Assistant Headteacher – Behaviour, Attendance, Mental Health & Wellbeing

(including DDSL & Pupil Leadership)

Inspire. Challenge. Make a Difference.

St. John’s C of E Middle School Academy is seeking to appoint an outstanding and highly motivated Assistant Headteacher to join our Senior Leadership Team. This is a significant leadership opportunity for an experienced and passionate professional to shape a safe, inclusive and aspirational school culture where all pupils can thrive.

This pivotal role brings together strategic leadership of behaviour, attendance, mental health and wellbeing, alongside key responsibilities as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) and leadership of pupil voice and leadership opportunities, including the prefect system.

Why Join St. John’s?

At St. John’s, we pride ourselves on being a high-achieving, welcoming and inclusive school community where every child is encouraged to flourish academically, socially and spiritually. As a Church of England school, our ethos is rooted in strong Christian values, ensuring we nurture the whole child and support every pupil to grow with confidence and compassion.

As part of The Spire Church of England Learning Trust, we offer:

• A supportive and collaborative leadership team
• High-quality professional development and career progression
• A strong culture of innovation, creativity and continuous improvement
• The opportunity to make a genuine impact across the whole school community

About the Role

Strategic Leadership

• Lead and develop a whole-school behaviour strategy rooted in relational and restorative practice
• Drive improvements in attendance through robust systems and targeted intervention
• Embed a proactive and inclusive whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing
• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, supporting safeguarding systems, referrals and training
• Use data effectively to evaluate impact and inform strategic improvement

Behaviour and Culture

• Ensure consistent implementation of the school behaviour policy
• Support staff in maintaining high expectations and positive relationships
• Oversee internal exclusion, reflection and reintegration processes
• Strengthen engagement with pupils and families

Attendance

• Line manage the attendance team and oversee daily systems
• Lead early help and multi-agency work
• Develop targeted strategies for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups
• Report attendance trends to SLT, governors and external partners

Mental Health & Wellbeing

• Lead the school’s mental health and wellbeing strategy
• Line manage pastoral and wellbeing staff
• Deliver staff training on mental health and trauma-informed practice
• Oversee wellbeing initiatives for pupils and staff

Safeguarding (DDSL)

• Support the DSL with safeguarding concerns, referrals and multi-agency work
• Maintain accurate safeguarding records
• Deliver safeguarding training and updates
• Contribute to safeguarding audits and compliance

Pupil Leadership

• Lead and develop pupil leadership opportunities across the school
• Oversee the prefect system, including recruitment and training
• Promote meaningful pupil voice and participation
• Embed leadership opportunities across the curriculum and wider school life

Leadership & Management

• Contribute to whole-school strategic planning as a member of SLT
• Line manage staff and lead performance management processes
• Promote a positive, supportive and professional staff culture
• Lead assemblies, parent workshops and community engagement
• Deputise for the Headteacher when required

If you would like further information or an informal discussion, please contact the  Deputy Headteacher