Assistant Headteacher

Downland School is a co-educational maintained community special school for pupils aged between 10 and 16 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Our pupils have varying aptitudes and abilities; we are extremely proud of all their achievements and progress.

 Our pupils have a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) including: Autism (ASC); attachment disorders and Social, Emotional Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties. We seek to ensure that, by the time they leave us, our pupils emerge as self-confident individuals able to manage their own learning; equipped with the skills and competencies to successfully take the next steps in their lives.

 We are a friendly, happy and caring school, providing a positive, inclusive and enriching educational experience for our young people. We view each of our pupils as unique and shape our provision to meet their individual needs and accelerate their progress in a variety of areas e.g. personal, social, academic and well-being.

 Our commitment to supporting the ‘whole’ child and their development is underpinned by our strong pastoral systems and our committed and trained staff. At Downland we promote inclusion and equality and celebrate diversity.

 Our mission statement is ‘Aspire, Achieve and Thrive’.

Can you raise aspirations and rise to the challenge?

We are now seeking to appoint an inspirational Assistant Headteacher to join our Senior Leadership Team (SLT). You should possess the vision, values and passion to work in partnership with our senior leaders, staff, pupils, parents/carers and governors; utilising your strong communication and leadership skills to create excellent provision to drive continuous improvement.

 Working collaboratively with our SLT, you will develop our ability to further strengthen our curriculum though implementing ‘alternative and bespoke’ learning pathways (Alternative Provision). You will then oversee and co-ordinate all aspects of these personalised curriculum opportunities across both key stages. As well as creating, monitoring and developing AP, you will ensure that the impact has a positive effect on outcomes and prepares pupils for adulthood.

 As part of the role you will have responsibility for a team of staff who will deliver the AP and work within an in-reach/out-reach model. You will need to work closely with the Deputy Headteachers, Assistant Headteacher and lead for SEND to ensure that provision is complementing the core offer and supporting identified pupils make to progress against their EHCP outcomes. You will design, deliver and create programmes that are personalised and enrich our current curriculum, including developing vocational options and a more versatile approach to AP. We aim to reduce the use of other providers and re-invest the money into our own staff team.

 As part of preparing pupils for adulthood, you will ensure all aspects of The Gatsby Benchmarks are met and work closely with the lead for PSHEE.

 Our pupils require personalised support to ensure they can overcome barriers and engage in learning. You will work collaboratively with the AHT (personal development) and SEND team to further develop our range of interventions, including the role of ELSA, SALT, and therapy.

 As a member of SLT you will collaborate, plan, implement and support a range of different initiatives and priorities as the school grows. You will have a role within the SLT/Middle Leader link system and be line manager to a range of identified colleagues.

 You will contribute to the creation of the School Improvement Plan (SIP) and School Self Evaluation processes in relation to your areas of responsibility. 

 Enthusiasm and commitment to working with and raising achievement for pupils with SEND is paramount to us; you will be expected to actively demonstrate the school’s core values and embrace ‘The Downland Way’. 

To apply, you should submit a letter addressed to Mrs Keily-Theobald (Headteacher) of no more than two sides of A4 with your application form addressing the requirements of the post, as outlined in the Job Description and the Person Specification provided. We are particularly interested in how you would undertake this role at Downland School and about your relevant skills, qualities and experience to date. Applications received without a supporting letter will not be considered and CVs will not be accepted.

 Please email completed application forms and your covering letter to Tanya Rhodes, HR & Admin Lead, Deputy Finance & Estate Manager, at tanyarhodes@downland.wilts.sch.uk  We welcome visits to the school. 

 Please contact Tanya Rhodes if you would like to arrange a visit in advance of applying.

 Applications must be received by noon on 28th Feb 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by e-mail. If you do not hear from us before 4th March 2025, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. Interviews will take place w/b 7th March 2025.

 Downland School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Please note that this appointment is subject to enhanced DBS, medical and reference checks before appointment is confirmed.