Assistant Headteacher - Achievement and Careers

We're looking for an inspirational Assistant Head, Achievement and Careers to join our Senior Leadership Team and take strategic responsibility for achievement, assessment, qualifications, careers and destination outcomes across the school. Working alongside the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team, you'll use data, evidence and your understanding of individual learners to raise aspirations and strengthen outcomes. From ensuring the right qualifications are available to embedding meaningful careers education throughout the curriculum, your leadership will help connect what learners achieve today with where they can go tomorrow. What you'll be doing: This is a role with the opportunity to influence both whole school improvement and individual futures. You'll:

• Lead the school's strategy for achievement, assessment, qualifications and careers
• Oversee accredited qualifications, statutory assessments and examinations, ensuring learners have access to meaningful pathways
• Develop a high quality careers programme that supports preparation for adulthood, employment and future destinations
• Embed careers education throughout the curriculum, ensuring opportunities reflect individual strengths, needs and aspirations
• Monitor progress, achievement and destination outcomes, using data to identify priorities and drive improvement
• Oversee tracking, target setting and the monitoring of EHCP outcomes
• Support high quality teaching and learning through observations, learning walks, coaching and professional dialogue
• Develop and review policies relating to assessment, qualifications and careers
• Contribute to whole school improvement planning and self evaluation
• Coach, mentor and develop colleagues, helping build confidence and consistency across the school
• Build productive relationships with families, employers, external agencies and other stakeholders to create meaningful opportunities for learners
  
  We're looking for an educational leader who combines high expectations with a genuine understanding of individual pathways and success.
You'll need:
• GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4 or above, or equivalent
• Significant teaching and middle leadership experience
• Experience successfully leading whole school initiatives and improvement strategies
• Strong knowledge of assessment, progress tracking and using data to raise achievement
• Experience supporting pupils with SEND, including SEMH, Autism and complex learning needs
• A strong understanding of EHCPs, the SEND Code of Practice and inclusive education
• Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills
• The ability to inspire, coach and develop colleagues
• The confidence to work strategically while remaining connected to learners and everyday school practice
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is desirable.
  
  At Hemlock Stone School, we want every learner to leave us with more than progress on paper. We want them to have meaningful qualifications, greater confidence, clear aspirations and a pathway towards their next chapter., Hemlock Stone School in Stapleford, Nottinghamshire opened in March 2026, and caters for up to 66 pupils, providing a specialist learning environment for young people with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and Complex Needs.
For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care. We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running.

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" - mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
+ Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits + Hundreds of UK and international discounts + Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme + Critical illness cover + Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support