Assistant Headteacher (SENCO)
Kilnwood Vale Primary School, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 0BZThis job expired on 9 March 2026 – see similar jobs
Job start date
13 April 2026
Closing date
9 March 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
23 February 2026
Job details
Job role
- Assistant headteacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Early years, Key stage 1, Key stage 2
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- GLF Leadership L1-5
Assistant Headteacher (SENCO) job summary
Kilnwood Vale Primary School is seeking an inspiring and dedicated Assistant Headteacher with the responsibility of SENCO to join our passionate and forward-thinking leadership team. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and enthusiastic leader who is committed to inclusive education and has a strong track record of improving outcomes for all learners. You will play a pivotal role in shaping our whole-school strategy for SEND, while contributing to wider school development as part of the senior leadership team.
Your opportunity
This is a unique and rewarding leadership opportunity for a passionate and experienced educator to join GLF Schools as an Assistant Headteacher (SENDCo). This dual-role position combines strategic senior leadership with a core focus on special educational needs and inclusive practice, offering the chance to shape the educational experience of every child, especially those with additional learning needs.
Working in close partnership with the Headteacher, you will play a pivotal role in the school’s ongoing development by driving high-quality teaching, developing staff, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement. As the school’s SENDCo, you will lead the provision and policy for SEND, ensuring compliance, championing inclusion, and securing rapid progress for all learners.
This is an ideal role for an ambitious leader with a strong SEND background who is ready to influence whole-school strategy while making a tangible impact on the lives of pupils, staff, and families within a supportive, values-driven Multi Academy Trust.
What we are looking for
- Experienced Educator & Qualified Leader - You’ll have QTS, a strong teaching background, senior leadership experience, and ideally be working towards or already hold the National Award for SEN Coordination.
- SEN Expertise - A sound understanding of the SEN Code of Practice and a proven track record of raising standards and delivering inclusive practice across the school.
- Strategic Leadership - Confident in driving school improvement, managing resources, leading change, and embedding high expectations for all learners.
- Exceptional Communicator & Collaborator - Able to influence, motivate, and build strong relationships with staff, pupils, families, and external partners.
- Committed to Safeguarding & Inclusion - Deep knowledge of safeguarding procedures and a passionate advocate for equality, social justice, and the wellbeing of every child.
- Inspiring & Innovative - A forward-thinking professional who brings creativity, resilience, and a positive outlook to school leadership.
Please read the Job Description and Person Specification for more information and before applying.
About Kilnwood Vale Primary School
Our School sits within a established cluster of schools, overseen by a Regional Director. Along with Kilnwood Vale Primary School our cluster includes the following other schools; Southgate Primary School, Forge Wood Primary School, Greenway Junior School, Salfords Primary School, Lime Tree Primary School, Merstham Primary School.
This is an exciting opportunity to work collaboratively with colleagues across this cluster, to share expertise and experience, ensuring all children in our schools receive an excellent education and reach their potential. It also provides opportunities for career progression across the cluster and gives you the chance to further your professional development.
Join the GLF Schools Community
As a part of GLF Schools, you will join a community of staff dedicated to transforming education. With regular progression discussions, there will be a wealth of opportunities for you to grow your career, whether in one of our 43 academies or in our central team.
- A growing Multi Academy Trust with over 2,000 colleagues and over 17,000 pupils
- Founded upon the values of Respect, Inclusivity, Integrity and Kindness
- 43 primary and secondary schools across 7 Local Authority areas across the south of England
- We work as a community whilst ensuring each school maintains its own unique identity
- Committed to ensuring all children and young people receive the best possible education
GLF Schools Employment Offer
GLF Schools has a generous employment offer, which allows all our colleagues to Grow, Learn and Flourish
- Access to our highly competitive Teachers Pension Scheme
- Flexible working options
- Generous holiday allowance
- Work life and family friendly policies
- Employee wellbeing initiatives
- Access to a staff benefits portal
- Community and collaboration working model
Please read the attached Join Our Community candidate pack for further information.
The Details
Start Date: 13 April 2026
Pay Scale: GLF Leadership - L1-5
Contract type: Permanent
Closing Date: 6th March 2026
Interview date: W/C 10th March 2026
Further information about the job
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.
About Kilnwood Vale Primary School
- School type
- Free School, ages 2 to 11
- Education phase
- Primary school
- School size
- 349 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 2 to 11
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Kilnwood Vale Primary School website
School location
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