Job Title: Assistant Headteacher
Contract Type: One-Year Fixed Term (Maternity Cover)
Start Date: July 2026
Location: North London
Salary: Leadership Scale (dependent on experience)

The School is a specialist Secondary setting in North London supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. The school is committed to providing a safe, structured and nurturing environment where pupils can re-engage with education, develop resilience, and achieve both academically and personally.

They are seeking an experienced and dynamic Deputy Headteacher to join thier Senior Leadership Team on a one-year maternity cover contract starting in July 2026.

The Role

The Assistant Headteacher will play a pivotal role in supporting the Headteacher in the strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the school. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving high standards of teaching and learning, promoting positive behaviour and inclusion, and ensuring the school continues to deliver excellent outcomes for pupils with SEMH and additional needs.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong operational oversight, a visible presence across the school, and the ability to lead with clarity, consistency, and compassion.

• Support the Headteacher in the overall leadership, management, and strategic direction of the school

• Lead on quality of education, curriculum development, and teaching and learning standards

• Monitor pupil progress, attainment, and engagement, implementing targeted interventions where required

• Champion the school''s behaviour policy and maintain a culture of high expectations and consistency

• Line manage middle leaders and teaching staff, providing coaching and performance management

• Oversee safeguarding and pastoral systems, ensuring statutory responsibilities are met

• Contribute to staff development, training, and whole-school improvement planning

• Maintain strong partnerships with parents, external agencies, and the local authority

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

• Proven experience within a senior leadership role, ideally within an SEMH or specialist setting

• Strong understanding of behaviour management, trauma-informed practice, and inclusion

• Experience leading on curriculum, assessment, and quality assurance

• Excellent communication and organisational skills

• A resilient, solution-focused leader with the ability to inspire and motivate staff

• Strong safeguarding knowledge and commitment to pupil welfare

• A supportive and committed Senior Leadership Team

• A collaborative and dedicated staff body

• Opportunities to make a genuine impact on the lives of vulnerable young people

• Professional development within a specialist setting

This role offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced leader seeking to contribute to a high-impact specialist school environment on a fixed-term basis.

To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement outlining your leadership experience and suitability for the role.

If you are committed to nurturing pupils with SEN and want to be part of a supportive specialist team, we''d love to hear from you.

Timeplan Education are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of children and young people and expect all staff to show this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to complete Disclosure and Barring Service declarations in line with Section 115 of the Police Act 1997. You will also be required to provide 2 professional references covering at least the last 2 years, and complete our online application followed by a video or face to face interview. Timeplan education is a committed Equal Opportunities Employer and therefore will not discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, ethnicity, disability or sexual orientation."

LONDON INDTPSEN