Assistant Headteacher

About us

Welcombe Hills is an all-age broad-spectrum special school in Warwickshire. The school is based across two sites in Stratford Upon Avon, with our dedicated 6th Form Hub being just under 2 miles away from the main school site. We are an integral part of Unity MAT, which is a small, ambitious trust comprising of ourselves and 2 other similar special schools. Our collaborative working means that we have a shared understanding of the challenges and issues that our schools face and can work together to find solutions. The schools are supported by a strong Core Team who provide dedicated support services across the Trust.

What we need

We are looking to appoint a high performing practitioner preferably with leadership experience at a senior or middle leadership level. You will share our vision to develop the school into a centre of excellence in special education. You will have the knowledge and experience to support the Head Teacher in shaping the school's practice and quality of education and move it forward at pace. The ideal candidate will be a trained SENCO or be willing to undertake training to work towards this and have demonstrable experience of working with pupils with a range of special education needs, however we recognise that staff working in mainstream settings have transferrable skills and therefore special schools experience is not an essential requirement.

You should share our ambition for every child to achieve their full potential regardless of the complexity of their needs, in addition to having:

• a collaborative approach to being part of an ambitious and growing Trust
• the ability to work strategically as part of the Senior Leadership Team
• the drive to lead/support the future development of the school
• the skills to motivate and inspire by being a visible leader
• the ability to support the delivery of a diverse curriculum which meets the needs of all pupils
• a comprehensive understanding of what makes the quality of education exemplary
• an outward facing approach in order to build and develop relationships and partnership working
• excellent communication skills, emotional intelligence, resilience and a positive attitude

What we offer

• the opportunity to make a difference
• enthusiastic, friendly and engaged pupils who are keen to learn
• a supportive community of families and external partners
• a friendly and inclusive working environment
• talented, dedicated and hardworking colleagues and SLT team
• comprehensive induction and probation support

Reward & Benefits

We offer:

• A competitive salary
• Access to the Teacher Pension Scheme & significant employer contribution
• Excellent training and development opportunities, including full access to the National College courses and webinars
• Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme (including GP helpline, financial & legal advice line and carer support for employee and household members)
• Well being app & staff discounts
• Occupational Health Service
• Family friendly and Employee Health & Well being policies
• Free parking

Key Dates

Closing Date: Friday 24th April
Shortlisting: Following closing date
Interview Date: 7th/8th May 2026
Anticipated start date: 1st September 2026
Provisional dates and may be subject to change.

Informal Contact

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Mel Lines, Head Teacher on or email .
Visits to the school are encouraged and these can be arranged by contacting the school via the details above.

Safer Recruitment

Unity MAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We follow robust safer recruitment processes, including online searches, during all recruitment. Please see application pack for further details
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and is eligible for an enhanced DBS check including a Children's Barring List Check.
It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from candidates of all ages, backgrounds and those with disabilities.

Application Forms

Applications must be made using an official application form. CVs will not be accepted.
Application forms must be sent by email to before the closing date detailed above.
We reserve the right to close the recruitment early if a large volume of suitable applications are received.

Further information

Application packs including Job Description, Person Specification, Guidance for Applicants and Application Form can be obtained from our websites 's or