Assistant Headteacher Post 16 (Maternity Cover) SEN School
Oakley School, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 4NE24 days remaining to apply
Start date details
As soon as possible
Closing date
2 November 2026 at 12pm (midday)
Date listed
9 October 2026
Job details
Job role
- Assistant headteacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Early years, Key stage 1, Key stage 2, Key stage 3, Key stage 4, Key stage 5
Working pattern
- Full time, part time
Contract type
- Fixed term - 1 - Maternity or parental leave cover
Pay scale
- L9 - L14
What skills and experience we're looking for
Strategic Lead for Phase 4 (Post 16)
Phase 4 Lead for Achievement, Curriculum and Teaching
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Futures & Destinations (Careers)
- to demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusive principles, support our ethos of providing a safe and positive environment for all our children and young people, enabling them to reach their full potential and develop their skills for life and independence
- have excellent knowledge, expertise and experience of working with children and young people with SEND
- be an excellent teacher and role model with a proven track record of supporting pupils’ progress
- have outstanding interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to adapt to different situations
- have strong leadership experience with the confidence and ability to hold others to account
- have the ability to build and develop excellent working relationships with all stakeholders
- have personal drive, resilience and be able to demonstrate enthusiasm and a positive attitude
- to lead by example in setting a strong commitment to raising a culture where pupils experience a positive and enriching school life
- deliver whole school and specific training as required
- to work with and support the Governing Body
- from time to time any other task that may be required by the Head Teacher
What the school offers its staff
This is an opportunity to join a highly effective leadership team.
The Assistant Headteacher will be based with Phase 4 (Post-16) and provide strategic and operational leadership for the achievement, curriculum and teaching across the Phase.
The candidate will ensure every pupil accesses an ambitious and personalised curriculum that builds on their Education, Health and Care Plan and prepares them for their Futures and Destinations. The role combines high expectations for learning with a strong focus on independence, employability, community participation, health and wellbeing, and successful transition beyond school.
Oakley School is an ambitious school that continually strives to develop excellent outcomes for pupils and their families.
We have an opportunity for a dynamic, enthusiastic and hardworking Assistant Headteacher to join our friendly, positive and collaborative team from, as we continue our journey. The successful candidate will play an integral part in the Leadership Team, working with and supporting the school’s vision by leading, managing, supporting and developing pupils, staff and our school community.
Further information about the job
Visits to meet us are both encouraged and welcomed, please contact Zoey Hatch, School Business Leader zhatch@oakley.kent.sch.uk to arrange a visit.
As well as membership of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme, benefits include access to the Kent Rewards scheme.
If you are interested in the role, please look at our website for further information and how to apply: www.oakleyschool.co.uk or email recruitment@oakley.kent.sch.uk.
Please note that we are unable to accept CVs.
Closing date: 2nd November 2026
Selection Process/Interviews will take place on: 9th November 2026
Commitment to safeguarding
Oakley School is committed to safeguarding children and young people, a commitment we expect all staff to share and uphold.
Applying for the job
Please complete the online application.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
Apply for this jobAdditional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Oakley School
- Organisation type
- Special school, ages 4 to 19
- Size
- 224 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 4 to 19
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- Website
- Oakley School website
- Email address
- zjenks@oakley.kent.sch.uk
- Phone number
- 01892823096
Our Mission
Children and young people at the heart of all we do.
Our Ethos
Work Hard, Be Kind, Have Fun, Stay Safe.
Oakley School is the Tunbridge Wells District Special School for children and young people aged 4–19 with profound, severe and/or complex needs (PSCN). All pupils have special educational needs and an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
The school operates across two main sites. Our Tunbridge Wells site supports pupils across Phases 1, 2 and 3, while our Tonbridge site provides our Phase 4 provision for young people preparing for adulthood (Post 16). Oakley also provides an Early Years Inclusion Outreach Service, supporting pre-school-aged children across the district.
Our curriculum and provision recognise that every child and young person has their own strengths, needs and aspirations. Pupils learn through three Learning Pathways and four Phases, enabling learning to be shaped around individual need rather than age alone.
Our Vision is to give every child and young person opportunities to connect, engage, explore, discover and develop their independence, enabling them to become confident, resilient and positive young people who are well prepared for their next step towards adulthood and a meaningful future.
Across everything we do, our mission remains simple: children and young people are at the heart of Oakley School.
Arranging a visit to Oakley School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email zjenks@oakley.kent.sch.uk.
School location
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