Deputy Headteacher

Keys Group; Earl Sterndale; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NEST enhanced pension scheme

Staff Referral Scheme - Refer a friend

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

Blue light discount card

Fully funded training and quals

Enhanced pay scales based on exp

Employee benefits / wellbeing app

Life assurance

Job summary

Keys Education is seeking a Deputy Headteacher to support the Headteacher in leading a trauma-informed, therapeutic environment. The role champions EPIC values and professional conduct, with focus on attendance, inclusion and high expectations.

Candidates should have QTS/QTLS and strong experience in complex educational settings, including safeguarding and SEND/SEMH needs. Salary £45,000–£55,000 (Fixed-Term, Full Time 40 hrs/week).

Qualifications

• QTS/QTLS is a requirement.
• Proven leadership in a special school or complex setting.
• Strong knowledge of Ofsted ISS framework, safeguarding, SEND and SEMH.
• Experience with residential children’s home safeguarding responsibilities.
• Enhanced DBS check required.

Responsibilities

• Support the Headteacher in establishing and sustaining the school's culture and ethos.
• Promote inclusion, respect and high expectations.
• Lead by example in attendance, punctuality and professional standards.
• Model professional conduct as per the Staff Code of Conduct.
• Lead teams, motivate staff and model collaboration.
• Foster a positive, reflective professional culture focused on continuous improvement.
• Maintain high standards in teaching and pastoral care.
• Work in a trauma-informed, therapeutic environment at Oaklands Manor.

Skills

Leadership experience

Special school experience

Ofsted ISS knowledge

Safeguarding

SEND & SEMH

Residential care awareness

Communication skills

Staff development

Education

QTS/QTLS

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
• 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 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
• Comprehensive knowledge of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE), alongside substantial experience supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
• Strong understanding of residential children's home settings, including the safeguarding responsibilities and multi-agency approaches that support positive outcomes for children and young people Oaklands Manor provides therapeutic educational placements for pupils who live in the adjoining Keys Group Residential Home.

Set in a picturesque rural location, our school provides a peaceful atmosphere. Recent refurbishment has resulted in spacious, well-equipped classrooms with modern resources, with easy access to outdoor learning enhances the learning experience. We offer a small, structured classes for implementing Individual Education and Behaviour Plans. These plans adapt curricula for pupils' abilities, Key Stages, and needs, leading to nationally recognised accreditation from Entry Level to GCSE. While adhering to a high staff-to-pupil ratio to meet diverse needs.

Salary: £45,000 - £55,000 (Fixed-Term Contract) | 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.