Assistant Headteacher (SEND)

An exceptional and rare opportunity has arisen for a highly effective and experienced leader to join Hampshire’s first all-through school.

The successful candidate will be an exceptional teacher, able to adapt to teaching all-through, with a deep commitment to the inclusion of children with SEND within mainstream classrooms, experiencing education alongside their peers.

We require a person with proven, sustained leadership experience in a large school setting who can demonstrate positive impact at whole school level. Being optimistic, self-disciplined and professionally generous in approach is essential for this role. The successful candidate will be working alongside a team of highly skilled and professional colleagues in our all-through school. A strong commitment to one’s own professional learning, engagement in developing educational practice and understanding of the bigger picture is essential for this role.

The post is a significant role wherein the successful candidate will be responsible for the School’s provision for pupils with SEND, leading a highly skilled team that includes two SENDCos, a Head of Learning Support, a Specialist Assessor for Access Arrangements and a large team of Teaching Assistants all-through. It presents a fantastic opportunity for the successful candidate to develop their expertise within the context of a highly successful and unique school and in readiness for Deputy Headship.

Specific roles and responsibilities will be:

• Strategic and operational leadership of SEND provision all-through;

• Working alongside the Deputy Headteacher in leading teaching and learning all-through;

• The inclusion and achievement of pupils with SEND all-through

Candidates must be able to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the statutory frameworks for SEND provision, have experience of working closely with relevant outside agencies and an enthusiastic approach to inclusion that enables all colleagues to feel successful at meeting the needs of individuals whilst managing workload. Excellent communication and organisational skills are essential for this role; a SENDCO qualification is desirable.

The Westgate has a strong tradition where pupils excel because of the exceptional partnership that exists between adults, children and young people.