Deputy Headteacher

Phoenix Learning & Care Group; Denton; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holidays (term time 39.2 weeks) or 12.

Job summary

Phoenix Learning & Care Group is establishing Havencross School in Denton as an independent SEND school opening in 2027. Deputy Headteacher (Secondary) will lead the Secondary provision, shape KS3/KS4 curriculum and ensure high-quality, therapeutic education.

Role requires safeguarding leadership, strong SEND knowledge, and collaborative leadership to build a new school with a pupil-centered ethos.

Qualifications

• A degree and Qualified Teacher Status or recognised equivalent.
• Successful leadership experience within a school or specialist educational provision.
• Strong understanding of Key Stages 3 and 4 with evidence of curriculum development.
• Significant experience of supporting Pupils with Autism, SEMH and complex or overlapping needs.
• Proven safeguarding leadership and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Secondary provision and shape an ambitious KS3/KS4 curriculum.
• Ensure safeguarding, wellbeing and attendance are central to daily decisions.
• Recruit and coach Team Members and develop best SEND practice.
• Build strong partnerships with families, therapists, local authorities and colleges.
• Help create a seamless, inclusive school alongside the Headteacher.

Skills

Leadership experience

Safeguarding leadership

SEND knowledge

Curriculum development

Education

Degree

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent

Job description

About The Role

Job Title: Deputy Headteacher - Secondary

Job Location: Havencross School, Denton, Tameside

Salary: £55,000 based on working 40 hours per week, 39.2 weeks of the year.

Contract Type: Permanent

Do you want to help create an exceptional new SEND school from the very beginning?

Could you be one of our founding Team Members?

Havencross School is an exciting new developing independent SEND school being created in Denton, Tameside. Once building works are complete, the school is scheduled to open in early 2027 and as Phoenix Learning & Care's first school in the area, it will join our growing portfolio of specialist SEND schools and our specialist Further Education college across the UK. This is a rare opportunity to join from the beginning and help turn an ambitious vision into an exceptional experience for every Pupil.

Havencross will provide up to 54 places across Key Stages 2 to 4. Small classes, nurturing environments and a personalised curriculum will help Pupils build confidence, communication, independence and the skills they need for adulthood.

Our Pupils may have Autism, social, emotional and mental health needs, communication differences, learning needs, or experiences of trauma and disrupted education. Education and therapy will work together throughout the school day, helping Pupils feel safe, understood and ready to learn.

We are looking for a motivated, forward-thinking and inspirational leader who wants to co-create something genuinely special. As Deputy Headteacher (Secondary), you will lead the Secondary provision within the vision set by the Headteacher. You will shape an ambitious Key Stage 3 and 4 curriculum, develop consistent practice and support Team Members to deliver high-quality, therapeutic and relationship-centred education.

Havencross will build on the strengths of Phoenix schools while developing its own identity within the local community. Our values of Honesty, Empathy, Aspiration, Respect and Teamwork will guide how we work with Pupils, families, Team Members and local partners.

Working alongside the Headteacher, Associate Headteacher (SENDCo), Deputy Headteacher (Primary) and the wider team, you will help create one seamless and inclusive school. You will champion smooth transitions, shared expectations and collaborative leadership, keeping the needs, strengths and aspirations of our children at the centre of every decision.

This is more than a leadership vacancy. It is an opportunity to become a founding member of the Havencross leadership team and help create a school where every Pupil can flourish and grow towards a positive future.

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

• Shape the school from the start - work with the Headteacher to bring the vision and ethos of Havencross to life, lead the Secondary phase and contribute to whole-school improvement.
• Lead an ambitious Secondary curriculum - develop engaging Key Stage 3 and 4 pathways, including qualifications, vocational learning, careers and preparation for adulthood.
• Keep safeguarding and wellbeing central - act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and ensure safety, belonging, attendance and emotional wellbeing inform daily decisions.
• Inspire and develop Team Members - recruit, coach colleagues, strengthen specialist SEND practice and create a culture of shared responsibility and continuous improvement.
• Build strong partnerships - work with families, therapists, local authorities, colleges and external professionals to support joined-up provision and successful transitions.

To be a successful Deputy Headteacher you'll need:

• Qualified and experienced - a degree, Qualified Teacher Status or recognised equivalent, and successful leadership experience within a school or specialist educational provision.
• Secondary expertise - a strong understanding of Key Stages 3 and 4, with evidence of improving curriculum, teaching, assessment and outcomes.
• Specialist SEND knowledge - significant experience of supporting Pupils with Autism, SEMH and complex or overlapping needs.
• Strong safeguarding leadership - secure child protection knowledge and the capacity to undertake Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead responsibilities.
• An open and ambitious mindset - the energy to build something new, work collaboratively and keep Pupil voice, dignity and high aspirations at the centre of improvement.

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 while 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 and their leadership practice.
• 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, a monthly confidential therapies 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 requires an enhanced DBS check, we will cover the cost.
• After 12 months' service - You'll be eligible for our Medicash scheme, life assurance paid at twice your annual salary and further 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 spent or unspent criminal convictions during recruitment. Disclosure does not automatically disqualify an applicant, and we encourage openness throughout the recruitment process.

At Phoenix Learning & Care, we are committed to diversity and to creating an inclusive environment where all Team Members feel safe to be themselves without risk of discrimination. We believe a diverse workforce strengthens our organisation and helps us provide thoughtful, responsive and high-quality support for every Pupil.