Assistant Headteacher (Orchard House High School)

We currently have an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Headteacher to join our fantastic team at Orchard House High School.

Orchard House High School opened in September 2025 and offers a rare and exciting opportunity to help shape a brand-new special school from its earliest years.

As the school grows year on year, we are seeking an exceptional Assistant Headteacher to join our Senior Leadership Team and play a key role in building an ambitious, inclusive and nurturing school community.

Orchard House High School is a purpose-built SEND provision for pupils aged 11–19 with Significant Learning Difficulties (SLD) and/or Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD). We are committed to providing outstanding education, care and preparation for adulthood for some of the most vulnerable young people in our community.

This is a permanent post on leadership terms payscale L4-8 £55,747-£61,543 per annum.

As Assistant Headteacher, you will:

• Be a proactive member of the Senior Leadership Team, working closely with the Headteacher to secure the highest possible outcomes for students
• Take strategic responsibility for significant aspects of school leadership, contributing directly to school improvement, culture and ethos
• Support and challenge colleagues to deliver high-quality teaching, learning and assessment, rooted in evidence-informed practice
• Play a key role in developing a positive, inclusive and aspirational school culture, where students feel safe, valued and motivated to learn
• Lead, manage and develop staff through effective line management, coaching and professional development
• Work collaboratively with parents, carers, governors and external professionals to support students’ complex SEND needs
• Contribute to organisational effectiveness, including systems, processes, data analysis and resource management

To find out more about the full responsibilities of the role and/or to ensure you meet the essential criteria, please review the attached job description.

Working for Prospere Learning Trust

Great schools thrive because of the great people in them. We invest in our staff to achieve their full potential and offer a range of benefits including.

• High quality CPD for all roles
• Bupa Level 1 Health Plan - annual cash back allowance for a range of every day health care expenses
• Generous Pension Contribution - over 26% for teachers and over 17% for support staff
• Good holidays – teachers as per School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document; non-teachers receive 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days with 5 years' service
• Cyclescheme - save up to 39% on a bike and accessories and get Strava for free
• Employee Assistance Programmes - including access to free counselling and 24/7 helplines
• Credit Union - regular savings, Christmas saving scheme and access to affordable loans
• Flexible working options - we're happy to talk flexible working where possible
• Mental Health First Aid in every school
• Blue Light Card - discounts on holidays, cars, days out, fashion, gifts, insurance, phones, and many more
• bYond cashback card - spend smarter with a prepaid cashback card for your everyday purchases

We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, younger learners and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. The above post will be subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references and will be exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. DBS Code of Practice which can be viewed here

This post is also subject to satisfactory references, proof of right to work in the UK in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 and other pre-employment checks where applicable. 

We strive to create a fair and inclusive workplace that is as diverse as the communities we serve. We positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.