Deputy Head Teacher

Phoenix Learning & Care Group; North Petherton; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holidays – term time 39.2 weeks paid

Pension scheme

Learning & Development Opportunities

Discounts

Wellbeing Support

Cycle2Work

DBS paid

Medicash after 12 months

Job summary

Petherton Park School is seeking a Deputy Headteacher (Primary) to lead the primary provision, drive Ofsted readiness, and shape a nurturing, high‑achievement environment. You'll work with the Head of School, SENDCo and Therapy Team to ensure pupils with autism and speech & language needs access outstanding education.

You'll lead a talented team, manage resources, and develop staff, while embedding our values of honesty, empathy, aspiration, respect and teamwork to help every pupil thrive.

Qualifications

• Degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) required.
• Minimum 2 years of management experience in education.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and Ofsted/KCSiE familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Shape the school’s vision and ethos with Headteacher and leadership team.
• Oversee primary curriculum and pupil outcomes, especially for autism/learning needs.
• Lead and develop the primary staff, including recruitment and coaching.
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed and act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead for primary.
• Manage resources and maintain a safe, engaging learning environment.

Skills

Leadership

Safeguarding

Data analysis

Communication

Staff development

Management

Educational leadership

Education

Degree and QTS

Job description

About The Role

Job Title: Deputy Headteacher - Primary

Job Location: Petherton Park School, North Petherton

Salary: £50,003.20 based on working 40 hours per week, 39.2 weeks of the year.

Contract Type: Permanent – Term Time Only

Ready to help shape the next chapter of our school and lead us from Ofsted Good to Outstanding?

Could you be our next Deputy Headteacher (Primary)?

This is more than a leadership role. It's an opportunity to make a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people every single day.

At Petherton Park School, you'll play a key role in creating an environment where pupils thrive, succeed, and develop the confidence and skills they need to achieve their full potential. As our Deputy Headteacher (Primary), you'll join an ambitious and dedicated leadership team with a shared vision: to build on our success and achieve an Ofsted Outstanding judgement.

Our school specialises in supporting pupils who face challenges related to autism, speech and language needs, and trauma. What makes us truly unique is our integrated approach. You'll be supported by an exceptional Education and Multidisciplinary Therapy Team who work seamlessly together to provide genuinely holistic support. Here, therapy isn't an add-on; it's woven into every aspect of school life, helping pupils develop their communication skills, emotional resilience, relationships, and engagement in learning.

As Deputy Headteacher, you'll help shape far more than a school. You'll help lead a culture built on trust, respect, ambition, and a deep understanding of every pupil's individual journey. You'll inspire and develop our talented team, ensuring they have the support, resources, and professional development opportunities needed to deliver outstanding educational experiences. You'll also play a key role in recruiting, coaching, and empowering colleagues, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

Your leadership will be instrumental in bringing our core values of Honesty, Empathy, Aspiration, Respect, and Teamwork to life every day, creating a nurturing environment where both pupils and colleagues can flourish.

With thoughtfully designed sensory breakout spaces, an ambitious and engaging curriculum, and enriching learning experiences beyond the classroom, including regular educational visits, Petherton Park School demonstrates the transformative impact of combining exceptional education with therapeutic practice. This is a place where aspirations become realities, outcomes are meaningful, and futures are changed for the better.

Working alongside the Head of School, Deputy Headteacher (Secondary), SENDCo, and our wider leadership team, you'll play an exciting and pivotal role in the next phase of our journey. Together, we'll continue to strengthen and develop our provision, building on our successes as we strive to become an Ofsted Outstanding school.

This is your opportunity to join an exceptional school, make a genuine difference, and help shape a future where every pupil can thrive, succeed, and excel.

A day in the life of a Deputy Headteacher will involve:

• You’ll work closely with the Headteacher and Head of School to shape the school’s vision and ethos, leading the primary provision and ensuring everything aligns with Ofsted standards and the school's development goals.
• You’ll oversee and adapt the primary curriculum to meet both Ofsted expectations and the unique needs of Pupils, especially those with Autism and complex learning needs.
• You’ll play a critical role in maintaining high expectations for Pupil outcomes, ensuring safeguarding protocols are followed, and acting as the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead for primary.
• Leading Team Member development will be central to your role, where you’ll mentor and inspire your team, fostering collaboration across Education and Therapeutic Services, while building strong relationships with Pupils, Families, and external agencies.
• Operationally, you’ll manage resources, oversee Team Member performance, and ensure the school provides a safe, engaging, and high-quality learning environment that encourages Pupil growth and personal development.

To be a successful Deputy Headteacher you’ll need:

• A degree and Qualified Teacher status, with at least 2 years of management experience in an educational setting, particularly working with Autism/Learning Disabilities.
• Strong understanding of the secondary curriculum, safeguarding procedures, and knowledge of Ofsted/KCSiE standards.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire Team Members, with excellent communication skills and a track record of managing resources effectively.
• Confidence in using data for self-evaluation, setting targets, and problem-solving, paired with strong analytical skills.
• A motivated, empathetic, and flexible mindset, aligned with the core values of Honesty, Empathy, Aspiration, Respect, and Teamwork.

In return for your time, you’ll get:

• Holidays – You’ll only work term time (39.2 weeks), and get paid the additional 12.8 weeks whilst you’re off.
• Pension scheme – Our pension scheme is based on you paying in 5%, and us adding 3%.
• Learning & Development Opportunities – We provide comprehensive learning opportunities for Team Members to develop themselves.
• Discounts – You’ll have access to brilliant discounts through the Blue Light Card and our own employee benefits platform.
• Wellbeing Support – Your wellbeing is always our priority. You’ll have access to mental health and wellbeing support. On top of this, our therapies team offers a monthly confidential check in clinic, and group reflective practice sessions.
• Cycle2Work -The cycle to work scheme enables you to buy a bicycle at a discounted rate.
• DBS – As this role required you to have an enhanced DBS carried out, we will cover this cost.
• After 12 months service - You’ll be eligible for our Medicash scheme which covers a wide range of medical, health and wellbeing expenses (Including immediate access to a GP!). You’ll get life assurance paid at 2 x your annual salary, and even more high street discounts.

As part of our commitment to safer recruitment, successful applicants will undergo pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS, online and social media checks, and reference validation. Due to the nature of our work, we are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974), so we may ask you to disclose any spent or unspent criminal convictions during recruitment. This disclosure does not automatically disqualify you, and we encourage transparency at the application stage.

At Phoenix Learning and Care, we are committed to diversity and creating an inclusive environment where all Team Members feel safe to be themselves without risk of discrimination. We believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our organisation, and we strive to ensure everyone can contribute authentically and openly.