Deputy Headteacher

Peak School; High Peak; On-site; GBP 62,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Teacher's Pension Scheme

Westfield Health membership including:

Free Parking

Esteem MAT trust network support

Professional development opportunities

My Money Matters Financial Wellbeing

Access to National College CPD

Job summary

Peak School in Derbyshire is seeking a Deputy Headteacher to lead and inspire a diverse special school community, building on Ofsted Good status and ESTEEM MAT collaboration.

The role requires QTS with proven leadership, deep SEND knowledge, and a commitment to inclusive practice, with a strong focus on pupil outcomes, staff development and collaborative improvement.

Qualifications

• QTS or equivalent with leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of SEND and inclusive practice.
• Ability to inspire and develop staff.
• High aspirations for pupils with additional needs.
• Commitment to collaborative working and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing leadership team.
• Drive school improvement and pupil outcomes.
• Promote inclusive practice and SEND awareness.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, ambitious school culture.

Skills

Leadership

SEND & inclusion

Staff development

Pupil needs focus

Collaboration & improvement

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Job description

Title: Deputy Headteacher

Location: Peak School, Buxton Road, Chinley, High Peak, Derbyshire, SK23 6ES

Grade/Scale: Leadership Scale L8-L12: £61,534 - £67,897 (pending Teacher's Pay Award 2026-2027)

Contract: Full Time - Permanent Contract

Join Our Peak School Family

At Peak School, we believe every child deserves the very best opportunities to thrive, achieve and be happy. Our motto, \"Unique People, Individualised Approach\" sits at the heart of everything we do and reflects our commitment to understanding every pupil as an individual.

Alongside this, our whole-school values of being kind, being a team, listening to each other and trying our best shape our daily interactions and create a culture where pupils, staff and families feel welcomed, respected and valued.

We are a warm, welcoming and ambitious special school with 91 incredible pupils and a dedicated staff team who are passionate about making a difference every day. Our pupil population is exceptionally diverse, encompassing a broad range of needs including PMLD, SLD, Autism, SEMH and complex communication, sensory and medical needs. This richness of need challenges us to think creatively and work collaboratively. We believe every pupil can succeed when they are understood, valued and given the right support to thrive.

Following the promotion of our current Deputy Headteacher to his first Headship, we are seeking an exceptional leader to join our school community and help us continue the exciting journey we are on.

Why Join Peak School?

This is a particularly special time to join Peak School. In July 2025, Ofsted judged us to be Good in all areas, recognising the dedication, care and commitment shown by our pupils, staff, families and governors. We are immensely proud of what we have achieved together.

We are not looking to change who we are. We are looking for the right person to help us build on our strong foundations, continue improving our provision and ensure that every pupil receives the highest quality education, care and opportunities possible.

Our pupils deserve an ambitious curriculum, exceptional pastoral support and a school experience that helps them develop confidence, independence and lifelong memories. We are looking for a Deputy Headteacher who shares that vision and can help us make our offer even better.

Who We Are Looking For

We welcome applications from leaders with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) from mainstream and special schools or enhanced resource provisions within either the primary or secondary sectors.

The successful candidate will have:

• A proven track record of successful leadership


• A strong understanding of SEND and inclusive practice


• The ability to inspire and develop staff


• High aspirations for children and young people with additional needs


• A commitment to collaborative working and continuous improvement
  

Support and Development

You will be joining a supportive and established leadership team and will benefit from the extensive support available through Esteem Multi-Academy Trust.

All schools within the Esteem network are supported by a diverse and experienced central team, alongside a group of like-minded school leaders and specialists who work collaboratively to improve outcomes for pupils. We firmly believe that we are stronger together and that sharing expertise benefits everyone.

Please see the attached Application pack including a Welcome from The Head Teacher and more information about Peak School and Esteem MAT.

Please review the attached Job Description to learn more about the role and what we are looking for in the successful candidate.

Benefits Include:

• - Teacher's Pension Scheme


• - Access to Westfield Health membership scheme including cashback schemes for health and retail benefits, discounted gym memberships, and free confidential advice.


• - Free Parking


• - Access to a highly supportive trust network


• - Opportunities for further professional development and leadership growth


• - Access to My Money Matters Financial Wellbeing Platform


• - Access to National College CPD platform.

Come and See Us

We strongly encourage prospective applicants to visit Peak School and experience first‑hand the warmth, ambition and sense of community that make our school such a special place to work.

You will meet a team who genuinely care for one another, celebrate success together and are united by a shared determination to provide the very best for our pupils.

To arrange a visit or an informal conversation with Marie Old, Head of School, please contact the school office on 01663 750324 or email [e-mail]

Closing Date: 23:59 - Sun 11 October 2026

Interview Date: Week commencing 19 October 2026

We reserve the right to interview suitable candidates upon application and may close the application process prior to this date

Esteem Multi-Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its students. We expect all staff, volunteers and agency staff to share this commitment. Esteem Multi-Academy Trust’s Safeguarding Policy applies to all adults, including volunteers and agency staff, working in or on behalf of the MAT.

The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining this post, as all cases are judged individually according to the nature of the role and information provided.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status.

Perfection is not required, if you are excited by the role and our organisation, but not sure if you meet 100% of the criteria, we would still love to hear from you!