Vacancy – Assistant Headteacher and Inclusion Lead Closing date – 12 Noon, Monday 27th April 2026
Join Us to Make a Real Difference in a Vibrant, Inclusive Community
Required for September 2026
Are you an experienced and passionate school leader ready to champion inclusion and drive meaningful change? Larkspur Community Primary School is seeking an inspiring Assistant Headteacher and Inclusion Lead with a strong commitment to ensuring every child thrives, particularly those with SEND or facing social challenges.
About Larkspur Community Primary School
Larkspur is a warm, nurturing and ambitious school at the heart of Beacon Lough East—an area facing social and economic challenge but rich in resilience, diversity and community pride. Our children bring curiosity, character and joy every day, and families value the strong relationships we build with them.
We welcome children aged 2–11 and are steadily growing, currently at 160 pupils. Our ethos is rooted in our three core values: Ready, Respect, Resilience. Our curriculum is designed to raise aspirations, develop life skills and celebrate individuality. We are proud of our strong community partnerships, including Greggs and Amazon, and our rich offer of enrichment across the arts, sport, Forest School, music and hands‑on learning. Staff describe Larkspur as supportive, positive and energising—a place where everyone is encouraged to make a meaningful difference.
About the Role
As Assistant Headteacher and Inclusion Lead, you will play a central role in shaping our inclusive, ambitious culture. Working closely with the Headteacher and wider team, you will help ensure every child is seen, supported and empowered to flourish. Your leadership will make a daily difference to pupils, families and staff, grounded in compassion, proactivity and high expectations.
Key responsibilities include:
• Leading and developing Early Years, including provision for 2‑year‑olds, ensuring the strongest possible start.
• Driving and enhancing inclusion provision, ensuring exemplary practice for vulnerable learners across the school.
• Championing pupils and families through effective multi‑agency working.
• Modelling outstanding teaching (up to 0.5 FTE) and inspiring colleagues through expertise, warmth and high expectations.
• Supporting staff to embed inclusive approaches, monitor progress and enable every learner to succeed.
• Contributing to whole‑school leadership, including policy, improvement planning, staff development and performance management.
• Helping nurture a positive, uplifting school culture through warmth, humour and approachability.
This is a role with real opportunity to influence, innovate and leave a lasting impact as we continue to strengthen our SEND provision.
About You
We are seeking a committed, resilient and child‑centred leader who embodies warmth, professionalism, and an unwavering belief in every child’s potential.
You will bring:
- Exceptional classroom practice with strong knowledge of Early Years, SEND and inclusive education.
- Significant primary experience, including SEND coordination, multi‑agency working and effective leadership of support staff.
- Strategic and analytical skills, enabling you to support colleagues, drive improvement and hold others to account with clarity and compassion.
- Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills with pupils, families, staff, governors and partners.
- A commitment to professional growth and a collaborative, reflective leadership style.
- A positive, uplifting presence, bringing energy, humour and kindness to daily school life.
Essential qualifications include Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and recent safeguarding training. Experience of, or a commitment to completing, the National Award for SEN Coordination, is also required.
What We Offer
- A welcoming, hardworking staff team where everyone feels valued and supported.
- A highly committed governing body who champion the school and provide constructive challenge.
- A people‑centred leadership team prioritising wellbeing, workload and meaningful professional development.
- Real opportunities to lead change and contribute to a school with a strong vision and inclusive identity.
- High‑quality CPD including leadership development, SEND training and mentoring.
- A rich programme of enrichment: Forest School, sports, arts, cookery and hands‑on learning that supports confidence, curiosity and joy.
- A vibrant, collaborative and ambitious school culture where your ideas will be valued and your impact visible.
Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged. Please contact the school office to arrange an appointment
Application packs can be downloaded below or available by emailing the school office larkspurcommunityprimaryschool@gateshead.gov.uk
Could you please return your completed application form along (no online applications) with a supporting statement to the following address:
Mrs K Anglesea
Head Teacher
Larkspur community Primary School
Beacon Lough East
NE9 6SS
If successful you will be required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure.
Please supply an email address and telephone number for each of your referees, all references will be taken up and verified prior to interview.
Closing Date: 12 Noon, Monday 27th April 2026
Shortlisting: Monday 27th April 2026 (1:00 – 4:00pm)
Observations: Wednesday 29th or Thursday 30th April 2026
Interviews: Tuesday 5th May 2026
