Assistant Headteacher Inclusion & SEND
| Company: | Teaching Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Hours: | Full-time |
| Location: | Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 2JF |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Posting date: | 25 Sept 2026 |
| Closing date: | 12 Oct 2026 |
Summary
What skills and experience we're looking for
Are you an ambitious, visionary leader with an unyielding commitment to educational equity? Berwick Academy is seeking to appoint an outstanding Assistant Headteacher: Inclusion & SEND to join our senior leadership team at a pivotal moment in our school’s journey.
Following our successful transition to a full 11–18 secondary school and as we look ahead to our state-of-the-art new campus, we are continuing to shape an inclusive, high-aspiring culture where every student thrives.
As AHT Inclusion & SEND, you will play a central strategic role in two high-impact priorities:
- Adaptive Teaching: Driving high-quality, adaptive instructional practice across all classrooms so that students with SEND access a rich, ambitious mainstream curriculum.
- Specialist SEND Base Development: Serving as the key driver in establishing, operationalising, and leading our brand-new specialist SEND support base, creating a flagship provision for students with complex needs.
What We Are Looking For
This post is ideally suited to an experienced SENCO or middle leader ready to make the step up into senior leadership and drive whole-school strategy. You might be an existing Assistant Headteacher with a behaviour, teaching and learning or SEND remit seeking a high-impact, fresh challenge. Ultimately, we are looking for an exceptional practitioner and experienced leader who:
• Holds / is working towards (or is willing to work towards) the NASENCO qualification (or NPQ SENCO).
• Possesses deep expertise in the SEND code of practice, EHCP processes, and evidence-based adaptive teaching strategies.
• Has a proven track record of improving outcomes for vulnerable learners and removing barriers to achievement.
• Brings the strategic vision, operational rigour, and empathy required to establish a high-performing specialist base from the ground up.
• Communicates with clarity and warmth, building trust with families, staff, and external agencies.
What the school offers its staff
What We Offer
A Once-in-a-Generation legacy project: The rare opportunity to help engineer a total educational reboot, overcome decades of historical challenges, and shape a brand-new specialist SEND provision moving into a £multi-million campus in 2028.
Fresh, forward-thinking leadership: Join a welcoming, highly supportive team of staff and Trustees, working alongside a fresh leadership team led by a new Headteacher and Deputy Headteachers.
Modern leadership flexibility: We trust our team. Enjoy dedicated strategic working time, including time per fortnight working flexibly from home for deep planning, casework, and policy development.
Exceptional location: Based on the stunning Northumberland coast in historic Berwick-upon-Tweed, with direct rail connections to Newcastle and Edinburgh.
Further details about the role
How to Apply
For an informal discussion about the post or to arrange a visit to the school, please contact the Headteacher’s PA, Josie Ruddick: ruddickj@berwickacademy.co.uk
To apply, please submit: a completed Application Form along with a Supporting Statement (no more than 2 sides of A4, font size 11) outlining your vision for high-quality inclusive practice and adaptive teaching, and detailing how your experience prepares you to establish our new specialist SEND base.
Completed applications should be emailed to headteacher@berwickacademy.co.uk by the deadline below.
Closing Date: Monday, 12th October 2026 at 9:00 AM
Shortlisting: Tuesday, 13th October 2026
Interviews: Week commencing Monday 19th October 2026
Berwick Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. An enhanced DBS check and pre-employment safeguards will be required for the successful candidate.
Commitment to safeguarding
Berwick Academy are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and expects all staff, governors and volunteers to share this commitment. You will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Berwick Academy has a policy commitment to equal opportunities and diversity in employment and seeks to ensure no employee or applicant receives less favourable treatment than another. All posts are filled on merit.