Associate Headteacher – New Specialist School
Location: Colchester
Salary: £55,000 – £65,000 + Bonus Scheme (up to 24% of annual salary)
An exciting and rare opportunity has arisen for an exceptional Associate Headteacher to join a brand-new specialist school in Colchester, supporting children and young people aged 8–16 with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and Social, Emotional & Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
You will play a pivotal part in shaping a new provision from the ground up, embedding a nurturing, aspirational culture from day one.
About the Role
As Associate Headteacher, you will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership and management of the school, ensuring an exceptional standard of education, behaviour, safeguarding, and wellbeing across the whole provision.
You will work closely with and report directly to the Executive Headteacher, who will provide ongoing support, strategic direction, and mentoring as the school grows.
Key responsibilities include:
Leading on all aspects of daily school operations
Building, developing, and inspiring a brand-new multidisciplinary staff team
Maintaining a safe, supportive, and high-quality learning environment
Ensuring the delivery of a personalised, therapeutic curriculum for learners with ASC and SEMH
Embedding strong safeguarding, compliance, and quality assurance processes
Driving a culture of high expectations, inclusion, and continuous improvement
Working collaboratively with parents, carers, external agencies and wider trust colleagues
About You
We’re seeking an ambitious, resilient and passionate leader who is motivated by the chance to make a real difference. You will have:
Proven senior leadership experience in a specialist ASC or SEMH setting
Strong knowledge of ASC, SEMH and trauma-informed practice
Excellent team-building, communication and coaching skills
The ability to establish culture, systems and routines from scratch
What’s on Offer
Salary £55,000 – £65,000 (dependent on experience)
Up to 24% performance-related bonus scheme
Full support and mentorship from an Executive Headteacher
The unique opportunity to shape a new school and influence its long-term success
Excellent CPD and career development within a growing organisation
Contact Details:
To apply, or for more information and an informal confidential discussion please contact Jordanna Osborn at 02394211147 or josborn@compassltd.co.uk
Compass Recruitment Solutions Ltd is acting as a Recruitment Consultancy for this permanent vacancy; we offer £200 John Lewis vouchers for each successful recommendation.
