Assistant Headteacher - Community Wellbeing

Assistant Headteacher - Community Wellbeing

Employer: Acorn Care and Education

Location: Frome

Pay: From £47,000.00 per annum

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full time

Disability Confident: No

Closing Date: 22/03/2026

Work Smarter. Live Better. Join the 4-Day Working Week

Location: Wessex Lodge School, Frome, Somerset BA11 4LA

Hours: 40 per week | Monday to Friday | 8.30am - 4.30pm

Salary: From £47,000.00 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)

Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only

Start: June 2026

Applicant eligibility: UK applicants only

No sponsorship available.

That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4

DWW) trial, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay. Many of our schools have already introduced the 4

DWW, and others will soon join in. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join teamOFG

Are you a compassionate, strategic and values-driven leader who believes in the power of relationships, belonging and trauma-informed practice to change lives? We are seeking an exceptional Assistant Headteacher to lead our whole-school approach to community wellbeing, attendance, parent relationships and transitions across our three sites. This is a unique opportunity to shape the culture, systems and lived experience of pupils, families and staff in a school deeply committed to inclusion, therapeutic practice and high aspirations.

• Lead the strategic development of whole-school wellbeing and trauma-informed practice.
• Drive improvements in attendance, ensuring every pupil is supported to access learning.
• Build strong, trusting parent and carer partnerships, with proactive communication and engagement.
• Oversee transitions into school and between three sites, ensuring each move is relational and well planned.
• Work closely with pastoral, clinical and SEND teams to remove barriers to learning.
• Analyse wellbeing, attendance and behaviour data to inform strategic decisions and reporting.
• Contribute to school improvement planning and evaluation aligned with ISI expectations.
• Be a visible, approachable and relational leader who models our values and high expectations.

• Experienced in middle or senior leadership within an SEMH or trauma-informed setting.
• Skilled in trauma-informed approaches, therapeutic thinking and relational practice.
• Able to demonstrate impact in improving attendance.
• Confident in building relationships with families, staff and external agencies.
• Data-literate, reflective and committed to high standards.
• Able to inspire teams and lead with empathy, clarity and integrity.

• A deeply relational and values-driven culture.
• A collaborative and supportive senior leadership team.
• Highly committed staff and a strong multi-disciplinary approach.
• Opportunities for continued professional development in trauma-informed leadership.
• The chance to make a profound and lasting difference to pupils and families.

Wessex Lodge School operates across three sites in Kilmington, Frome, and Maiden Bradley, offering pupils a range of academic and vocational opportunities. Our skilled, practitioner-led staff use the THRIVE approach to support each student’s individual needs. Pupils develop confidence, independence, and social-emotional skills in a nurturing, inclusive environment. Staff bring expertise from education and practical trades, enabling engaging, real-world learning experiences.

Creativity, curiosity, and personal growth are encouraged through tailored support and hands-on activities. Wessex Lodge is dedicated to helping every pupil reach their full potential in a safe and stimulating setting. Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.

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…