Assistant Head Teacher in Thetford, Norfolk

Assistant Headteacher – Teaching & Learning, DSL & SENCO

Permanent | Full-time  | Immediate start / January 2027

Are you an ambitious and passionate education professional ready to take the next step in your leadership career?

We are seeking an exceptional Assistant Headteacher to join a welcoming, specialist SEMH school on a permanent basis. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced education professional to play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of a small, nurturing school, making a genuine difference to the lives and outcomes of children and young people.

The school provides specialist education for pupils aged 5–16 with social, emotional and mental health needs. It offers a creative, forward-thinking and respectful environment where relationships, individual development and positive outcomes are at the heart of everything.

The Role

As Assistant Headteacher, you will be a key member of the senior leadership team, taking the lead on teaching and learning while undertaking the additional responsibilities of Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and SENCO.

You will have the opportunity to influence whole-school improvement, inspire colleagues and ensure that every pupil receives the support, guidance and education they deserve.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop high-quality teaching and learning across the school.

• Oversee assessment, curriculum development, interventions and pupil progress.

• Take responsibility for safeguarding, child protection and multi-agency working as Designated Safeguarding Lead.

• Undertake the role of SENCO, ensuring effective provision for pupils with additional needs.

• Maintain a regular teaching commitment.

• Line-manage, coach and support middle leaders, contributing to their professional development and performance management.

• Lead and contribute to staff training, CPD and the development of restorative approaches to behaviour.

• Represent the school at meetings with external agencies, professionals and key stakeholders.

What the School Can Offer You

• A welcoming, inclusive and nurturing school community.

• A supportive and collaborative senior leadership team.

• Opportunities to shape the strategic direction and development of the school.

• Excellent opportunities for professional development and career progression.

• Supportive colleagues, governors and external partnerships.

• The opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting difference within a small specialist setting.

• Free parking nearby and convenient access to major road links.

Salary & Contract

• Salary: £51,773 – £53,069 per annum.

• Contract: Full-time, permanent.

• Hours: 37.5 hours per week.

• Working pattern: Monday to Friday, 8:15am – 4:15pm, including an unpaid 30-minute daily break.

• Working weeks: 52 weeks per year.

• Start date: ASAP, with January 2027 or sooner indicated.

Interested?

If you are an inspiring leader with a passion for improving outcomes for children and young people with SEMH needs, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now to find out more about this fantastic permanent leadership opportunity.