Recruitment

Current Vacancies

Compass School is a specialist Alternative Provision for pupils (KS1 – KS4) who require additional support because of exclusion or other reasons and who would not otherwise access education in a mainstream school. We aim to encourage and foster a motivation for learning that will stay with pupils throughout their future.

At the heart of our approach is a rooted commitment to recognising and addressing the diverse needs of our students, many of whom have faced unique challenges that have impacted their learning journey.

In acknowledging the importance of forging strong connections between students, staff, and the broader school community, we embrace a Trauma informed and relational approach. We believe that positive relationships are fundamental to effective teaching and learning. By prioritising connection and understanding, we aim to create an atmosphere where students feel safe, valued, and supported on their educational path.

At Compass School we aim to remove any barriers to learning and give all pupils a positive learning experience that equips them for a successful future.

Assistant Headteacher

Compass School

Post: Assistant Headteacher – Curriculum, Teaching and Achievement

Pay scale: Leadership pay scale 8-11

At the heart of our approach is a rooted commitment to recognising and addressing the diverse needs of our pupils, many of whom have faced unique challenges that have impacted their learning journey.

In acknowledging the importance of forging strong connections between pupils, staff, and the broader school community, we embrace a Trauma informed approach with nurture at the heart of practice. We believe that positive relationships are fundamental to effective teaching and learning. By prioritising connection and understanding, we aim to create an atmosphere where pupils feel safe, valued, and supported on their educational path.

At Compass School we aim to remove any barriers to learning and give all pupils a positive learning experience that equips them for a successful future.

At our most recent Ofsted in 2024, we retained our “Good” grading.

We are looking for a Assistant Headteacher who has a genuine passion for transforming the lives of disengaged, at risk and vulnerable young people.

Our provision is an exciting place to work with a great level of reward and job satisfaction.

To support our journey of school improvement we are looking to appoint an Assistant Headteacher who can teach a variety of subjects across Key Stages 1-4. This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious professional with a drive and passion for education, to demonstrate whole school impact alongside a class teaching commitment.

Job Purpose:

To lead, manage and contribute to the strategic direction of Compass School as part of the leadership team
To promote Compass School’s ethos, aims and core values in order to ensure the welfare, progress and continued development of the school and its children and young people
To lead and manage the staff team(s) to develop outstanding practice, quality educational opportunities and improved outcomes for all pupils

Key areas of responsibility:

To contribute and lead on whole school priorities as a part of our school improvement plan including Disciplinary Literacy
To successfully fulfil the role of line manager across a variety of subjects including: taking responsibility for leading and managing a staff team, overseeing pupil progress and reporting
To evaluate the standards of teaching and learning through Performance Management, and a Coaching model ensuring that proper standards of professional practice are established and maintained within the educational provision of the school
To oversee and coordinate the Vocational Offer at Compass School including the role of Standards Verifier and leading on work sampling and moderation
To support in the drive to improve our quality of education including Learning Walks, Book Looks and delivering staff CPD
To attend and contribute to Extended Leadership meetings as well as others that are relevant
Any other reasonable task at the Headteacher’s discretion

We are proud of our pupils and their achievements and we are looking for a dynamic and versatile Leader who has the following skill set:

Has leadership experience with a proven track record of progress against their roles and responsibilities
Has excellent organisation, communication and interpersonal skills
Has a passion for building strong relationships with staff and pupils as well as leading developmental conversations
The ability to contribute to whole school development, bring about change and impact

Has experience teaching in either a Primary or a Secondary setting
Has experience teaching a primary model through project-based learning and/or has experience teaching a variety of subjects
Is flexible, creative and easily able to adapt to the changing needs of our busy school environment
Has the ability to plan and deliver engaging and exciting lessons to meet the diverse needs of our pupils
Has a desire to continuously develop their pedagogy and practice in line with current research to ensure the best pupil learning experience for our children

Compass School offer a range of benefits including:

