, and EHCP outcomes.
•         Manage staff performance, induction, and CPD.
•         Support admissions, transitions, and EHCP reviews.
•         Deputise for the Deputy Head when required.
•        Model outstanding teaching practice and drive innovation in curriculum design and delivery.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced SEND teacher or current middle leader looking to develop their leadership skills within a supportive and ambitious school. The school has had significant growth over the last 3 years, creating further opportunities for pupils to thrive and succeed.  

Our school 

Coombe House School is an independent special school for pupils aged 5–19 with complex presentations including SEMH, ASC and associated needs, all with EHCPs. We take a therapeutic, relationship-based approach where behaviour is understood as communication. As an Assistant Head Teacher, you will work in a rewarding, though often challenging environment, helping pupils develop social, life, and independence skills while making a profound difference in their lives. 

in order to achieve the best possible outcomes for our pupils we endeavour to take a holistic approach to their education. Very often this will mean thinking beyond the conventional educational experiences. This ensures that pupils are in the best possible position to lead successful adult lives beyond school.

All staff at Coombe House School demonstrate compassion, understanding and flexibility in their approach ensuring progression is central to all lessons whilst giving our pupils the confidence to grow as they progress. We believe passionately in supporting and nurturing our pupils as well as aspiring to provide them with outstanding and creative learning opportunities.

Coombe House School is located at the eastern edge of Shaftesbury. The school enjoys a secluded setting within its grounds (55 acres). What Coombe House School can offer you:  

• Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
• Competitive salary: Main and upper pay range (depending on experience) + SEN Allowance + an additional responsibility allowance of £6,071.

·       Continuous professional development and training.

·       Health Care Plan after probation period - claim back costs towards dental check-ups, eye tests, prescription charges and therapies.

·       Opportunities for leadership development and contribution to whole-school improvement.

·       Access to a free, confidential employee assistance programme. 

• A workplace set in beautiful surroundings.

·       Use of leisure facilities (gym and swimming pool) at specific times.

• Highly supportive leadership team, colleagues and working alongside a multi-disciplinary team of other SEN Specialists.
• Class sizes up to 8 pupils.
• The opportunity to play an integral part at the next phase of the schools’ unique journey.

If you are seeking a leadership role where you can make a real difference and have a desire to shape and develop outstanding SEMH provision within a nurturing and therapeutic setting, we would love to hear from you. Deadline for applications: Monday 11^th May 2026

Interviews will be held on Thursday 14 May 2026
September 2026 Start

We will not accept speculative CVs through agencies for this appointment. Direct applications only.

Please see the job description & person specification for further information. as well as visiting the school’s website - https://coombehouseschool.org.uk

We are committed to safeguarding and expect everyone who works in our school (and visitors to our school) to share this commitment. We take all safeguarding and welfare concerns seriously and encourage our pupils to talk to us about any worries they may have. We will always act in the best interests of the child. The successful applicant must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS.