SEMH Primary and Lower KS3 Teacher / Assistant Head Teacher, Shaftesbury

Are you an outstanding SEMH Primary and Lower KS3 Teacher // Assistant Head Teacher with experience of teaching and supporting Primary and Key Stage 3 pupils with Special Educational Needs? Do you have a passion for helping children to overcome barriers to learning and experience of teaching pupils with SEMH, NLD, ADHD and other complex needs? Are you also an inspirational leader and ready to take the next step in your career as an Assistant Head Teacher, shaping provision and driving quality for Primary and Lower KS3 learners?

We are seeking a dynamic SEMH Primary and Lower KS3 Teacher / Assistant Head Teacher to lead and teach across KS2 and KS3, supported by specialist teachers.

You should be self-motivated with a creative approach to curriculum delivery and have the skills to continuously improve the learning experience for our pupils. You should be a skilled Primary and lower KS3 Teacher with a passion for inclusion and teaching pupils with SEMH challenges. 

As Assistant Head Teacher, you will play a key role within our extended leadership team, supporting the Deputy Head Teacher in the operational leadership of our SEMH provision. You will contribute to the strategic development of the school, model best teaching practices, and support the professional development of colleagues across the team. This role combines leadership with a teaching commitment (there is a reduction of teaching commitment up to 50%). 

Over the last two years the school has been through positive changes and developments, with a new Headteacher, strengthened Senior Leadership Team, and a revised business strategy to support significant growth.

The position of SEMH Primary and Lower KS3 Teacher has been created to support the growth of the school and the needs of our pupils, it is a great opportunity to be part of a team providing the very best possible educational opportunities for our pupils within a nurturing and supportive setting.

Key Leadership responsibilities

• Support the Deputy Head in operational leadership of SEMH provision.
• Develop and implement policies aligned with the School Development Plan.
• Lead curriculum delivery, teaching quality, and EHCP outcomes.
• Manage staff performance, induction, and CPD.
• Support admissions, transitions, and EHCP reviews.
• Deputise for the Deputy Head when required

Our school 

Coombe House School is an independent special school for pupils aged 5–19 with SEMH, ASD, and complex needs, all with EHCPs. We take a therapeutic, relationship-based approach where behaviour is understood as communication. As a SEMH Primary and Lower KS3 Teacher, you will work in an immensely rewarding, although often challenging environment, contributing to supporting the development of social, life and independence skills and truly making a difference in the lives of pupils. 

To truly meet their needs, and set them up for successful adult lives, we think beyond conventional education and meet their broader holistic potential and help to influence the society that they are part of to be more connected, inclusive, and compassionate.

All staff at Coombe House School demonstrate compassion, understanding and flexibility in their approach ensuring progression is central to all lessons whilst giving our pupils the confidence to grow as they progress. We believe passionately in supporting and nurturing our pupils as well as aspiring to provide them with outstanding and creative learning opportunities.

If you are ready to shape outstanding SEMH provision through inspiring leadership and creative teaching, we invite you to apply. We welcome visits from prospective applicants ahead of the closing date – please contact Claire Taylor, Assistant HR Manager on 01747 449858, to discuss a potential date.

Coombe House School is located at the eastern edge of Shaftesbury. The school enjoys a secluded setting within its grounds (55 acres). What Coombe House School can offer you:  

• Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
• Competitive salary: Main and upper pay range (DOE) + SEN Allowance + an additional responsibility allowance of £5834.15.
• Continuous professional development and training.
• Health Care Plan after probation period - claim back costs towards dental check-ups, eye tests, prescription charges and therapies.
• Opportunities for leadership development and contribution to whole-school improvement.
• Access to a free, confidential employee assistance programme. 
• A workplace set in beautiful surroundings.
• Use of leisure facilities (gym and swimming pool) at specific times.
• Highly supportive leadership team, colleagues and working alongside a multi-disciplinary team of other SEN Specialists.
• Class sizes up to 8 pupils.
• The opportunity to play an integral part at the next phase of the schools’ unique journey.

If you are seeking a leadership role where you can make a real difference and have a desire to shape and develop outstanding SEMH provision within a nurturing and therapeutic setting, we would love to hear from you. Deadline for applications: Wednesday 21st May 2025.

Role to start in September 2025. We will not accept speculative CVs through agencies for this appointment. Direct applications only.

Please see the job description & person specification for further information. as well as visiting the school’s website - https://coombehouseschool.org.uk

We are committed to safeguarding and expect everyone who works in our school (and visitors to our school) to share this commitment. We take all safeguarding and welfare concerns seriously and encourage our pupils to talk to us about any worries they may have. We will always act in the best interests of the child. The successful applicant must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS.