Assistant Headteacher: Lead on Inclusion & Belonging 

Full Time and Permanent

Start Date:                          September 2026

Pay Band:                            L14-17   (£71, 330 to £76, 772)

Closing date:                       8am, Wednesday 15th April 2026

Interviews:                           21st and 22nd April 2026

Horsforth School is one of the most successful comprehensive schools in the North of England — ranked 4th best comprehensive school in the North in The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026. Our academic outcomes consistently place us among the very best: GCSE and A Level results are well above national averages, and in 2022, 2023 and 2024 we achieved the highest state‑school A Level results in Leeds.

We are a school with ambition, momentum and a deep commitment to excellence — and we are now looking for a leader who shares that drive.

We are seeking an exceptional and passionate Assistant Headteacher: Inclusion and Belonging to lead and champion our whole-school inclusion agenda. This is a key strategic leadership role focused on ensuring that every student, regardless of need or barrier, can access an outstanding education and reach their full potential. This role offers the opportunity to shape whole‑school strategy, lead high‑impact staff development, and ensure our provision for vulnerable learners continues to be of the highest standard. It offers a rare opportunity to make a profound impact across the whole school.

Whilst you will line manage the SENDCo, you do not need to be a SEND specialist yourself; instead, we are looking for a leader with the vision, drive and emotional intelligence to champion inclusive practice, drive high standards and expectations and shape provision around the strengths you bring.

The successful candidate will work closely with the SENDCo, the Pastoral Team and senior leaders to design, implement and evaluate whole-school strategies for Vulnerable Learners and inclusion. The strategic oversight of the educational provision for all Vulnerable Learners is encompassed within this role. They will lead on building a collaborative team that supports teachers in removing barriers to learning and improving outcomes for all students.

This role combines strategic leadership with a strong commitment to high-quality teaching and learning. The Assistant Headteacher will support staff development, use data to drive improvement, oversee provision for Vulnerable Learners, and work closely with parents, external agencies and staff to ensure provision is effective, consistent and impactful.

Located in North-West Leeds, the school is just five miles from the city centre with its thriving retail, leisure and cultural facilities, yet on the edge of open countryside. York, Harrogate and the Yorkshire Dales are within easy reach.

We are also delighted to be able to offer the following staff incentives and recognise the importance of activities outside of the classroom for staff wellbeing:

  • Extracurricular activities
  • Exciting trips and visits
  • Free access to an onsite gym and opportunity to join the staff football team
  • Bike to work scheme
  • Regular staff voice
  • Buzzing and lively staffroom/work hubs
  • Cover Pool – allows teaching staff access to an amount of flexible working per academic year
  • Amazing onsite catering with regular all staff breakfasts and seasonal events
  • New Sixth Form building with onsite coffee shop ‘Common Grounds’
  • Onsite car parking/excellent public transport links with local train station providing easy access from Leeds and Harrogate
  • Dedicated investment in physical and mental wellbeing
  • Access to Vivup – an Employee Assistance Programme with confidential employee support available everyday 24/7 for counselling and any concerns such as bereavement, mental health support, debt, legal issues.
  • Recognise the importance of a good work/life balance

If you’d like to find out more, please call 0113 226 5454. Or for full details and to download an application form, please visit www.horsforthschool.org and click on the vacancies tab or email recruitment@horsforthschool.org.

We welcome applications regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or religion. The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students and we expect all colleagues to share this commitment.  Appointments will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure.