Interim Assistant Headteacher
Interim Assistant Headteacher (Inclusion & SEND) — Berkshire (School within a Trust)
Start: September 2026 | Duration: Until December 2026 (Autumn Term)
Contract: Interim
A school within a supportive multi-academy trust in the Berkshire area is seeking an experienced Interim Assistant Headteacher to join from September through December 2026, with a clear focus on Inclusion and SEND. This is a key leadership appointment, supporting the Headteacher and wider senior team to drive inclusive practice, improve outcomes for pupils with additional needs, and ensure strong day-to-day oversight of SEND provision.
The Role (Key Focus Areas)
You will take a visible leadership role across the school, with responsibility for strengthening and embedding inclusive practice, including:
- Leading on whole-school inclusion strategy, ensuring pupils with SEND and additional needs are supported effectively
- Overseeing the quality and impact of SEND provision (including interventions, support plans, and progress tracking)
- Working closely with the SENCO (or holding the SENCO function if appropriate, depending on the school’s structure)
- Supporting staff to develop consistent, high-quality inclusive teaching practice (coaching, modelling, CPD input)
- Partnering with pastoral teams to support pupils with SEMH, attendance needs, behaviour support plans, and safeguarding-informed approaches
- Liaising with parents/carers and external professionals (e.g., Educational Psychologists, therapists, Local Authority teams)
- Contributing to SLT priorities including quality assurance, staff development, and outcomes improvement
We’re keen to speak with interim leaders who can add value quickly and confidently within a trust environment. You will ideally demonstrate:
- Proven experience as an Assistant Headteacher / Deputy Headteacher (or equivalent senior leadership) in a school setting
- Significant, hands-on experience leading Inclusion and SEND (not just supporting—actively driving strategy and improvement)
- Strong knowledge of SEND processes, statutory duties, and best practice (including EHCPs, graduated response, and inclusive QA)
- Credibility with staff: able to build trust, challenge appropriately, and bring people with you
- A practical, calm leadership style with strong communication skills and excellent stakeholder management
Why This Opportunity?
- Autumn-term leadership role with a clear remit and real impact
- Opportunity to work within a trust environment with shared support and collaboration
- A chance to strengthen inclusive practice and ensure pupils with additional needs thrive
If you’re an interim senior leader with a strong Inclusion/SEND background and you’re available for September–December 2026, we’d love to talk.
Reply with your CV (or message to arrange an initial confidential conversation).