Deputy Headteacher – Secondary Provision
Specialist Alternative Provision / SEN Setting | South East England
A variety of soft skills and experience may be required for the following role Please ensure you check the overview below carefully. Permanent | Full-Time Leadership Scale | September Start
Are you an experienced senior leader looking to make a genuine impact within a specialist education environment?
Do you thrive in settings where relationship-led practice, high expectations and inclusive education are central to improving outcomes for young people?
A growing specialist secondary provision is seeking an ambitious and resilient Deputy Headteacher to join its Senior Leadership Team. This is an exciting opportunity to support the ongoing development of a provision supporting pupils with additional needs, social, emotional and mental health needs, barriers to mainstream education and complex learning profiles.
The successful candidate will play a key role in driving standards, strengthening teaching and learning and supporting whole-school improvement across the provision.
The Role
The Deputy Headteacher will support the strategic and operational leadership of the school, working closely with the Headteacher and wider leadership team to deliver high-quality education, behaviour support and personalised pathways for pupils.
You will lead on areas including Teaching & Learning, behaviour, attendance, pastoral systems and curriculum development, while supporting staff development and maintaining high standards across the provision.
The role would suit an existing Deputy Headteacher or an experienced Assistant Headteacher ready to progress into a senior whole-school leadership position.
Key Responsibilities
Support the strategic leadership and day-to-day operational management of the school
Lead on Teaching & Learning, quality assurance and curriculum development across the secondary phase
Drive improvements in behaviour, engagement, attendance and pupil outcomes
Support the implementation of whole-school improvement priorities
Line manage staff and contribute to performance management processes
Lead on complex pupil cases, pastoral support and multi-agency collaboration
Work closely with families, external professionals and partner schools
Promote inclusive practice and ensure pupils’ individual needs are effectively supported
Contribute to safeguarding, SEN strategy and wider school development
Deputise for the Headteacher where required
The Ideal Candidate
The school is looking for a strong, visible and compassionate leader with experience working within specialist education, alternative provision, SEMH or SEN environments. xwzovoh
Applicants should demonstrate:
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS/QTLS)
Successful senior leadership experience within education
Strong understanding of SEND, SEMH and inclusive practice
Experience improving Teaching & Learning and pupil outcomes
Excellent behaviour management and pastoral leadership skills
Ability to lead and motivate staff teams effectively
Experience working collaboratively with external agencies and families
Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and high expectations for all pupils
Resilience, emotional intelligence and the ability to lead change positively
What’s on Offer
Opportunity to join a growing and supportive specialist provision
Strong CPD and leadership development opportunities
Collaborative and values-driven leadership team
Chance to make a lasting impact on pupils with complex needs
Supportive wider trust and professional network
Competitive leadership salary and benefits package
For further information or a confidential discussion regarding the role, please get in touch.
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