Deputy Headteacher

Keys Children; Audley; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NEST enhanced pension scheme

Staff referral bonus £500

Enhanced maternity/paternity pay

Discount card for blue light services

Fully funded training and quals

Enhanced pay scales based on exp

Wellbeing app and discounts

Life assurance

Job summary

Keys Education is seeking a Deputy Headteacher for Castle Hill School in Audley to provide strategic leadership and drive high standards across teaching, learning and pastoral care in a trauma-informed setting.

The successful candidate will model professional conduct, uphold EPIC values, and lead collaboration with staff, pupils and external partners to foster inclusive practice and continued school improvement.

Qualifications

• QTS/QTLS registration is a requirement.
• Proven leadership experience in a special school or complex educational setting.
• Strong knowledge of the Estyn inspection framework, safeguarding, SEND, and trauma-informed practice.
• Ability to lead teams, motivate staff, and model professional conduct as per the Staff Code of Conduct.

Responsibilities

• Support the Headteacher in establishing and sustaining the school’s culture and ethos, promoting inclusion, respect, and high expectations.
• Model and uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and integrity as set out in the Staff Code of Conduct.
• Promote fundamental British values and ensure these are embedded in school life and practice.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and reflective professional culture focused on continuous improvement.
• Lead by example in maintaining attendance, punctuality, and professional standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Team management

Education

QTS/QTLS

Job description

Deputy Headteacher – Castle Hill School, Audley, 2 Nantwich Road, Audley, Stoke-on-Trent ST7 8DH
Salary: £45,000 - £55,000 | Full Time (40 hours/week)

Purpose of the Role

The Deputy Headteacher supports the Headteacher in providing effective leadership and management of the school. The role is pivotal in driving high standards of teaching, learning, behaviour, and pastoral care in a trauma-informed, therapeutic environment. The Deputy acts as a role model for staff, embodying the school’s EPIC values (Excellence, Passion, Integrity, Caring) and the professional behaviours outlined in the Staff Code of Conduct Policy.
At Castle Hill School

We are committed to each and every one of our pupils, providing specialist support tailored to everyone’s unique needs and helping all pupils from KS1 to KS3 achieve their fuly potential.

Children often come to our school with negative perceptions of the education system, having experienced repeated rejection. We are dedicated to turning their experience of learning into a positive one.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Headteacher in establishing and sustaining the school’s culture and ethos, promoting inclusion, respect, and high expectations
• Model and uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and integrity as set out in the Staff Code of Conduct
• Promote fundamental British values and ensure these are embedded in school life and practice
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and reflective professional culture focused on continuous improvement
• Lead by example in maintaining attendance, punctuality, and professional standards.

Requirements

• QTS/QTLS is a requirement
• Proven leadership experience in a special school or complex educational setting
• Strong knowledge of the Estyn inspection framework, safeguarding, SEND, and trauma-informed practice
• Ability to lead teams, motivate staff, and model professional conduct as per the Staff Code of Conduct
• Excellent interpersonal skills with staff, pupils, parents, and external partners

Benefits of Joining Keys

• NEST enhanced pension scheme
• Staff Referral Scheme – Refer a friend to join Keys and split a £500 referral bonus between you
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Access to a blue light discount card
• Fully funded training and qualifications for all colleagues
• Enhanced pay scales based on experience and qualifications
• Employee benefits scheme such as wellbeing app and a range of discounts
• Life assurance

Keys Education is a national network of alternative learning solutions and pathways, designed to support learners with diverse needs to achieve their goals and realise their potential. It helps individuals with support needs build stability, resilience, and a sense of belonging through Connected Support.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are also committed to supporting the Armed Forces community through our Armed Forces Covenant.

Eligible candidates from military backgrounds are guaranteed an interview – please include details of your service on your CV.

Safeguarding
We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All posts require an enhanced DBS check.

More can be found about Keys and our Therapeutic Education Services here

School tours are highly welcomed as part of our interview selection process.

Please note we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of suitable applications.

In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education an online search will be carried out on shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence checks.