Deputy Headteacher - Secondary Provision
Specialist Alternative Provision / SEN Setting South East England
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
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Support the strategic leadership and day-to-day operational management of the school
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Lead on Teaching & Learning, quality assurance and curriculum development across the secondary phase
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Drive improvements in behaviour, engagement, attendance and pupil outcomes
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Support the implementation of whole-school improvement priorities
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Line manage staff and contribute to performance management processes
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Lead on complex pupil cases, pastoral support and multi-agency collaboration
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Work closely with families, external professionals and partner schools
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Promote inclusive practice and ensure pupils' individual needs are effectively supported
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Contribute to safeguarding, SEN strategy and wider school development
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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.
Applicants should demonstrate:
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Qualified Teacher Status (QTS/QTLS)
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Successful senior leadership experience within education
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Strong understanding of SEND, SEMH and inclusive practice
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Experience improving Teaching & Learning and pupil outcomes
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Excellent behaviour management and pastoral leadership skills
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Ability to lead and motivate staff teams effectively
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Experience working collaboratively with external agencies and families
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Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and high expectations for all pupils
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Resilience, emotional intelligence and the ability to lead change positively
What's on Offer
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Opportunity to join a growing and supportive specialist provision
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Strong CPD and leadership development opportunities
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Collaborative and values-driven leadership team
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Chance to make a lasting impact on pupils with complex needs
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Supportive wider trust and professional network
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Competitive leadership salary and benefits package
For further information or a confidential discussion regarding the role, please get in touch.