Job Introduction
St Francis School - Assistant Headteacher (3 days)
Salary: L12 to L16
Required September 2026
Are you an experienced teacher with a passion for Special Educational Needs?
St Francis School, part of the Federation of Heathfield and St Francis, is seeking an outstanding professional to join our senior leadership team as a three‑day Assistant Headteacher, in a unique role which offers the opportunity to shape whole‑school improvement.
The Federation of Heathfield and St Francis Schools provides high‑quality education for pupils with a wide range of complex needs, including moderate, severe and profound learning difficulties. We are committed to inclusive, personalised learning with a strong emphasis on communication, emotional wellbeing and independence.
The successful candidate will play a key role across St Francis School and the wider federation, contributing to strategic leadership, school development and high standards of practice. Responsibilities will include:
- Working alongside the Senior Leadership Team to drive the federation vision, values and improvement priorities.
- Leading on a key area of federation development (to be assigned post‑appointment
- Supporting high‑quality teaching and learning, including staff development, coaching and mentoring.
- Monitoring performance data, supporting target‑setting and evaluating impact.
- Acting as Accreditation Coordinator for St Francis.
- Undertaking the role of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- Leading and contributing to policy development, self‑evaluation, and professional standards.
- Strengthening partnerships with families, therapists, colleagues, governors, and external agencies.
This is a senior leadership position requiring exemplary professionalism, integrity, communication, and commitment to the highest expectations.
We are seeking a colleague who:
- Brings successful experience in senior or middle leadership.
- Demonstrates exceptional classroom practice and deep understanding of SEND.
- Can lead confidently and collaboratively, motivating others and modelling best practice.
- Uses data and monitoring effectively to drive improvement.
- Is committed to safeguarding, inclusion, equality and federation values.
- Communicates exceptionally well with pupils, staff, families and external partners.
- Is reflective, solution‑focused and relentlessly positive.
- Thrives within a nurturing, ambitious, team‑centred environment.
Why Join Us?
- A warm, dedicated community committed to celebrating every achievement.
- Highly supportive and collaborative teams across the federation.
- Opportunities to lead significant areas of school development.
- Pupils whose enthusiasm, resilience and personalities make every day meaningful.
- A school culture rooted in respect, trust and professional growth.
How to Apply
For full details and an application form, please visit our website:
www.federationheathfieldstfrancis.co.uk
Visits to the federation are warmly welcomed.
To arrange a visit, please call: 01329 512804
Completed applications should be emailed to:
adminoffice@st-francis.hants.sch.uk
The Federation is committed to safeguarding children and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
