Assistant Headteacher

We are seeking an Assistant Headteacher to provide operational leadership across Oak Tree School and support the effective day-to-day running of all aspects of the provision.

Working under the strategic direction of the Headteacher and Deputy Headteachers, you will be a key member of the senior leadership team, translating school priorities into effective operational practice. You will lead and support systems and procedures that secure high standards of education, behaviour, attendance, safeguarding and pupil wellbeing.

You will be a visible and approachable leader who models exemplary pastoral practice, assertive behaviour management and high professional standards. You will work closely with pupils, families, colleagues and external professionals to promote inclusion, belonging, independence and high aspirations for every pupil.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the daily operation of the school, including staffing deployment, implementation of school policies and routines and maintaining a visible leadership presence.

Lead operational systems covering behaviour, attendance, safeguarding, educational visits, transport, health and safety, site coordination and incident management.

Ensure operational systems effectively support pupils with SEND, working closely with families, therapists and external agencies to secure appropriate provision.

Line manage designated colleagues and teams, supporting recruitment, induction, coaching, professional development and accountability for professional standards.

Monitor safeguarding, attendance, behaviour, health and safety and other compliance systems.

Lead operational audits and contribute to inspection readiness.

Support school self-evaluation and the implementation of school improvement priorities.

Support the efficient management of school resources and contribute to the smooth running and good order of the school.

Develop and maintain effective relationships with parents, carers, external agencies and, where appropriate, the Department for Education and Ofsted.

Deputise for senior leaders as required and contribute to assemblies, school events and wider improvement initiatives.

The Ideal Candidate

You will hold Qualified Teacher Status or a recognised teaching qualification and have a minimum of five years' successful teaching experience within a school setting.

You will bring experience of working across a range of pastoral and academic contexts in special schools, alternative provision or ARPs/units, together with experience of leading and managing a team at middle leadership level. You will have a proven track record of leading significant areas of responsibility, contributing to whole-school improvement and delivering successful outcomes.

You will have:

High expectations of achievement, behaviour and outcomes for all pupils.

The ability to identify barriers to learning and implement effective strategies to overcome them.

The ability to evaluate the quality of teaching, learning, curriculum and pastoral provision.

Strong leadership skills and the ability to inspire high standards among colleagues and pupils with a range of needs.

A commitment to developing, coaching and supporting colleagues.

Strong organisational skills and the ability to balance competing priorities effectively.

The ability to identify priorities, develop appropriate responses and secure improvement.

Effective written, verbal, interpersonal and stakeholder communication skills.

The ability to monitor, review and evaluate the impact of initiatives and actions.

Integrity, professionalism, resilience and the ability to work effectively under pressure.

Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.

The ability to motivate, support and challenge colleagues.

A flexible, adaptable and solutions-focused approach.

A commitment to safeguarding, equality, inclusion and improving outcomes for children and young people.

About Oak Tree School

Oak Tree School is a calm, inclusive and aspirational learning environment where relationships come first and every young person is supported to thrive on their own terms. Our learners, aged 5-19, benefit from a personalised curriculum that blends academic learning with highly specialised therapeutic and developmental support. As a school created in September 2023 to meet the growing need for specialist places across the local community, we pride ourselves on offering a nurturing setting where pupils feel safe, valued and ready to flourish

Our Ethos

We believe in nurturing potential and encouraging independence, recognising each learner as an individual and supporting them intellectually, emotionally, socially and physically. As part of the Maiden Erlegh Trust, Oak Tree School actively promotes mutual respect, cultural understanding and a strong, collaborative work ethic, ensuring that every child develops confidence, resilience and a sense of personal worth.

Our Learners

Our pupils have a wide range of strengths and needs, including autism and Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN). Our primary cohort includes learners with SLD and high sensory needs who require highly adapted environments. In secondary, many learners have MLD and are more able to engage with formal learning, but still need significant scaffolding. A key focus is supporting both students and staff with the transition from sensory-based to more structured learning, ensuring approaches remain developmentally appropriate rather than age-driven. Many students join us after experiencing barriers in previous settings, so we prioritise connection, consistency and trust. Students are celebrated for every success—big or small—and are supported through carefully sequenced learning and personalised pathways that prepare them for adulthood, independence and fulfilling futures.

What It Means to Work Here?

Working at Oak Tree School means joining a skilled, compassionate and committed team who place children’s well‑being at the heart of everything they do. Staff will have a huge role to play in the development of the culture in the school. As Oak Tree is not yet established working together is important to encourage curiosity, relationships matter, and professional development is supported through the wider Maiden Erlegh Trust Special & AP Hub. You will play an essential role in building an inclusive community that celebrates individuality, ensures progress for all learners, and champions high aspirations

Why You’ll Love This Role?

You will have the opportunity to make a life‑changing difference to young people who deserve to be seen, supported and inspired. Whether helping a child find their voice, navigate a social challenge, or take a confident step into the world, your work will directly shape their journey. Oak Tree School is a place where staff feel valued, where innovative practice is encouraged, and where every member of the team contributes meaningfully to our shared mission

About Maiden Erlegh Trust

Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5,000 students across nine schools, including primary, secondary, special, and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.

We Aim High, Be Inclusive, and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all, through collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, l