Deputy Headteacher

Polaris Community; Leeds; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution in Leeds is seeking a Deputy Headteacher with curriculum responsibility to lead teaching, support young people with SEND, and develop the school's curriculum. This full-time role offers a competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a chance to make a meaningful impact on children's lives. Starting January 2026, apply if you are ready to create a nurturing learning environment.

Benefits

Company Pension

Life Assurance

Employee Discount Scheme

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with experience in SEND.
• Experience of delivering high-quality curriculum for SEND students.
• Experience in leading and managing teams.

Responsibilities

• Ensure high-quality teaching and learning across the school.
• Lead strategic planning and curriculum development.
• Manage and support staff teams effectively.

Skills

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Experience in SEND

Leadership and management experience

Excellent communication skills

Adaptability

Job description

Overview

Deputy Headteacher with Curriculum Responsibility

Contract: Full-Time Term Time Only

Salary: From £45,000 depending on experience

Benefits: Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme

Start date: January 2026

Ormston school has recently been graded Good in all areas by Ofsted during their first inspection. Due to the continued growth and development of Ormston School, we are now looking for a Deputy Head Teacher with Curriculum responsibility. Are you ready to join a supportive and nurturing community that works together to achieve the very best outcomes for its young people? If so, we could be the perfect place for you to develop your career and make a real difference.

About Us

Located in Headingley, Leeds, Ormston School opened with its first cohort of learners in September 2024 and offers a safe and supportive environment for pupils from 5 to 18 years old. Our aim is to provide a learning environment where young people can thrive, feel supported, safe and are then able to leave school happy with relevant experiences and outcomes to enable them to contribute to the wider community.

With significant investment and an abundance of new resources, the successful applicant will have the opportunity to shape and mould the school to create a supportive environment that promotes self-discipline, and engagement, and inspires learning. Our mission is to provide each young person with a diverse and appropriate education that encourages aspiration and achievement.

We are part of the Polaris Community and have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years. Within the Polaris Community, we have twelve SEN Schools across the UK that work together to provide each pupil with a tailored, diverse, and appropriate education in a safe, supportive environment that promotes engagement, inspires learning, and encourages achievement. We’re also incredibly proud that 100% of our education provisions have been rated as Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.

The Role

We are seeking a caring, forward-thinking leader to join our team as Deputy Headteacher with curriculum responsibility. In this role, you will:

• Ensure high-quality teaching and learning across the school, with a focus on inclusion and differentiated instruction for SEND students
• Assess, monitor, record and report on the learning needs, progress and achievements of pupils – working alongside the SENCo
• Take a lead on whole school strategic planning and the continued development of our curriculum
• Provide curriculum training for staff during training sessions and INSET, valuing your own and others CPD
• Deputise for the Head Teacher in their absence
• Line manage a range of new and existing staff, including taking part in the recruitment and onboarding of new staff
• Lead on careers, reading and writing to prepare young people for their next steps
• Contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of the school’s policies, practices and procedures in such a way as to support the school’s values and vision
• Work with others on curriculum and/or pupil development to secure co-ordinated outcomes
• Use your expertise to promote a therapeutic approach to behaviour and emotional well-being
• Collaborate with staff, parents, and external professionals to ensure the best outcomes for students
• Manage and support staff teams, fostering a culture of cooperation, flexibility, and continuous improvement
• Work closely with other leaders within the Polaris community to share best practices and ensure alignment with our ethos

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate will have:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with experience in SEND.
• Experience of delivering high-quality curriculum with a focus on supporting young people with SEND
• Experience in leading and managing teams with a compassionate and a therapeutic approach
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work inclusively with staff, students, and families
• A proactive, adaptable attitude, able to set up new systems and processes aligned with the school’s values and ethos

What We Offer

• A unique opportunity to shape the curriculum development and SEND provision in a new school.
• A supportive and collaborative leadership team.
• Professional development opportunities within the Polaris community.
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of children with complex needs.