About This Role
The Proprietor of Abbotsholme School invites applications for the post of Assistant Headteacher, effective 1st September 2026.
Abbotsholme https://www.abbotsholme.co.uk/ is a non-selective independent, co-educational, day and international boarding school, situated close to Uttoxeter, with buildings and grounds regarded as some of the most attractive of any school in England.
Abbotsholme was established in 1889 by the visionary Dr. Cecil Reddie, a leading educationalist in the progressive schools movement and the main building is a beautiful red-brick Arts & Crafts edifice, with many original features throughout. The Chapel, with its original jewel-like stained glass, is a significant historic asset, featuring many motifs and fascinating imagery which have become intrinsic to the Abbotsholme story.
Currently educating children aged 2-18, the school received an excellent report from the Independent Schools Inspectorate in April 2024: https://www.isi.net/reports.
The school benefits from ambitious and supportive ownership through the Achieve Group. Abbotsholme prides itself on a caring, family atmosphere, where staff know each pupil and academic excellence is supported through outstanding, individualised pastoral care. Academic results are exceptional and pupils go on to enjoy great success at university and beyond.
The Assistant Headteacher we seek…..
The children and staff at Abbotsholme are looking for an ambitious and personable individual who will assist the school in its next stage of successful development..
You will have the energy, skills, resilience and resourcefulness to work through others with the best interests of the children at heart. Your passion for the school will enthuse all staff and you will have a first-rate understanding of the important metrics that demonstrate both academic progress and pastoral excellence in an environment of continuous improvement.
Your role will assist the Deputy Headteacher and Headteacher delivering academic excellence for our pupils and support our teachers through guidance, support and the setting of challenging goals.
Key Responsibilities
1. Academic Leadership
To support the development, implementation, and evaluation of the school’s academic strategy.
Monitor and improve student attainment and progress across all subjects and year groups.
Use data analysis to identify trends, gaps, and areas for improvement.
Promote high expectations for academic achievement and a culture of excellence.
2. Curriculum Development
To support the design, implementation, and review of a broad, balanced, and ambitious curriculum.
Ensure the curriculum meets statutory requirements and aligns with national standards.
Work with Departments to maintain high-quality schemes of work and learning resources.
Ensure curriculum continuity and progression across year groups.
3. Teaching and Learning
Lead initiatives to improve the quality of teaching and learning across the school.
Support and challenge teaching staff through lesson observations, feedback, and coaching.
Promote evidence-informed teaching practices and innovative learning strategies.
Coordinate professional development related to pedagogy and academic outcomes.
4. Assessment and Data
To oversee the school’s assessment framework and reporting processes.
Ensure accurate tracking of student progress and timely interventions where needed.
Analyse internal and external examination results to drive improvement strategies.
Report academic performance to senior leaders, governors, and other stakeholders.
5. Student Achievement and Support
Ensure effective systems are in place to support high achievement for all learners.
Work with pastoral and SEND teams to remove barriers to learning.
Promote inclusion and equal opportunities in academic provision.
6. Whole-School Leadership
Contribute to the strategic direction and leadership of the school as part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT).
Participate in school self-evaluation and improvement planning.
Represent the school in academic partnerships and networks.
Undertake other duties appropriate to the role as directed by the Headteacher.
Supporting the management and running of events within the school.
Our ongoing holistic approach to an all round education will inspire you to be creative and passionate in how we achieve our vision.
The successful candidate is most likely to be educated to degree level and working towards a professional leadership qualification such as NPQH, or qualify for the Assistant Headteacher role through extensive and relevant experience. Abbotsholme welcomes applications from all backgrounds and will make all reasonable adjustments to allow for the equal treatment of all candidates at interview and when taking up the post. Candidates requiring any assistance at interview should request this after an offer for interview is confirmed by the school.
Application Process
Please contact the school to request an application form on 01889 590217 or email Susan Riley at s.riley@abbotsholme.co.uk
Complete the application form and return it to Susan Riley by email, including a copy of your CV and a covering letter of explaining your suitability for the role.
We reserve the right to make an appointment before the closing date, so early applications are advised. Previous applicants need not to apply.
If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that unfortunately, on this occasion, your application has not been successful.
Safeguarding
Abbotsholme School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All positions are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online check.
GDPR personal data notice
According to GDPR guidelines, we are only able to process your Sensitive Personal Data (racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, genetic data, biometric data, health, sex life, or sexual orientation) with your express consent. You will be asked to complete a consent form when you apply and please do not include any Sensitive Personal Data (although this can be included in your covering letter if you wish to do so), remembering also not to include contact details for referees without their prior consent.
Child Protection statement
We recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils. We endeavor to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued. We will be alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follow our procedures to ensure that children receive effective support, protection and justice. The procedures contained in this policy apply to all staff, volunteers and governors.
Because of the nature of the work for which you are applying, this post is exempt from section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. The amendments to the ROA 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975, (2013 and 2020)). It is not, therefore, in any way contrary to the Act to reveal any information concerning convictions which would otherwise be considered as “spent” in relation to the applicant’s suitability for employment. Any such information will be kept in strict confidence and only used in consideration of the suitability of the applicant for such a position where such an exemption is appropriate.
If you are shortlisted for the role, you are therefore required to declare all convictions, cautions or bind-overs you may have, or have had in the past, even if they would otherwise be regarded as “spent” under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.’
Equal opportunities
We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all colleagues.