Deputy Headteacher (Milton Keynes)

Outcomes First Group; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Willow Park School in Milton Keynes is seeking an exceptional Deputy Headteacher to join the leadership team and drive high-quality education, safeguarding and student outcomes.

Working with the Headteacher, you will lead strategic and operational aspects, support SEMH needs, and foster an inclusive, trauma-informed environment that helps every pupil Belong, Commit and Achieve.

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and PGCE required.
• Extensive experience with SEMH, autism and complex SEND.
• Proven leadership with track record of improving practice and outcomes.
• Strong safeguarding, SEND, EHCP knowledge and inclusive education.
• Experience in assessment, progress tracking and school improvement.
• Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills.
• Commitment to pupil wellbeing and staff development.

Responsibilities

• Support whole-school improvement and strategic development.
• Lead teaching, learning, assessment and curriculum development.
• Monitor student progress and educational outcomes.
• Collaborate with SENCO and clinical teams to align EHCPs.
• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL).
• Promote positive behaviour, wellbeing and trauma-informed practice.
• Line manage, coach and develop staff.
• Build partnerships with families and external agencies.
• Support compliance, operations and inspection readiness.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisational skills

Safeguarding knowledge

Assessment

Progress tracking

Education

QTS

PGCE

Job description

At OFG Education we give you time to enjoy those special moments and hobbies outside of work

Job Title

Deputy Headteacher

Location

Willow Park School, Milton Keynes, MK14 6LJ

Hours

40 hours per week | Monday to Friday

Salary

Up to £62,000 per annum

(depending on experience, not pro rata)

Contract

Permanent | Term Time Only

Start

January 2027

UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional Deputy Headteacher to join our leadership team and help create a culture where every student can Belong, Commit and Achieve.

Working closely with the Headteacher, you will support the strategic and operational leadership of the school, driving high-quality education, safeguarding, staff development and student outcomes. You'll play a key role in creating a safe, nurturing and ambitious environment for students with SEMH needs, autism and associated complexities. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and passionate leader who believes in inclusive, trauma-informed education and is committed to helping every student reach their full potential.

What you’ll do

• Supporting whole-school improvement and strategic development.
• Leading high-quality teaching, learning, assessment and curriculum development.
• Monitoring student progress and ensuring strong educational outcomes.
• Working with the SENCO and clinical teams to align EHCP provision and support.
• Acting as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL).
• Promoting positive behaviour, wellbeing and trauma-informed practice.
• Line managing, coaching and developing staff.
• Building strong partnerships with families, local authorities and external agencies.
• Supporting compliance, operational effectiveness and inspection readiness.

What you will bring

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and PGCE required.
• Significant experience working with students with SEMH, autism and/or complex SEND.
• Successful leadership experience with evidence of improving practice and outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding, SEND, EHCPs and inclusive education.
• Experience of assessment, progress tracking and school improvement.
• Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills.
• A commitment to pupil wellbeing, staff development and achieving the best outcomes for every student.

About Us

At OFG Education, we believe every student deserves an education designed around who they are. Through high expectations, deep expertise and truly personalised education, we help students realise their potential and prepare for successful futures. Building on more than 20 years of experience, we are bringing our approach to more students and communities around the world. Across the UK, Iberia and the Gulf, our schools combine the strength, expertise and high standards of an international education group with the individuality of each school and the communities they serve. Whatever your role, joining OFG education means contributing to our shared ambition: empowering every student to success through truly personalised education.

About Our School

Willow Park School is a brand-new specialist school in Milton Keynes for young people aged 9–16 with a range of complex needs. Our aim is simple: to equip every child with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed in the future. Through a therapeutic educational approach, supported by specialist facilities and an experienced team, we help students with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH), communication, interaction, and associated challenging behaviours to flourish in a safe and nurturing environment. 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.

Why Join Us

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.

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 benefitsHundreds of UK and international discountsCycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase SchemeCritical illness cover Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. OFG Education is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, OFG Education does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.