Assistant Head Teacher (with Teaching Responsibilities)

SEMH Primary and Lower KS3 Teacher / Assistant Head Teacher, Shaftesbury

September 2025

Are you an inspirational leader and outstanding practitioner with experience of teaching and supporting Primary and/or Lower Key Stage 3 pupils with Special Educational Needs? Do you have a passion for helping children overcome barriers to learning, and experience of teaching pupils with SEMH, NLD, ADHD, and other complex needs? Are you ready to take the next step in your leadership career?

We are seeking a dedicated and dynamic Assistant Head Teacher to play a key role within our Senior Leadership Team, with responsibilities across our SEMH provision. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated individual to help shape provision, drive quality, and lead both teaching and learning for Primary and Lower KS3 learners, while maintaining a teaching commitment.

You will lead by example, inspiring colleagues and supporting the continuous improvement of the learning experience for all our pupils. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on teaching (up to 50% allocated leadership time).

Key Leadership responsibilities

• Support the Deputy Head in operational leadership of SEMH provision.
• Develop and implement policies aligned with the School Development Plan.
• Lead curriculum delivery, teaching quality, and EHCP outcomes.
• Manage staff performance, induction, and CPD.
• Support admissions, transitions, and EHCP reviews.
• Deputise for the Deputy Head when required.
• Model outstanding teaching practice and drive innovation in curriculum design and delivery.

Over the last two years the school has been through positive changes and developments, with a new Headteacher, strengthened Senior Leadership Team, and a revised business strategy to support significant growth.

Our school 

Coombe House School is an independent special school for pupils aged 5–19 with SEMH, ASD, and complex needs, all with EHCPs. We take a therapeutic, relationship-based approach where behaviour is understood as communication. As an Assistant Head Teacher, you will work in a rewarding, though often challenging environment, helping pupils develop social, life, and independence skills while making a profound difference in their lives.



in order to achieve the best possible outcomes for our pupils we endeavour to take a holistic approach to their education. Very often this will mean thinking beyond the conventional educational experiences. This ensures that pupils are in the best possible position to lead successful adult lives beyond school.



All staff at Coombe House School demonstrate compassion, understanding and flexibility in their approach ensuring progression is central to all lessons whilst giving our pupils the confidence to grow as they progress. We believe passionately in supporting and nurturing our pupils as well as aspiring to provide them with outstanding and creative learning opportunities.

If you are ready to shape outstanding SEMH provision through inspiring leadership and creative teaching, we invite you to apply. We welcome visits from prospective applicants ahead of the closing date – please contact Claire Taylor, Assistant HR Manager on 01747 449858, to discuss a potential date.

Coombe House School is located at the eastern edge of Shaftesbury. The school enjoys a secluded setting within its grounds (55 acres). What Coombe House School can offer you:  

• Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
• Competitive salary: Main and upper pay range (DOE) + SEN Allowance + an additional responsibility allowance of £5834.15.
• Continuous professional development and training.
• Health Care Plan after probation period - claim back costs towards dental check-ups, eye tests, prescription charges and therapies.
• Opportunities for leadership development and contribution to whole-school improvement.
• Access to a free, confidential employee assistance programme. 
• A workplace set in beautiful surroundings.
• Use of leisure facilities (gym and swimming pool) at specific times.
• Highly supportive leadership team, colleagues and working alongside a multi-disciplinary team of other SEN Specialists.
• Class sizes up to 8 pupils.
• The opportunity to play an integral part at the next phase of the schools’ unique journey.

If you are seeking a leadership role where you can make a real difference and have a desire to shape and develop outstanding SEMH provision within a nurturing and therapeutic setting, we would love to hear from you. Deadline for applications: Wednesday 21 May 2025

We will not accept speculative CVs through agencies for this appointment. Direct applications only. 

Please see the job description & person specification for further information. as well as visiting the school’s website - https://coombehouseschool.org.uk 

We are committed to safeguarding and expect everyone who works in our school (and visitors to our school) to share this commitment. We take all safeguarding and welfare concerns seriously and encourage our pupils to talk to us about any worries they may have. We will always act in the best interests of the child. The successful applicant must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS.