Deputy Headteacher

Keys Group; Barnsley; 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

Blue light discount card

Fully funded training

Enhanced pay scales

Life assurance

Job summary

Keys Education is seeking a Deputy Headteacher to support the Headteacher in leading a school with a trauma-informed, therapeutic approach. The role emphasizes strong leadership, safeguarding, and high expectations across teaching, behaviour, and pastoral care.

You will model professional conduct, promote British values, and lead continuous improvement while working within the EPIC values framework. QTS/QTLS is required and experience in complex educational settings is desirable.

Qualifications

• QTS or QTLS is required for appointment.
• Proven leadership experience in a special or complex educational setting.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and trauma-informed practice.

Responsibilities

• Support the Headteacher in establishing and sustaining culture and ethos.
• Promote inclusion, respect and high expectations within the school.
• Model professional conduct and uphold Staff Code of Conduct.
• Lead attendance, punctuality and professional standards.
• Collaborate with staff to drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure safeguarding, SEND and Ofsted ISS framework compliance.
• Provide leadership in outdoor learning, PE and wellbeing where appropriate.

Skills

Leadership experience

Interpersonal skills

Ofsted ISS framework knowledge

Safeguarding experience

QTS/QTLS

Education

QTS/QTLS required

Experience in special/specialist school

Job description

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.

• 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
• Skills in outdoor learning, fishing and PE would be welcomed
• Lead by example in maintaining attendance, punctuality, and professional standards.
  QTS/QTLS is a requirement
• Proven leadership experience in a special school or complex educational setting
• Strong knowledge of the Ofsted ISS 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
  Salary: £45,000 - £55,000 | Full Time (40 hours/week), 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 a 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.