Deputy Headteacher - Quality of Education

The Holden School; Plank Lane; On-site; GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist educational institution in England is seeking a Deputy Headteacher to enhance the quality of education. Responsibilities include curriculum development, managing staff, and ensuring compliance with safeguarding standards. The ideal candidate will have experience with children with complex needs and strong leadership skills. This position offers a permanent contract with a salary up to £60,000 per annum and the possibility of a 4-day working week trial. Comprehensive benefits and professional development opportunities are provided.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Access to mental health support services

Flexible benefits platform

Qualifications

• Experience teaching children and young people with autism and complex needs.
• Experience leading on quality of education.
• Proven experience managing and developing staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead curriculum development and oversee positive behaviour support.
• Monitor pupil progress and participate in referral assessments.
• Support recruitment, induction, and training of staff.

Skills

Leadership

Communication Skills

IT Skills

Organizational Skills

Knowledge of Safeguarding

Education

Degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Job description

Job Title: Deputy Headteacher – Quality of Education
Location: The Holden School, Leigh WN7 4SB
Salary: Up to £60,000 per annum (not pro‑rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
Start Date: January 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship provided.

The Holden School is inviting an exceptional Deputy Headteacher with a passion for inclusive education and collaborative leadership to join our senior leadership team. You will work closely with the Headteacher to deliver outstanding education for children and young people with complex needs in a supportive, inclusive, and high‑performing school community.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team to secure high standards across all aspects of school life.
• Lead curriculum development, ensuring coherence, quality and progression throughout the school.
• Oversee positive behaviour support, including the supervision of Behaviour Support Plans in collaboration with the clinical team.
• Monitor pupil progress and targets to ensure individual outcomes are achieved.
• Participate in referral assessments and placement decision‑making.
• Act as a core member of the multi‑disciplinary team, linking education, care and clinical provision.
• Maintain compliance with safeguarding procedures, SEND Code of Practice and relevant legislation.
• Develop and maintain effective partnerships with families, carers, external professionals and partner organisations.
• Model and promote high‑quality practice in teaching, assessment and behaviour support.
• Undertake agreed teaching responsibilities.
• Support recruitment, induction, training and professional development of staff.
• Line‑manage staff through supervisions, appraisals, probation reviews and wellbeing processes.
• Delegate responsibilities appropriately and support staff to meet expectations.
• Promote and embed company values, policies and regulatory standards across the team.
• Deputise for the Headteacher and represent the school as required.

Key Requirements

• Experience teaching children and young people with autism, complex needs and/or challenging behaviour.
• Experience leading on the quality of education.
• Knowledge of Ofsted frameworks and inspection processes.
• Proven experience managing and developing staff.
• Experience managing budgets and resources effectively.
• Strong leadership and people‑management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organisational, IT and time‑management skills.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Relevant sector qualifications welcome.
• Willingness to undertake further training as required.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Strong commitment to the school’s values and to inclusive education.

About the Holden School

The Holden School is an independent specialist day school for boys and girls aged 5 to 16, located in Leigh, Lancashire. The school caters for pupils with a wide range of needs across the Greater Manchester area. Our therapeutic‑led, trauma‑informed approach provides individualised curricula delivered by dedicated teams of teachers, pastoral staff and therapists. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all pupils, and we work closely with families, professionals and regulatory bodies to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with flexible contribution options
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – full access to a wide range of first‑class mental health support services and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista) – choose from health, wellbeing and insurance benefits, discounted services, Cycle to Work and Electric Car Purchase Schemes, critical illness cover, family growth support, maternity and paternity leave, and paid fertility treatment support.

4‑Day Working Week (4DWW)

The school offers a 4‑day working week trial, allowing you to work one day less each week (or equivalent hours) while retaining full-time pay. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit. You will still work 100 % of your contractual hours for 100 % of your pay.

Recruitment Process

All applicants will be subject to social media checks and a fully enhanced DBS. Successful applicants will undergo necessary safeguarding checks and compliance procedures in line with statutory requirements. The vacancy may be closed early if a high volume of suitable applications is received.