Frequent Continuous Professional Learning and development
Free daily breakfast
Free tea/coffee and squash
Free onsite parking
Employee Assistance Scheme
Staff medical cabinet
Half termly cakes and cooked breakfast
Accrued inset days, taken as Twilight sessions giving staff an additional 2 days off a year

Informal enquiries should be directed to Luisa Whittick or Lacey Weeks, Deputy Headteachers, via email at luisa.whittick@compass-school.net or lacey.weeks@compass-school.net

Please download the application form at the bottom and email it to maria.hughes@compass-school.net

We reserve the right to interview candidates at a mutually convenient time as applications arrive.

Please be aware that all applicants will be subject to an online search prior to interview.

Closing date: Monday 13^th April 2026, 3pm

Pastoral Lead

Contract: Full-time, Term time only
Key Stages: KS1 – KS4

Salary: Grade 7 role £27,436 - £31,117 pro rata

Closing date: 30th April 2026

At Compass School, we are a specialist Alternative Provision dedicated to supporting pupils who have been permanently excluded, are at risk of exclusion, or are unable to access mainstream education. Our pupils often face complex challenges that affect their learning and wellbeing. That’s why we place positive relationships, trauma-informed practice, and relational approaches at the core of everything we do.

We are committed to helping every young person overcome barriers, feel valued, and achieve success.

Purpose of the Role

As Pastoral Lead, you will take a key leadership role in promoting positive social and emotional wellbeing and fostering a safe, supportive school climate. You will help ensure that all pupils are able to engage meaningfully with learning across the school day.

You will also take a leading role in supporting the implementation of our positive behaviour for learning policy and enhancing the culture of respect, aspiration, and belonging at Compass School.

Key Responsibilities

Establish supportive, caring, and secure relationships with pupils, promoting respect, self-esteem, and a positive, inclusive school ethos.
Lead and model a restorative practice approach across the school.
Actively improve outcomes for pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) difficulties, helping them to build confidence and aspiration.
Lead pupil voice initiatives, ensuring that pupils have meaningful opportunities to shape their school experience.
Provide a positive presence across the school site, including corridors and outdoor spaces.
Collaborate with teaching staff to help pupils engage in learning, responding effectively to their individual academic, emotional, and behavioural needs.
Support pupils through individual and small group interventions, as well as in-class support.
Monitor and record pupil progress and behaviour outcomes, contributing to the ongoing development of pupil plans.
Lead purposeful activities during unstructured times of the day, including the coordination of staff.
Lead whole zone staff meetings to review pupil engagement and plan targeted actions.
Engage and communicate with parents and carers, providing support to improve pupil engagement and learning.
Review and implement effective behaviour management procedures.
Provide welfare support, including administering First Aid and supporting personal/medical needs (training provided).
Take lead Fire Marshal responsibilities (training provided).

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking a passionate, proactive and compassionate leader who:

Has experience working with pupils with SEMH needs and/or within an Alternative Provision setting.
Demonstrates a strong understanding of trauma-informed and relational practice.
Has excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and inspire pupils and staff alike.
Is confident in leading positive behaviour approaches and restorative practices.
Has a clear commitment to improving outcomes for young people who face barriers to learning.
Is a team player who can work collaboratively with staff, pupils, families, and external partners.

Why Join Compass School?

Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable pupils
Be part of a highly supportive and values-driven team
Benefit from ongoing professional development
Help to shape a truly inclusive, aspirational school culture
Work in an environment where relationships and wellbeing are at the heart of success

If you are passionate about helping young people thrive and want to lead meaningful change in a nurturing school community, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now and be part of our journey at Compass School

Any enquires, please contact Sally Howells on 02380 215320 or via email sally.howells@compass-school.net

Application Procedure

If you would like to have a tour of the school or find out more about the school then please contact the school directly on 02380 215320. Alternatively please contact Maria Hughes, School Business Manager on maria.hughes@compass-school.net if you would like any further information.