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Assistant Headteacher

Highfield School, Ossett, Yorkshire and the Humber

L9-13

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About the job

Highfield is a school which caters for students with severe and complex learning difficulties and autistic spectrum conditions. We provide a student-centred curriculum, delivered in an inclusive environment. Students develop their communication, independence and social skills to make good or better personal progress towards their EHCP outcomes. We prepare them for the responsibilities and experiences of adult life, building resilience opportunities throughout the curriculum.

The Governing Body of Highfield School are seeking to appoint an ambitious and inspirational Assistant Headteacher with a passion for learning, and with proven leadership and management skills, to join the leadership team in this specialist secondary school for pupils with a range of severe learning difficulties including those with autism, and those with complex learning difficulties and associated behaviours. We are looking for someone who demonstrates:

  • A proven track record in successful leadership of students with SEND
  • Commitment, drive and passion for improving outcomes for students with SEND
  • Ambition, enthusiasm, resilience and a desire to make a difference
  • Commitment to continuous professional development and a sound understanding of the demands and responsibilities of an Assistant Headteacher
  • Passion and commitment for the highest standards of achievement across the school
  • High expectations of what can be achieved with outstanding classroom practice
  • The ability to lead and motivate others

You will join a team of hardworking, friendly and committed staff, governing body and engaged parents. We offer a well-resourced environment and good opportunities for professional development. We can offer:

  • A comprehensive induction process
  • Automatic enrolment into the West Yorkshire Pension Scheme
  • Automatic enrolment into our Employee Wellbeing Programme
  • Motivated and hard-working students
  • A School which is ambitious and aspirational for all

Highfield School is wholly committed to ensuring children and young people are fully supported and safe. We are dedicated to the safeguarding of all children and young people whilst promoting their welfare. All appointments are made in accordance with safer recruitment practices and the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education. Online checks will be carried out on all shortlisted candidates, and all appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and checks regarding suitability to work with children.

About Highfield School

Type of school
Foundation special school
Ages
11 to 19
Pupils
210 (room for 210)
Free school meals
55.1% of pupils
SEN provision
SEN unit
Local authority
Wakefield
Address
Gawthorpe Lane, Ossett, WF5 9BS

Last inspected by Ofsted on 23 November 2023, before report cards were introduced. Read the report

Apply on Teaching Vacancies

More: Headteacher and senior leader jobs · Jobs in Yorkshire and the Humber

Jobs from Teaching Vacancies, the Department for Education’s free job service for schools, updated every night (last on 20 October 2026). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Pupil Protect doesn’t charge anyone to apply or to advertise.

School details from Get Information about Schools and Ofsted’s inspection data (as at 30 September 2026), under the Open Government Licence.

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