Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion

About the job

Key information

Permanent post, full time to start September 2025 (or sooner by agreement)

L6 – L10

Are you an experienced and passionate leader with a drive to make inclusive education a reality for all pupils? Do you thrive on strategic thinking, working collaboratively, and creating environments where every learner can succeed?

We are seeking an outstanding Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion to join the Senior Leadership Team at Polden Bower School, a thriving special school committed to high expectations, relational approaches and strong community partnerships.

Polden Bower is a purpose built special school on the edge of Bridgwater. It also has a small Early years and Key Stage 1 provision in the middle of the town. Polden Bower has 220 children and young people aged between 4 and 19 years. All children and young people have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in place when they are placed.

The school is part of a Federation with Avalon School in Street and a wider partnership with The Bridge School, a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) in Bridgwater.

What will I be doing?

As Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion, you will:

• Lead on inclusive practice across the school, ensuring that provision is robust, personalised, and compliant with statutory guidance
• Oversee behaviour strategy, targeted interventions, and off-site/alternative provision
• Coordinate and quality assure SEND provision, including oversight of EHCPs, annual reviews, and access arrangements
• Ensure pupil information is accurate and accessible to staff, supporting implementation of the Graduated Response
• Analyse data to inform provision, staff development and interventions
• Champion relational approaches, leading staff debriefs and solution circles
• Monitor and review part-time timetables and all off-site learning opportunities

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

We are looking for someone who:

• Is an experienced teacher and leader with a strong understanding of SEND and inclusive practices
• Is confident managing complex systems, statutory processes, and behaviour strategies
• Has a calm, relational and solution-focused approach to supporting staff and students
• Brings emotional intelligence, organisation and a commitment to making a lasting impact
• Can work collaboratively with families, professionals and networks to drive change

All Assistant Headteachers hold a whole school responsibility and also lead a specific phase within the school, phases can change annually to ensure that leaders gain a full understanding of the whole school over time. Leading a phase includes the day-to-day organisation along with the middle leader to ensure timetables and staffing are in place. This role also provides a senior leader link for parents and pupils but also ensures they have an oversight of safeguarding, behaviour and attendance for pupils. There will be a teaching commitment to this role of up to 2 days, this will be flexible at any time to meet the needs of the school and can include direct teaching, supporting, modelling and coaching other staff.

What is in it for me?

Why Polden Bower?

• A supportive and forward-thinking leadership team
• A relational, inclusive ethos with high aspirations for all pupils
• A school community that values wellbeing, collaboration and continuous improvement
• Opportunities to shape practice across the wider trust partnership
• A supportive network of colleagues across the partnership of schools
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• A fantastic staff team
• The opportunity to work with amazing children and young people and be part of their journey into adulthood
• A wellbeing package including swim sessions, discounted café, Yoga and other activities.

Supporting documents and information

Visits to the school are encouraged, if you would like to arrange a visit or to speak to someone regarding this role, please contact Jo Stamford on 01278 496386.

Polden Bower School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This appointment will be subject to enhanced DBS disclosure, online check, medical clearance proof of the right to work in the UK and satisfactory references.

Following the acceptance of your interview, an online check will be carried out as detailed in the latest Keeping Children Safe in Education guidelines.

Apply on the Polden Bower School website

Apply now