Assistant Headteacher - Castle Wood School

Our vision, “Together, children first,” reflects our shared commitment to placing every child at the heart of everything we do. By working together as a community, we support our pupils to flourish and achieve their full potential.

At Castle Wood, our values underpin daily life in our school. Honesty, integrity, trust, empathy and respect guide our actions, shape our relationships and ensure that every child and adult feels valued, supported and safe.

Inspire, support, and transform lives.

We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic, positive, and inspirational Assistant Headteacher with a “can do” attitude who has a drive to work with children with complex learning needs and a desire to drive our school forward. At Castle Wood, you will work with incredible pupils aged 3–11 with PMLD, SLD and Autism, delivering creative and personalised learning that helps every child thrive.

Our pupils are at the heart of everything we do, and we are passionate about making a meaningful difference in their lives every day. We are looking for an Assistant Headteacher who believes every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, and wants to work and lead in a supportive, specialist team with excellent professional development and wellbeing support.

This is an exciting time to be joining Castle Wood as the school takes on its next journey under a new leadership structure, with a new Headteacher starting in September.

As our Assistant Headteacher you will be:

• part of an outstanding leadership team
• given opportunities for professional development
• working in a well-resourced primary special school environment
• in a working environment where everyone is valued, included and treated with respect
• working with inspirational pupils who love coming to school and are encouraged to develop skills and participate in life-long learning
• collaborating with an enthusiastic and supportive Governing Body that put the interests of the pupils first and are committed to the continual improvement of the school
• given opportunity to extend your own leadership potential

Specific roles and responsibilities to be agreed, together, dependent upon the experience of the successful candidate and the needs of the school.

You will have:

• QTS status with experience of working with pupils who have a range of special needs
• a proven track record of outstanding practice committed to high aspirations for all children
• a passion for teaching and learning within the field of SEN
• whole school leadership experience is desired
• excellent interpersonal skills, resilience, sensitivity and an infectious enthusiasm, demonstrating forward thinking and positivity
• initiative, commitment, and drive
• a clear understanding of Safeguarding and the role of a leader in this process
• the personality, drive and energy to motivate and support everyone within our learning community
• knowledge of Early Years principles as this underpins teaching and learning in our school
• an up-to-date knowledge of mainstream education and be experienced in translating this into teaching and learning for children with SEND
• an expertise in complex needs, ASC, PMLD or SLD would be an advantage

We are looking forward to welcoming someone with the ambition, drive, and enthusiasm to support our leadership team and school community in their drive for positive outcomes for all children. If you believe you are the right person to join our team and you want to make a difference to the lives of pupils at Castle Wood, then we want to hear from you.

In return, we will provide:

• personalised Continuing Professional Learning
• opportunities to work with experts from a range of disciplines
• opportunities to work beyond the school
• committed and supportive leadership team, governors, colleagues, and parents
• comprehensive staff wellbeing package including taking some leadership time off site, employee assistance programme, salary sacrifice scheme, access to hydrotherapy pool, free tea and coffee, free staff car parking, staff workwear.

A tour of our school to meet our children and view our amazing facilities is most welcomed and strongly encouraged. Tours of the school are available on Tuesday 16th June @1pm, Wednesday 17th June @3.30pm and Monday 22nd June @11am. Please email cwhr@castlewood.coventry.sch.uk to book your preferred slot.

Please apply using the online application form ensuring you outline your skills, abilities, and experience in line with the key areas on the advert and Job Description and Person Specification.

Closing date: Sunday 28th June 2026

Interview Date: Friday 3rd July 2026

Our workforce data shows that men and people from minority ethnic backgrounds are under-represented, we encourage applicants from these backgrounds to apply.  This does not prevent individuals with or without other protected characteristics as set out within the Equality Act 2010 from applying for this post.    

Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced criminal record check via the DBS, all relevant safeguarding and pre-employment clearances, and the receipt of two satisfactory references.

Following recommendations from Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) for an additional pre employment check with effect 1 Sept 22, please note, an online search may form part of this recruitment process.