Associate Headteacher

Associate Headteacher - Somerset; West Hatch TA3 5RH and Hambridge TA10 0BG Salary : Starting from £50,000 | Full Time (40 hours/week)

Purpose of Role

To provide operational leadership and management of the school or site, acting as Head of School under the direction of the Headteacher or Executive Headteacher. The Associate Headteacher will ensure the delivery of high-quality education, safeguarding, and pastoral care within a trauma-informed, therapeutic environment. This role requires modelling the EPIC values and upholding the highest standards of professional conduct as per the Staff Code of Conduct.

At Somerset Progressive School

Somerset Progressive School prides itself on being very unique. Both sites are set in rural locations on the outskirts of Taunton.  Each site offers an attractive and stimulating learning environment, combining specialised teaching facilities with local resources. 

There is a high staff to pupil ratio with most receiving 1:1 tuition or working in small groups.  Pupils are encouraged to work alongside others and co-operatively in pairs and small groups, as the development of social skills and independent work strategies are vital.

Key Responsibilities

• The Associate Headteacher is accountable to the Headteacher and Proprietor Body for operational leadership, safeguarding compliance, pupil outcomes, and adherence to the Staff Code of Conduct

• Support the Headteacher in establishing and sustaining the school’s ethos, culture, and strategic priorities

• Implement trauma-informed and therapeutic approaches in leadership and management

• The postholder will actively promote and embed the EPIC values (Excellence, Passion, Integrity, Caring) in all aspects of their work

• Oversee day-to-day school operations, including staffing, curriculum delivery, behaviour management, and pastoral care

• Deputising for the headteacher in their absence

• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, safeguarding policies, and health and safety regulations

• Support high standards of teaching and learning by monitoring classroom practice and pupil progress

• Collaborate with senior leaders to implement curriculum and assessment strategies

• Lead behaviour management strategies to maintain a safe, respectful, and orderly environment

• Ensure consistent application of the school’s behaviour policy and support pupils’ social and emotional development

• Engage with families and external agencies to support pupil wellbeing and attendance

• Promote a culture of vigilance and timely reporting of safeguarding concerns. • Support staff and pupils’ mental health and wellbeing initiatives. • Ensure compliance with Independent School Standards (Parts 3 and 5) and all relevant health and safety regulations

• Maintain effective communication with staff, pupils, parents, and external partners

• Represent the school in the Headteacher’s absence and participate in leadership meetings

• Support the Headteacher and governing body in school improvement and accountability processes

Requirements

• QTS/NPQSL is a requirement

• Proven leadership experience in operational school management or middle/senior leadership roles

• Strong understanding of safeguarding, behaviour management, curriculum, and trauma-informed practice

• Ability to lead teams, manage change, and model the Staff Code of Conduct

• Excellent interpersonal skills with staff, pupils, parents, and external agencies

• Commitment to professional conduct and safeguarding as per the Staff Code of Conduct

• Resilience, empathy, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement

Benefits of Joining Keys 

• NEST enhanced pension scheme

• Staff Referral Scheme – Refer a friend to join Keys 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

Keys Education is a national network of alternative learning solutions and pathways, designed to support learners with diverse needs to achieve their goals and realise their potential. It helps individuals with support needs build stability, resilience, and a sense of belonging through Connected Support.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are also committed to supporting the Armed Forces community through our Armed Forces Covenant.

Eligible candidates from military backgrounds are guaranteed an interview – please include details of your service on your CV.

Safeguarding

We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All posts require an enhanced DBS check.

More can be found about Keys and our Therapeutic Education Services here

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

Please note we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of suitable applications.

In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education an online search will be carried out on shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence checks.