Deputy Headteacher

Outcomes First Group; Epping Forest; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Wellbeing support

Flexible benefits

Discounts

Job summary

The Tower School in Epping, Essex, is an independent specialist day school in the Outcomes First Group family, supporting pupils with autism and complex needs. It seeks an inspirational Deputy Headteacher to shape strategic direction, lead curriculum development and ensure an ambitious education for every student.

Working with the Headteacher, you will champion safeguarding, drive school improvement and develop colleagues, ensuring high standards and impactful outcomes for learners aged 11–18.

Qualifications

• QTS and a relevant degree are required.
• Significant SEND teaching experience is essential.
• Experience with autism and complex needs settings is highly desirable.
• Proven leadership and people management experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership alongside the Headteacher to shape school direction.
• Lead curriculum development to deliver an ambitious, engaging education reflecting students' needs and aspirations.
• Monitor progress using data to identify priorities and implement effective interventions.
• Lead positive behaviour approaches to create a calm, nurturing, inclusive environment.
• Collaborate with education, clinical and specialist teams for coordinated student support.
• Recruit, coach and develop colleagues to build a high-performing team.
• Build strong relationships with families, Local Authorities and external professionals.
• Champion safeguarding, compliance and continuous school improvement, and readiness for Ofsted.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Communication

Organisation

Decision making

Coaching

Safeguarding knowledge

SEND knowledge

Ofsted experience

School improvement

Education

QTS

Relevant degree

Job description

Lead with Ambition. Influence the Whole School. Help Shape Brighter Futures. The Tower School is looking for an inspirational and ambitious Deputy Headteacher to join our leadership team and play a key role in the continued development of our specialist school. This is an opportunity for an experienced education leader to have genuine influence across the school. Working closely with the Headteacher, you'll help shape strategic direction, lead curriculum development, strengthen teaching and learning and ensure every student receives an ambitious and meaningful education. Supporting students with complex needs, autism and associated social, emotional and behavioural needs, you'll combine high expectations with an understanding of individual needs, helping create an environment where students feel safe, supported and able to achieve. You'll also inspire and develop colleagues, champion positive practice and play an important role in driving continuous improvement across the school. What you will be doing

• Work alongside the Headteacher to provide strategic and operational leadership, helping shape the direction and continued development of the school
• Lead the curriculum, ensuring students experience an ambitious, engaging and high-quality education that reflects their individual needs and future aspirations
• Monitor student progress, attainment and outcomes, using evidence and data to identify priorities and ensure effective interventions are in place
• Lead positive behaviour approaches and help create a calm, nurturing and inclusive environment where students can engage and succeed
• Work collaboratively with education, clinical and wider specialist teams to provide coordinated support around each student
• Recruit, coach and develop colleagues, building a confident, skilled and high-performing team
• Develop strong relationships with families, carers, Local Authorities and external professionals to strengthen outcomes for students
• Champion safeguarding, compliance and continuous school improvement, supporting readiness for Ofsted and regulatory inspectionsWe're looking for an experienced leader who can combine strategic thinking with visible, hands-on leadership and who shares our ambition for every student., Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a relevant degree
• Significant teaching experience within SEND, specialist education or complex needs settings
• Experience supporting students with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and behaviours that challenge
• Proven leadership and people management experience
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding, SEND legislation and regulatory expectations
• Experience of school improvement and Ofsted inspection processes
• Excellent communication, organisation and decision-making skills
• The ability to inspire, challenge, coach and develop colleagues
• A strong commitment to maintaining high standards and improving outcomes for studentsThe Tower School is an independent specialist day school in Epping, Essex, supporting 62 pupils aged 11-18 with autism and complex needs. We provide a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where pupils feel secure, valued and ready to learn. Through personalised support, unconditional positive regard and a broad curriculum that combines academic achievement with life skills and personal development, we help every pupil make meaningful progress from their individual starting points. Guided by our values of Safe to Learn, Supported to Grow and Successful for Life, we empower young people to develop confidence, independence and the skills they need to thrive in adulthood.
• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• \"Your Wellbeing Matters\" - mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

At Outcomes First Schools, we provide specialist education for learners who need a deeper level of understanding, expertise and support than mainstream education can typically offer. We support students with a wide range of complex, co-occurring and neurodivergent needs, including autism, ADHD, SEMH, speech and communication needs, dyslexia and experiences of trauma or adversity. We are proud to be a part of OFG Education who in 2025 were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running.

We place students and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.