Assistant Headteacher - Behaviour and Attendance

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Job Title: Assistant Headteacher - Behaviour and Attendance
Location: Copper Fields School, Gunnislake, PL18 9EH
Hours: 40 per week | Monday 8.30am - 5.00pm, Tuesday to Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm
Salary: Up to £52,000.00 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Contract: Fixed Term (until January 2028) | Term Time Only
Start: January 2027 or earlier if possible
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

We are looking for an ambitious and inspirational Assistant Headteacher - Behaviour and Attendance to join our Senior Leadership Team and play a pivotal role in shaping a positive, inclusive and aspirational school culture.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to influence whole-school practice, drive improvement and make a lasting difference to student outcomes. Working closely with the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher, you will provide both strategic and operational leadership across behaviour, attitudes and attendance, ensuring every student is supported to engage, achieve and thrive.

As a key member of the leadership team, you will lead the development and implementation of effective behaviour and attendance strategies, embed consistent systems and high expectations across the school, and promote a culture where respect, inclusion and achievement are at the heart of everything we do.

You will also play a pivotal role in shaping the direction of the curriculum and wider school provision, helping to create a personalised curriculum that brings our vision to life and ensures every student can thrive. Continuing to do what you love most, teaching, you will maintain a classroom-based commitment alongside your leadership responsibilities, leading through exemplary practice while driving whole-school improvement.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading whole-school strategy for behaviour, attitudes and attendance
• Driving a positive, safe and inclusive school culture built on clear expectations and strong relationships
• Supporting the strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the school
• Line managing, coaching and developing staff to achieve high standards and positive outcomes
• Monitoring attendance, behaviour and student engagement, using data to inform improvement
• Working closely with students, families and external agencies to provide effective support
• Contributing to school improvement planning and the ongoing development of policies, systems and procedures
• Supporting curriculum development and helping shape a personalised learning experience for all students
• Promoting high-quality teaching, learning and curriculum provision across the school
• Ensuring effective safeguarding, student welfare and risk management practices are maintained

This role is available for a January 2027 start, or sooner for the right candidate.

About You

You are a passionate, resilient and reflective leader with a proven ability to inspire others, build positive relationships and drive meaningful improvement. You are committed to creating an environment where every student feels supported, valued and able to succeed.

Whether you are an ambitious middle or senior leader ready to take the next step in your career, or an experienced senior leader looking for the opportunity to shape the future direction of a school and its curriculum, this role offers the chance to make a genuine and lasting difference.

You will bring strong leadership experience, a clear understanding of behaviour and attendance improvement, and the ability to influence culture through high expectations, consistency and positive role modelling.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or a relevant teaching qualification (desirable).
• GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent).
• Significant experience within a leadership, pastoral, behaviour or attendance-focused role.
• A strong understanding of effective behaviour systems and strategies that improve attendance and engagement.
• The ability to lead, motivate and develop staff, fostering accountability and professional growth.
• Excellent communication, organisation and interpersonal skills.
• Experience using data to evaluate impact and drive improvement.
• A commitment to inclusive practice and ensuring all students can access and succeed within the curriculum.
• High levels of professionalism, integrity and emotional intelligence.
• A genuine passion for improving outcomes and life chances for students.

This role would suit an ambitious leader who is ready to take the next step in their career and play a key role in shaping the future direction and success of the school.

About Us

Copper Fields School is a specialist co-educational school in Gunnislake, Cornwall, supporting students aged 4–16 with autism, communication and language needs, and additional complex needs. In a nurturing and inclusive environment, students receive personalised support to develop academically, socially, and emotionally. Our broad and balanced curriculum, enriched by outdoor learning and local community experiences, fosters independence, confidence, and personal growth. Copper Fields celebrates every individual, empowering students to achieve their best outcomes and prepare for life beyond school.

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place students and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
• • Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
  • Hundreds of UK and international discounts
  • Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
  • Critical illness cover
  • Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

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