Location: Barnet, London
Salary: £44,128 – £56,154 per annum (M4 – U3)
Job Type: Full Time, Temporary
Start Date: 01 September 2026
Salary will be determined based on experience and position on the Main Pay Range. The maximum salary is applicable to candidates with substantial teaching experience equivalent to U3.
About the Role
A rewarding leadership opportunity has become available for an experienced and dedicated Assistant Head Teacher (SEN) to join a well-resourced and highly supportive special academy in Barnet.
This is a key role within a small, dynamic Senior Leadership Team, focused on leading personal development for students aged 11–19 with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs. You will play a pivotal role in shaping whole-school strategy, with a particular focus on preparing students for adulthood and supporting them to achieve meaningful, fulfilling futures.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead on whole-school personal development strategy
• Design and deliver an inclusive work-experience programme tailored to SEND learners
• Oversee enrichment, clubs, educational visits and intervention programmes
• Drive strong post-19 outcomes through effective preparation-for-adulthood planning
• Embed positive regulation strategies, including SCERTS and trauma-informed approaches
• Support and develop staff in SEND best practice, including communication and adaptive teaching
• Work collaboratively with therapists, families and external agencies
The Ideal Candidate Will Have
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Essential: Experience working in a special school setting
• Proven experience supporting young people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs
• Strong understanding of communication, sensory and regulatory needs
• Experience in person-centred planning and multidisciplinary collaboration
• Knowledge of SEND legislation and best practice
• Experience (or strong interest) in work-experience, enrichment or preparation-for-adulthood programmes
Desirable:
• Experience in a secondary special school
• Specialist qualifications in autism, learning disabilities or therapeutic approaches
You will be a resilient, empathetic and flexible leader with high expectations for all learners and a genuine commitment to inclusive education.
What the School Offers
• A strategic leadership role within a supportive and collaborative Senior Leadership Team
• The opportunity to shape innovative programmes that directly impact students life chances
• A therapeutic, person-centred environment with high staff-to-student ratios
• Excellent SEND-focused CPD through Barnet Special Education Trust
• Strong commitment to staff wellbeing and professional growth
• Modern, well-equipped facilities and a highly inclusive school setting
• A rewarding and values-driven school community where every achievement is celebrated
The school supports approximately 195 students aged 11–19 with a wide range of learning needs and is part of a respected specialist trust, offering excellent resources and professional networks.
Why work via Teach Now?
Teach-Now are a widely recognised, education recruitment company. We pride ourselves on our high levels of customer service and professional development that we offer our teachers and support staff. We:
• Ensure that you will have your own dedicated consultant who will provide ongoing support and guidance.
• Offer an excellent refer a friend scheme that pays you £150 for each candidate you refer to us after they have worked and been paid for their first 10 days.
• Pay in line with the Agency Worker Regulations (AWR) meaning you will be paid equally to a permanent employee.
• Give you access to a wide range of CPD training through our in-house team of experienced senior leaders
Application Process: Do you feel you meet the criteria for this exciting opportunity? If so, please either apply below or contact Teach-Now directly. All applicants will require the appropriate qualification and training for this role. For teacher roles, we require a formally recognised teaching qualification. If you are not contacted within 2 working days, unfortunately, you have been unsuccessful for this role. However, we will keep your CV and continue to help you in your search for a job within education. Good luck with your application, we look forward to hearing from you.
Teach Now operates stringent safer recruitment procedures.
We are committed to promoting equality and challenging discrimination. Teach Now is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post will be subject to an Enhanced DBS Clearance
Salary description
£44128.00 - £56154.00 per year