Deputy Head of School

The Progress Group; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational organization in England is seeking a Deputy Head of Schools to empower futures by fostering an inspiring learning environment. The ideal candidate will have leadership experience in alternative education settings, including a strong commitment to student wellbeing and academic success. Key responsibilities include motivating students, providing emotional support, and managing diverse educational needs. The role offers excellent benefits, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to working-life balance.

Benefits

Discounted gym memberships

Wellbeing app access

Generous holidays and family-friendly policies

Financial security with Death in Service Insurance

Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave

Health and Wellbeing Cashback

Monthly Recognition Awards

Referral Bonus

Exclusive Discounts

Weekly drop-ins with Senior Leaders

Annual Group conference

Qualifications

• Proven experience teaching across the secondary age range.
• Ability to manage student behaviour effectively.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and motivate students in an alternative education setting.
• Provide meaningful support to students with diverse needs.
• Manage leadership responsibilities and community engagement.

Skills

Engagement Skills

Emotional Support

Problem-Solving

Communication

Time Management

Partnership & Community Engagement

Education

Degree or equivalent qualification

Maths and English at least Level 2

Core Teaching Qualifications (QTS/QTLS)

Job description

Join us as a Deputy Head of Schools : Empower Futures!

Do you want to work for a company where wellbeing is more than a word, it's a commitment? Somewhere where the person matters as much as the professional?

Well at Progress Schools, that's just the approach we take.

Our top-notch benefits go beyond the basics-enjoy access to discounted gym memberships, a free wellbeing app that is jam packed with fitness, yoga and mindfulness resources and dedicated counselling support. And because we know your passion is with pupils and not paperwork, we do everything we can to reduce the amount of surplus admin too.

Your work-life balance matters. That's why we offer generous holidays, additional leave for foster carers and flexibility wherever possible.

And why do we do this? Because when you thrive, so do our students. So we want to invest in your personal and professional growth as much as we do the young people who attend our schools.

But that's not all, we also offer...

Professional Development:

Support for professional qualifications, in-house training, including paid qualifications. Last year we invested approx. £3.5k per colleague!

Financial Security:

Death in Service Insurance providing four times your salary.

Family-Friendly Policies:

Enhanced Maternity / Paternity Leave.

Health and Wellbeing Cashback:

Access to Medicash for you and your dependants, covering the costs of eye tests, optical, dental, prescriptions, and holistic treatments up to £900 annually.

Recognition Awards:

Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual Recognition Awards.

Referral Bonus:

£500 for referring top talent.

Exclusive Discounts:

MiRewards benefits platform, offering loads of discounts and rewards.

Weekly drop ins with Senior Leaders:

Connect, clarify and communicate with weekly drop-ins with our Managing Director and organisation SLT.

Group Connection:

Annual Group conference and a comprehensive benefits review.

Who are we looking for from you?

Engagement Skills:

A highly motivated and enthusiastic individual who is approachable, promotes positive relationships, and fosters high expectations. Able to inspire and motivate students in a creative and adaptable way, particularly within alternative education settings.

Emotional Support:

Committed to a high level of pastoral care with the ability to manage student behaviour effectively and provide meaningful support to students with diverse and challenging needs.

Academic Background:

Degree or equivalent qualification. Maths and English at least Level 2.

Core Teaching Qualifications:

QTS / QTLS required. NPQSL and / or NPQH desirable. Specialist teaching qualification in a chosen subject is an advantage.

Experience:

Proven experience teaching across the secondary age range with a successful track record as a Head of SEN or similar leadership role. Experience using virtual learning environments is desirable.

Teaching Subjects:

Proficiency in delivering a chosen subject area and supporting staff with curriculum delivery in line with school expectations.

Knowledge:

Strong understanding of safeguarding, child protection, equality of opportunity, and inclusion—especially within schools with a high number of vulnerable children.

Problem-Solving:

Ability to identify challenges quickly and implement appropriate, student-focused solutions that drive positive outcomes.

Communication:

Confident in communicating clearly and persuasively—both verbally and in writing—with a wide range of stakeholders including students, parents / carers, staff, and governors.

Promotion of Values:

Dedicated to promoting equality, diversity, safeguarding, wellbeing, and British values across the school community.

Time Management:

Effective in managing leadership responsibilities, team coordination, student outcomes, and community engagement simultaneously.

Partnership & Community Engagement:

Demonstrated experience of working closely with parents, community organisations, and external stakeholders to support holistic student development and wellbeing.

About the School:

Progress Schools is part of the Progress Group, the Group is made up of six business units, each of which aspires to innovate, influence, and inspire others through high-quality and purposeful education and training. Progress Schools is a national group of 13 independent OFSTED-regulated schools.

Progress Schools - Thrapston we support approximately 35 pupils on roll to ensure that we can provide ample opportunities for children who need a nurturing, encouraging and supportive environment, specifically for those who will reintegrate back into a mainstream setting. The school consists of a core team of the Head of School, Deputy Head of School, five teachers, and five support staff. Further support is also provided by regional and national staff, who work with a number of schools across our group.

Please click here to view the Job Description.

How to Apply:

Ready to be a part of our journey? Submit your application with a brief note about your training philosophy by clicking APPLY.

If you have any further queries, then please get in touch with our friendly recruitment team by emailing

Let's redefine education together!

#JoinOurTeam #EducationRevolution #AlternativeEducation #DeputyHeadOfSchoolWanted

Diversity and Inclusion Statement:

The Progress Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, medical history, skin colour, marital status, genetic information, or parental status. All employment decisions are based on merit, job requirements, and business needs.

Safeguarding Statement:

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting all children and young people by implementing robust safer recruitment practices. For details of our commitment to safer recruitment please visit our website for further information.

Note:

We are unable to provide Visa sponsorship for this role.