Deputy Headteacher

Sefton; Sefton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Presfield High School & Specialist College in Sefton seeks a Deputy Headteacher to lead in a dynamic SEN environment, balancing high expectations with compassionate leadership. You will drive strategic school systems, oversee safeguarding, curriculum development and staff collaboration to shape the future of our ASC-focused provision.

We seek an experienced, resilient leader who can manage change, build strong relationships with families and ensure excellent outcomes for 11–19 students with

Qualifications

• Experience leading in a SEN setting with ASC expertise.
• Strong leadership and communication across senior teams.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic school systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and shape the school's strategic direction with the SLT.
• Support pupils, staff and families through collaborative leadership.
• Oversee safeguarding, curriculum, and whole-school improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Emotional intelligence

Strategic planning

SEN experience

Job description

• Employer: Presfield High School & Specialist College


• Location: Presfield High School and Specialist College


• Contract: Permanent


• Working Pattern: Full Time


• Closing Date: 14/10/2026 at 12:00


• Reference: PHSSC/26/344389

Deputy Headteacher

Full Time - Permanent

NOR: 129

At Presfield High School and Specialist College, our mission is simple: Shaping Futures. Changing Lives. We are a dedicated specialist community where young people aged 11–19 with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) truly thrive. We don't just teach; we care deeply about the holistic growth of every single student, valuing both academic success and social fulfillment equally. Through our three tailored educational pathways—Skills for Life, Parallel, and Formal—we ensure our pupils achieve their full potential in an inclusive, nurturing environment where passion and dedication drive everything we do.

To help lead this extraordinary setting, we are seeking an exceptional Deputy Headteacher who thrives in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. In a specialist school like ours, adaptability is not just a skill—it is a mindset, no two days are ever the same, no two hours are ever the same. This role demands a leader who can think on their feet, embrace unpredictability, and seamlessly pivot their approach to meet the evolving needs of our pupils and staff. We need an agile, collaborative leader who balances rigorous school systems with the flexibility required for a dynamic SEN setting. If you are a resilient, excellent practitioner who combines high expectations with a genuine heart for SEN, we would love to hear from you.

Why Join Us?

A School with a Genuine Heart: At Presfield, we are more than just a school; we are a community that lives and breathes our values. You will join an incredibly warm, passionate, and dedicated team of staff who support one another and truly love what they do.

The Joy of Making a Real Difference: There is nothing quite like watching our young people make breakthroughs in their confidence, communication, and happiness. Here, you will see the direct, life-changing impact of your leadership every single day.

Culture of Nurture and Care: We place authentic relationships and well-being at the heart of everything we do. You will be part of a supportive, collaborative Senior Leadership Team that genuinely cares about your professional growth, your ideas, and your workload balance.

A Vibrant and Rewarding Daily Journey: If you love an environment filled with energy, creativity, and the freedom to think on your feet, you will thrive here. Our school is a place of continuous learning, laughter, and shared moments of pride where no two days are ever the same.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking an authentic, dynamic leader who understands that in an SEN setting, the best-laid plans require a healthy dose of flexibility. You will be someone who can think on your feet with a smile, turning unpredictable moments into positive opportunities for our pupils.

You will bring a high level of emotional intelligence and self-awareness to the role, serving as a visible, approachable, and warm presence for our staff, students, and families. You must excel at building trusting, authentic relationships, blending a supportive heart with the clear boundaries and gentle accountability needed to help our school thrive. A passionate advocate for your team, you will champion a positive, reflective staff culture that truly values individual wellbeing, welcomes open feedback, and nurtures everyone’s professional growth.

Beyond your exceptional classroom practice and robust understanding of ASC, your greatest assets will be your adaptability, emotional intelligence, and resilience. We need a Deputy Headteacher who is as comfortable steering strategic school systems as they are rolling up their sleeves to support a student or colleague in a moment of need. If you are a collaborative, solution-focused leader who leads with both a sharp mind and a big heart, you will find your perfect home here.

A little about us ...

Presfield High School is an oversubscribed, National Autistic Society (NAS) Advanced accredited specialist provision catering to 129 students aged 11 to 19. All of our pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) with a primary diagnosis of Autism.

Guided by Dr. Stephen Shore’s words, “If you have met one person with autism, you have met ONE person with autism,” we actively challenge stereotypes and celebrate each student's individuality. We are incredibly proud of our current accreditation status and are actively working toward becoming an NAS \"Beacon\" school.

Our mission is to empower students and their families to advocate for their unique needs, preparing them to secure employment and make meaningful contributions to society. We achieve this through a diverse, aspirational curriculum that seamlessly blends academic and social pathways.

Presfield is a truly unique school. We highly recommend that interested candidates contact the School Office on 01704 227831 to arrange a school tour and informal conversation. You are also very warmly invited to join us for our Open Evening on Wednesday 7th October to meet our team and experience what makes our school so special.

We are committed to promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children and Young People and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Due to the nature of the work involved, this post is \"exempt\" from the provision of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

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Closing Date:12pm on Wednesday 14th October 2026

Interviews will be held on: Wednesday 21st October 2026