Assistant Head Teacher - Inclusion (Secondary)
Location: Tower Hamlets
Start Date: 2nd November 2026
Contract: Maternity Cover
Salary: £358 - £410 per day PAYE
Parker Smith Inclusion is working in partnership with a forward-thinking, mainstream secondary school based in Tower Hamlets to recruit an inspiring Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion on a maternity cover basis, starting 2nd November 2026 (Autumn Term 2).
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and values-driven school leader who is passionate about ensuring every young person receives the support, challenge and opportunities they need to thrive. We are looking for a leader who can combine strategic thinking with a visible, hands-on approach, helping to create a school culture where inclusion, wellbeing, high expectations and academic achievement go hand in hand.
The Role
As Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion, you will play a key role within the Senior Leadership Team, leading and strengthening inclusion, pastoral provision and behaviour across the school. You will work closely with senior leaders, staff, pupils, parents and external partners to ensure that all students feel safe, valued and able to access an ambitious education.
You will help drive school improvement, promote consistent and inclusive practice, and ensure that pupils who require additional support are identified early and receive effective provision.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Leading and developing pastoral and inclusion systems to ensure provision is safe, consistent and effective.
- Overseeing SEND provision, ensuring pupils with additional needs are supported to access the curriculum and make meaningful progress.
- Promoting positive behaviour for learning through evidence-informed approaches, fair and consistent expectations, positive reinforcement and appropriate adaptations for pupils with SEND.
- Monitoring attendance, punctuality, wellbeing and student progress, ensuring barriers to learning are identified and addressed.
- Supporting safeguarding and pastoral care, helping to maintain a calm, safe and inclusive school environment.
- Leading on admissions, transitions and appropriate interventions to support pupils' successful integration and progression.
- Working closely with parents and carers to strengthen communication, engagement and partnership.
- Supporting Year Team and Faculty Leaders, providing effective line management, guidance and professional development.
- Using data, assessment and monitoring processes to evaluate provision, challenge underachievement and improve outcomes.
- Contributing to the School Improvement Plan, quality assurance processes and wider strategic development.
- Working collaboratively with colleagues across different phases and partner schools to share good practice and improve provision.
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for an experienced, values-driven school leader who is passionate about inclusion and committed to developing exceptional SEND practice across the school.
To be considered for this role, you must have:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- A minimum of five years’ teaching experience.
- At least three years’ leadership experience within an educational setting.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of curriculum design, adaptation and modification to ensure pupils with SEND can access ambitious, meaningful and appropriately differentiated learning.
- Experience of leading or developing inclusion, SEND provision, pastoral systems or behaviour strategies within a school.
We are particularly keen to hear from candidates who:
- Are genuine champions for inclusion and believe every pupil deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their individual needs or circumstances.
- Have a strong understanding of high-quality SEND practice and are passionate about developing, embedding and sharing approaches that improve outcomes for pupils with additional needs.
- Can translate their understanding of SEND into practical improvements in curriculum access, teaching, assessment and intervention.
- Understand how to identify and remove barriers to learning, ensuring pupils receive the right support without compromising high expectations.
- Can lead strategically while remaining visible, approachable and actively involved in the day-to-day life of the school.
- Have experience coaching, mentoring and developing colleagues to strengthen inclusive teaching and learning across teams.
- Can use data, assessment and evidence-informed practice to evaluate provision, challenge underachievement and drive school improvement.
- Understand the importance of safeguarding, pupil wellbeing, positive behaviour approaches and strong relationships with families.
- Communicate confidently with staff, parents, carers and external professionals, building a shared commitment to inclusion and pupil progress.
Above all, we are looking for a leader who will champion inclusion, challenge practice where necessary and inspire colleagues to deliver the very best provision for pupils with SEND. You will be someone who understands that inclusion is not simply a policy or a department, but a responsibility shared by the whole school community.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
This is an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a school community during a key period of leadership, working alongside colleagues who are committed to high standards, collaboration and positive outcomes for all pupils.
The maternity cover provides the chance to bring your experience, ideas and leadership to an established team, strengthen existing provision and make a tangible difference to pupils' educational experiences.
This role is interviewing immediately therefore if you're interested and available pelase get in touch with Elise @ Parker Smith Inclusion, 0203 011 4848.