Job Introduction
To protect our autistic pupils and young adults within the National Autistic Society, all employees will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks which will include additional references and criminal background checks.
Join Us as Assistant Head – Behaviour and Therapies Integration
At the National Autistic Society, we offer many services to support autistic children and young people. We work to improve education, care, and experiences so they can reach their full potential.
About the School
The Robert Ogden School is a truly exceptional place. A large, specialist independent school in South Yorkshire for autistic children and young people aged 5–19, offering a safe, respectful and inspiring environment where every learner is supported to achieve and thrive.
Our mission is simple and powerful: prepare young people for successful, confident and independent lives beyond school through a highly personalised, life shaping educational experience.
About the Role
We are seeking a dynamic, driven and visionary Assistant Head who will provide exceptional departmental leadership playing a pivotal role in shaping the daily experience, personal development and long term outcomes of autistic children and young people. Leading a department of around 40 pupils, you will ensure high quality provision, strong operational management and an exceptional culture of care, ambition and inclusion.
What You’ll Do
- Contribute to whole school strategy as part of the extended Senior Leadership Team
- Hold a portfolio of whole school responsibilities, which may span both pastoral and curriculum areas
- Manage referrals to the therapy team, ensuring timely and accurate information sharing.
What We’re Looking For
- Substantial leadership experience, ideally within a specialist or complex needs setting, with a track record of improving practice and outcomes.
- Deep understanding of autism and inclusive practice, and the credibility to model, coach and inspire others.
- Strengths in pastoral, behavioural or therapeutic leadership, with the ability to support emotionally informed systems that help pupils regulate, progress and thrive.
Click here for the Job Description
This role is a permanent full time role, term time only for 44.7 weeks per year.
What we can offer you
- Pension – Auto-enrolled pension scheme.
- Training – Great induction and training, including autism training.
- Discounts – Online staff discount scheme for shopping, cycling, tech, and more (e.g., Asda, Tesco, Nike, Apple).
- Healthcare – Cash plan for permanent staff.
- Life Assurance – 2x your base salary.
- Flexible Benefits – Options like private health, dental insurance, holiday trading, enhanced pension.
- Support – 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme and counselling.
- Mindfulness – Free Headspace app for you and up to 3 family/friends.
- Blue Light Card – Eligibility for discounts.
About our application process
When you write your supporting statement:
- Look at the job description and person specification.
- Tell us how your skills and experience match the role.
- Give examples if you can.
Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from autistic people.
The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks.
We are an equal opportunities employer and part of the Disability Confident Employer scheme.
Please click here to view the safeguarding policy and please click here to view the policy and procedure for employment of ex-offenders.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Important Information
Agencies need not apply.
Please note the National Autistic Society are unable to provide sponsorship for Visas.