Assistant Headteacher

Assistant Headteacher
Location: Lewes
Salary: in line with Leadership Scale L5 - L8
Vacancy Type: Full Time / Permanent
We’re seeking an experienced and motivated leader to join Chailey Heritage School as an Assistant Headteacher.
This is an opportunity to take on a significant leadership role within a specialist setting, supporting the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher to lead and develop a high-performing department. You will have direct line management responsibility for a team of teachers and, through them, Lead Education Assistants and Specialist/Education Assistants, ensuring high-quality teaching, care and outcomes for pupils with complex needs.
At Chailey Heritage School, we support children and young people with physical disabilities, complex communication needs, and a wide range of medical, sensory and cognitive needs. Our work is highly collaborative, with education, care and therapy teams working closely together to support each pupil’s development, independence and wellbeing.
The role
As Assistant Headteacher, you will:
* Lead and manage a school department, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning and care
* Support and develop teachers to deliver consistent, high-quality practice
* Translate whole-school priorities into clear departmental plans and improvement activity
* Monitor pupil progress and provision, using evidence to inform improvement
* Work closely with multidisciplinary teams, parents and external professionals
* Contribute to whole-school leadership, culture and continuous improvement
You will also maintain a teaching commitment, alongside dedicated non-contact time to deliver your leadership responsibilities.
What you will bring
* Experience as a strong and effective teacher, with a good understanding of SEND
* Leadership experience beyond the classroom, including supporting and developing colleagues
* The ability to lead, influence and support others to improve the quality and consistency of practice
* Confidence in holding high expectations and supporting colleagues to achieve them
* Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
* A collaborative approach and the ability to build effective working relationships
* A clear commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and improving outcomes for children and young people with complex needs
Why join us?
Chailey Heritage Foundation is a unique organisation, combining education, care and therapy to support children and young people with complex needs. You will be part of a collaborative and values-led leadership team, with opportunities to contribute to wider school and organisational development.
We’re committed to supporting your professional development and progression, and to creating an environment where colleagues feel valued, supported and able to do their best work.
More than just your salary!
We believe in nurturing potential - for children and young people, and for colleagues too. That’s why we invest in you with:
* Competitive Salary
* Healthcare Cash Plan & Wellbeing Support with 24/7 Doctor Line
* Enhanced maternity, adoption, and paternity leave
* Cycle to Work scheme
* Retail and leisure discounts
* Onsite parking
* Café, and kitchen facilities
Plus, we cover the cost of all DBS checks and renewals.
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Chailey Heritage Foundation, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application