Assistant Headteacher

Keys Group; Colchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Full time

Job description

Assistant Headteacher – Colchester CO3 3NE

New SEN School Opening September 2026

Purpose of the Role

To lead and develop the curriculum, teaching quality, and pupil achievement across the school, ensuring that all pupils, including those with complex needs, receive a high-quality, broad, balanced, and coherent education

About Keys Group

At Keys, we provide specialist therapeutic education and essential support for young people with complex needs, including emotional, behavioural, and mental health challenges.

We tailor learning for pupils who’ve struggled in mainstream schools or face risks like missing education, vulnerability, or exclusion.

Our mission is to build a supportive environment where every pupil can thrive.

With a track record of outstanding and good ratings from Ofsted, we’re proud to lead in educational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of a curriculum that is accessible, engaging, and tailored to the needs of pupils with complex needs and SEND.
• Ensure statutory curriculum requirements are met and that literacy, numeracy, science, ICT, and vocational subjects are effectively delivered.
• Monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching through lesson observations, work scrutiny, and pupil feedback.
• Use assessment data to identify gaps in learning and lead targeted interventions to improve pupil outcomes.
• Support subject leaders and teaching staff through coaching, training, and sharing best practice

Requirements

• QTS
• Proven experience leading curriculum development and improving teaching quality
• Deep understanding of curriculum design, assessment, and evidence-informed teaching strategies.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and support teaching staff, modelling the Staff Code of Conduct
• Strong interpersonal skills with staff, pupils, parents, and external partners
• Ability to use data to inform teaching strategies and curriculum planning

Benefits of Joining Keys Group

• NEST enhanced pension scheme
• Staff Referral Scheme – Refer a friend to join Keys Group and split a £500 referral bonus between you
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Access to a blue light discount card
• Fully funded training and qualifications for all colleagues
• Enhanced pay scales based on experience and qualifications
• Employee benefits scheme such as wellbeing app and a range of discounts
• Life assurance

School tours are highly welcomed as a part of our interview selection process.

Commitment to Equality and Armed Forces Covenant

Keys Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including veterans and military families, through our Armed Forces Covenant. Eligible service personnel and veterans are guaranteed an interview when their military experience is detailed in their CV. We provide veteran-friendly policies, peer support, and military awareness training.

Safeguarding

The Teaching Assistant is accountable to the Headteacher and supervising teacher for supporting pupil learning, safeguarding, and adherence to the Staff Code of Conduct. Keys Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and reference verification.