Job Description

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Assistant Headteacher - Secondary Phase (Curriculum Implementation & Impact)

Location: Woodend Farm School - Secondary Phase
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Salary:£45-£50k gross per annum, depending on experience
Reports to: Deputy Headteacher
Responsible for: Secondary teaching and support staff

Mission Statement - Woodend Farm Secondary School

At Woodend Farm Secondary School, we are committed to delivering a quality-first education that is emotionally intelligent, flexible, and responsive to the unique profiles of our learners-including those with Persistent drive for Autonomy (PDA). We believe that education should be a low-demand, high-trust journey where pupils feel safe, respected, and in control of their learning experience.

Our mission is to create a nurturing environment where disguised learning, negotiated tasks, and autonomy-supportive strategies empower every young person to engage on their own terms. Through strong, attuned relationships and a deep understanding of individual needs, we unlock potential, nurture aspirations, and support pupils to become confident, compassionate, and resilient individuals-ready to shape their own futures with agency and pride.

Vision Statement - Woodend Farm Secondary School

Our vision is to guide pupils from adolescence into adulthood through a curriculum that is sensory-aware, emotionally safe, and rooted in the principles of co-regulation, flexibility, and trust. We aim to widen each pupil's window of tolerance by reducing perceived demands and embedding learning in meaningful, interest-led contexts.

We believe that learning should not feel like pressure. Through disguised learning, project-based exploration, and low-arousal environments, we create opportunities for pupils to build skills, knowledge, and confidence without triggering anxiety or avoidance. Our vision is for every pupil to feel empowered to have a voice, make choices, and take ownership of their journey.

We want our pupils to leave us not just as learners, but as self-aware, emotionally literate individuals who are proud of who they are. From survivors to strivers to thrivers, our pupils will transition into adulthood as engaged, informed, and valued members of their communities-ready to live life on their own terms.

Main Purpose

The Assistant Headteacher will:

Lead the successful implementation of the newly developed secondary curriculum, within our small provision.
Ensure high-quality teaching and learning across all subjects within the secondary phase.
Monitor and evaluate the impact of curriculum delivery on pupil progress and outcomes.
Support the Deputy Headteacher in establishing and embedding systems and culture in the new secondary phase.
Champion inclusive practice for learners with autism and PDA profiles, ensuring teaching approaches align with their needs.
Model outstanding teaching and positive relational practice, with a 50% timetabled teaching commitment.

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum Implementation & Impact

Embed the agreed curriculum across all subjects, ensuring consistency and fidelity.
Monitor teaching quality and curriculum coverage through observations, learning walks, and data analysis.
Lead assessment processes to measure pupil progress and curriculum impact.
Provide coaching and support to staff to improve practice and consistency.
Report on curriculum impact to the Deputy Headteacher and contribute to improvement planning.
School Culture & Behaviour

Help establish a positive, inclusive culture in the new secondary phase.
Model PACE and positive language approaches.
Support staff in implementing consistent, trauma-informed behaviour strategies.
Leadership & Management

Line manage secondary staff, supporting professional growth and wellbeing.
Contribute to school improvement planning and self-evaluation.
Ensure safeguarding and risk management systems are robust.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and degree.
Evidence of leadership development.

Experience

Leadership experience in a secondary setting.
Proven success in implementing and monitoring curriculum impact.
Experience working with autistic learners and PDA profiles.
Strong understanding of SEMH and therapeutic approaches.

Skills & Knowledge

Deep knowledge of PDA and autism strategies.
Ability to inspire and lead curriculum implementation.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Understanding of Thrive and trauma-informed practice.

Personal Qualities

Child-centred, values-driven leader.
Resilient, adaptable, and committed to inclusion.
Demonstrates Woodend Farm values: Kindness, Belonging, Believing, Achieving.

Benefits

Bespoke training packages

Company pension

On site free parking

Company Laptop

Private medical insurance after 1 year's service

Uniform provided

Option for free lunches