Assistant Headteacher

Hazel Court School, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN23 8EJ

Deadline is tomorrow

• Job start date

  1 September 2026

• Closing date

  15 May 2026 at 12pm (midday)

• Date listed

  24 April 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Assistant headteacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Key stage 3
• Working pattern: Full time: 32.5 hours a week
• Contract type: Permanent
• Pay scale: L9-L14

What skills and experience we're looking for

The successful applicant will:

• Have a proven and successful track record of leading a key stage, particularly PMLD
• Have an in-depth understanding of special education, including complex medical needs
• Have energy and commitment and be capable of achieving great outcomes for pupils / students
• Bring excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate others
• Be determined to achieve the very best for everyone involved with our inclusive and forward-thinking Trust and be committed to working in partnership with a range of stakeholders
• Have experience of managing a school site, if the Headteacher is off site.

What the school offers its staff

Hazel Court School is a special school in Eastbourne for young people aged 11 to 19 with moderate, severe and complex learning difficulties, including autism. It is part of The Southfield Trust and operates across a secondary site (11–16) and a further education department (16–19). Hazel Court School provides a safe, nurturing and highly personalised learning environment where pupils can develop academically, socially and emotionally. The focus is on helping students make meaningful progress, build independence, improve communication skills and prepare for adulthood at a pace suited to their individual needs.

The Southfield Trust is a forward-thinking and compassionate Trust dedicated to providing high-quality education and support for children with special needs. We operate a network of specialised schools in Eastbourne, East Sussex, which provide tailored educational experiences to ensure every child reaches their full potential.

We are seeking to strengthen leadership across our outstanding multi‑academy trust, we are looking to appoint a full‑time, permanent Assistant Headteacher for Hazel Court from September 2026, who will make a significant contribution to the school’s leadership team.

They will support the planning and delivery of teaching and learning, working alongside the Headteacher who retains strategic responsibility. This opportunity will enable the successful candidate to work with a skilled leadership and management team. It also provides the chance to make a difference more broadly, via the work of the Trust, improving the learning experiences and life chances for young people.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a skilled, supportive and dedicated leadership team committed to making a difference in the lives of children with special educational needs.
• Improve the learning experiences and life chances of young people.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• The chance to shape the future of a growing and innovative educational trust.
• Salary - Leadership Scale. L9 - L14
• Permanent, Full time contract.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

Additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

Assistant Head JD & PS.pdf - 440 KB (opens in new tab)

About Hazel Court School

• School type: Academies, ages 11 to 19
• School size: 129 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 19
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Hazel Court School website
• Email address: recruitment@thesouthfieldtrust.com
• Phone number: 01323 921630
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/hazel-court-school-eastbourne

Arranging a visit to Hazel Court School

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email recruitment@thesouthfieldtrust.com.

School location

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