Job Title: Assistant Head Teacher (Autism Specialist) Location: Barnet, London Salary: £44,128 – £56,154 per annum (M4 – U3) Job Type: Full Time, Temporary Start Date: 01 September 2026 Salary will be determined based on experience and position on the Main Pay Range. The maximum salary is applicable to candidates with substantial teaching experience equivalent to U3.

About the Role

Teach Now is delighted to be recruiting for an exceptional Assistant Head Teacher on behalf of a highly specialised autism provision in Barnet. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced SEND practitioner—or an aspiring leader ready to take the next step—to lead the secondary phase (ages 11–19) within a forward-thinking and supportive school environment.

You will play a central role in shaping a highly personalised, autism-specific curriculum, ensuring that learning is tailored, meaningful and built around each students strengths. This is a strategic and operational leadership role where your expertise will directly influence outcomes, transitions and future pathways for autistic young people.

Key Responsibilities • Lead the secondary phase (11–19), ensuring high-quality teaching, learning and progression • Oversee and develop personalised curriculum pathways aligned with students strengths and needs • Manage transition planning for pupils joining the secondary phase (including mid-year admissions) • Monitor student progress using autism-specific assessment frameworks • Develop and oversee accreditation routes, including Entry Level, GCSE and vocational pathways • Ensure strong preparation for post-16 and post-19 outcomes, including further education and independence • Contribute to whole-school strategy as part of the leadership team

Candidate Requirements: • Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) • Strong experience working with autistic young people in a SEND setting • A deep understanding of autism-specific pedagogy and strengths-based approaches • Experience in curriculum development, assessment and progression pathways • Excellent leadership, organisational and communication skills • A commitment to inclusive, personalised and outcome-focused education

This role would suit either an experienced leader or a highly skilled practitioner ready to step into their first senior leadership position.

What the School Offers • A key leadership role with the opportunity to shape an innovative autism-specific provision • A brand-new, purpose-built school building with excellent facilities • A small, close-knit school community with a strong, caring ethos • Access to high-quality professional development through a respected SEND trust • A collaborative working culture where staff are supported and valued • The opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of autistic young people

The school caters for learners aged 5–19 with a diagnosis of autism and an Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP). When at full capacity, it will support approximately 90 pupils, offering a calm, structured and highly supportive environment for those who find larger settings challenging.

Why work via Teach Now?

Teach-Now are a widely recognised, education recruitment company. We pride ourselves on our high levels of customer service and professional development that we offer our teachers and support staff. We:

• Ensure that you will have your own dedicated consultant who will provide ongoing support and guidance. • Offer an excellent refer a friend scheme that pays you £150 for each candidate you refer to us after they have worked and been paid for their first 10 days. • Pay in line with the Agency Worker Regulations (AWR) meaning you will be paid equally to a permanent employee. • Give you access to a wide range of CPD training through our in-house team of experienced senior leaders

Application Process: Do you feel you meet the criteria for this exciting opportunity? If so, please either apply below or contact Teach-Now directly. All applicants will require the appropriate qualification and training for this role. For teacher roles, we require a formally recognised teaching qualification. If you are not contacted within 2 working days, unfortunately, you have been unsuccessful for this role. However, we will keep your CV and continue to help you in your search for a job within education. Good luck with your application, we look forward to hearing from you.

Teach Now operates stringent safer recruitment procedures.

We are committed to promoting equality and challenging discrimination. Teach Now is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post will be subject to an Enhanced DBS Clearance