Assistant Headteacher - Curriculum and Quality of Education

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Job Title: Assistant Headteacher - Curriculum and Quality of Education
Location: Copper Fields School, Gunnislake, PL18 9EH
Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | Mon 8.30am - 5pm, Tue - Fri 8.30am - 4.30pm
Salary: Up to £48,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: January 2027- Sooner if possible

UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the direction of our curriculum and wider school provision, creating a personalised curriculum that brings our school vision to life and ensures every pupil has the opportunity to thrive.

Working closely with the Headteacher, you’ll help shape our strategic direction, strengthen teaching and learning, develop our staff and drive whole-school improvement. You’ll be a visible and influential leader, helping to create a culture of high expectations, collaboration and continuous improvement.

And while you’ll be leading strategically, you’ll also continue to do what you love most. The role includes a classroom-based teaching commitment, giving you the opportunity to lead through outstanding practice, remain close to pupils and use your own expertise to influence teaching and learning across the whole school.

What You'll Be Doing

• Work with the Headteacher to shape the school’s vision, curriculum and strategic direction.
• Lead school improvement, using assessment and pupil progress data to drive positive outcomes.
• Champion high-quality teaching, modelling best practice and supporting colleagues to develop.
• Promote high expectations, positive behaviour and an inclusive culture where every pupil can thrive.
• Lead, line manage and develop staff, supporting performance, wellbeing and professional growth.
• Work collaboratively with families, professionals, governors and external partners.
• Support safeguarding, risk management and the effective day-to-day running of the school.
• Take on wider leadership responsibilities as delegated by the Headteacher.

The role may also include a teaching commitment of up to 70%, providing you with the opportunity to remain close to classroom practice while influencing teaching and learning across the wider school.

Who We’re Looking For

• QTS, a degree and NPQSL (or equivalent leadership experience) required.
• Proven school leadership, teaching and line management experience.
• Experience of staff development, performance management and school improvement.
• A strong understanding of high-quality teaching and the ability to model it for others.
• Excellent communication, organisation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate.
• Confidence using assessment, data and IT to inform decision-making.
• A strong commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, equality and achieving the best outcomes for every pupil.

About Us

Copper Fields School is a specialist co-educational school in Gunnislake, Cornwall, supporting pupils aged 4–16 with autism, communication and language needs, and additional complex needs. In a nurturing and inclusive environment, pupils 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 pupils 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 pupils 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 pupils 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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