Assistant Headteacher

Walton Leigh School, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, KT12 5AB

15 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  1 January 2027

• Closing date

  8 October 2026 at 9am

• Date listed

  23 September 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Assistant headteacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Key stage 3, Key stage 4, Key stage 5
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Pay scale: L13 to L17 on the Leadership Fringe Pay Scale

What skills and experience we're looking for

We are seeking an exceptional and inspiring Assistant Headteacher to join Walton Leigh School. This is a key leadership role, where you will have the opportunity to contribute to shaping and driving outstanding practice in a school where every student is valued, supported and empowered to achieve their full potential.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a clear passion for inclusive education and an unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people with complex additional needs. They will be a highly motivated, reflective and compassionate leader who works collaboratively with staff, pupils, families and external professionals to ensure every learner flourishes within a positive, caring and nurturing environment.

You will contribute towards developing staff expertise and embedding consistently high-quality practice across the school. Working alongside the Headteacher, Deputy and senior leadership team, you will help to foster a culture of high expectations, continuous improvement and shared responsibility, where pupils are encouraged to develop confidence, independence and the skills they need for life beyond school.

We are looking for a resilient and inspirational leader who shares our vision and values, models excellence in all aspects of school life, and is committed to ensuring that every child feels respected, included and able to succeed.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact within a school community where relationships, wellbeing and achievement are at the heart of everything we do.

What the school offers its staff

Walton Leigh School is part of the London South East Academies Trust (LSEAT).

We are an Outstanding secondary school for students age 11 to 19, with severe, profound and multiple learning difficulties, some with associated autism.

We offer a calm, supportive and structured environment, where students are known well and supported to make meaningful progress in both their learning and personal development. Our staff work as a skilled, multidisciplinary team, delivering personalised provision that reflects each student's individual needs, strengths and aspirations. The school has a strong culture of collaboration, reflection and continuous improvement, and places a high value on developing staff expertise within a specialist and deeply rewarding area of education.

We are committed to investing in our staff and recognise that high-quality professional development is key to achieving the best outcomes for our pupils. We offer a comprehensive and bespoke CPD programme throughout the year, providing opportunities for colleagues at every stage of their career to develop their expertise, enhance their leadership skills and progress professionally within our Trust.

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.

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 14th October 2026. Please feel free to visit the school ahead of applying.

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 Headteacher Job Description.pdf - 171 KB (opens in new tab)

About Walton Leigh School

• Organisation type: Academy, ages 11 to 19
• Size: 93 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 19
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: Walton Leigh School website
• Email address: emma.alexander@waltonleigh.lseat.org.uk
• Phone number: 01932 223243
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/walton-leigh-school-walton-on-thames

Walton Leigh School is part of the London South East Academies Trust (LSEAT).

We are a special school for young people aged 11 to 19 with severe and complex learning difficulties.  We are a positive, welcoming school and we endeavour to provide a happy and caring environment where your child can flourish.

We will make sure your child is valued and supported in every way. We have a positive ethos, love celebrating achievement and always have high expectations!

We provide excellent opportunities to develop your child’s communication skills and personal and social development.

We strive to deliver outstanding teaching and your child’s class teacher will support and guide them to be as independent as possible.

We are committed in supporting our students to reach their full potential to leave here ready for their adult life.

To find out more, please browse our website https://waltonleigh.lseat.org.uk/

Arranging a visit to Walton Leigh School

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email emma.alexander@waltonleigh.lseat.org.uk.

School location

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