Assistant Headteacher
| Posting date: | 25 April 2026 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 15 May 2026 |
| Location: | Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN23 8EJ |
| Company: | Teaching Vacancies |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 38d354b7-9cd2-42b1-be0e-75dace030334 |
Summary
What skills and experience we're looking for
The successful applicant will:
• Have a proven and successful track record of leading a key stage, particularly PMLD
• Have an in-depth understanding of special education, including complex medical needs
• Have energy and commitment and be capable of achieving great outcomes for pupils / students
• Bring excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate others
• Be determined to achieve the very best for everyone involved with our inclusive and forward-thinking Trust and be committed to working in partnership with a range of stakeholders
• Have experience of managing a school site, if the Headteacher is off site.
What the school offers its staff
Hazel Court School is a special school in Eastbourne for young people aged 11 to 19 with moderate, severe and complex learning difficulties, including autism. It is part of The Southfield Trust and operates across a secondary site (11–16) and a further education department (16–19). Hazel Court School provides a safe, nurturing and highly personalised learning environment where pupils can develop academically, socially and emotionally. The focus is on helping students make meaningful progress, build independence, improve communication skills and prepare for adulthood at a pace suited to their individual needs.
The Southfield Trust is a forward-thinking and compassionate Trust dedicated to providing high-quality education and support for children with special needs. We operate a network of specialised schools in Eastbourne, East Sussex, which provide tailored educational experiences to ensure every child reaches their full potential.
We are seeking to strengthen leadership across our outstanding multi‑academy trust, we are looking to appoint a full‑time, permanent Assistant Headteacher for Hazel Court from September 2026, who will make a significant contribution to the school’s leadership team.
They will support the planning and delivery of teaching and learning, working alongside the Headteacher who retains strategic responsibility. This opportunity will enable the successful candidate to work with a skilled leadership and management team. It also provides the chance to make a difference more broadly, via the work of the Trust, improving the learning experiences and life chances for young people.
Why Join Us?
• Be part of a skilled, supportive and dedicated leadership team committed to making a difference in the lives of children with special educational needs.
• Improve the learning experiences and life chances of young people.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• The chance to shape the future of a growing and innovative educational trust.
• Salary - Leadership Scale. L9 - L14
• Permanent, Full time contract.
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
The successful applicant will:
• Have a proven and successful track record of leading a key stage, particularly PMLD
• Have an in-depth understanding of special education, including complex medical needs
• Have energy and commitment and be capable of achieving great outcomes for pupils / students
• Bring excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to motivate others
• Be determined to achieve the very best for everyone involved with our inclusive and forward-thinking Trust and be committed to working in partnership with a range of stakeholders
• Have experience of managing a school site, if the Headteacher is off site.
What the school offers its staff
Hazel Court School is a special school in Eastbourne for young people aged 11 to 19 with moderate, severe and complex learning difficulties, including autism. It is part of The Southfield Trust and operates across a secondary site (11–16) and a further education department (16–19). Hazel Court School provides a safe, nurturing and highly personalised learning environment where pupils can develop academically, socially and emotionally. The focus is on helping students make meaningful progress, build independence, improve communication skills and prepare for adulthood at a pace suited to their individual needs.
The Southfield Trust is a forward-thinking and compassionate Trust dedicated to providing high-quality education and support for children with special needs. We operate a network of specialised schools in Eastbourne, East Sussex, which provide tailored educational experiences to ensure every child reaches their full potential.
We are seeking to strengthen leadership across our outstanding multi‑academy trust, we are looking to appoint a full‑time, permanent Assistant Headteacher for Hazel Court from September 2026, who will make a significant contribution to the school’s leadership team.
They will support the planning and delivery of teaching and learning, working alongside the Headteacher who retains strategic responsibility. This opportunity will enable the successful candidate to work with a skilled leadership and management team. It also provides the chance to make a difference more broadly, via the work of the Trust, improving the learning experiences and life chances for young people.
Why Join Us?
• Be part of a skilled, supportive and dedicated leadership team committed to making a difference in the lives of children with special educational needs.
• Improve the learning experiences and life chances of young people.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• The chance to shape the future of a growing and innovative educational trust.
• Salary - Leadership Scale. L9 - L14
• Permanent, Full time contract.
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.