Deputy Headteacher (Interim)

Keys; Buxton; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 70,000; 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 and q

Employee wellbeing discounts

Life assurance

Job summary

Keys Education is seeking a Deputy Headteacher for Oaklands Manor, a therapeutic educational setting. The role supports the Headteacher with leadership, culture, and high expectations across all aspects of teaching, behaviour and pastoral care in a trauma-informed environment.

Oaklands Manor provides tailored support for pupils living in the Keys Group Residential Home, in a rural setting with modern classrooms and a strong emphasis on Individual Education and Behaviour Plans.

Qualifications

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Team motivation

Professional conduct

Education

QTS/QTLS

Job description

Purpose of the Role

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.

At Oaklands Manor

Oaklands Manor provides therapeutic educational placements for pupils who live in the adjoining Keys Group Residential Home. We are committed to each and every one of our pupils and provide specialist support which is individually tailored to meet the unique needs of the pupils.

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• 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

Benefits of Joining Keys

• 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.

The following content displays a map of the job's location.