Deputy Headteacher - Specialist SEN School

Simply Education Ltd; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced pension scheme

Enhanced maternity/paternity pay

Fully funded training and professional

Staff referral bonus

Blue Light Card discounts

Employee wellbeing support

Retail discounts

Life assurance

Enhanced pay scales

Job summary

Simply Education Ltd is recruiting a Deputy Headteacher for a specialist SEN school in the UK. The post offers a competitive salary (£45,000-£55,000) and a permanent, full-time role guiding strategic school leadership for pupils aged 11-19 with SEND, primarily ASC.

You will lead teaching, safeguarding, and school improvement, working closely with the Headteacher to ensure high standards and thriving learners.

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS or QTLS) required.
• Proven leadership experience in a specialist SEND setting.
• Strong knowledge of SEND, especially Autism Spectrum Conditions.
• Experience supporting pupils with complex educational, emotional or behavioural needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide inspirational leadership across the school in partnership with the Headteacher.
• Drive high standards of teaching, curriculum delivery and pupil achievement.
• Champion inclusive, trauma-informed approaches to education.
• Lead and develop teaching and support staff to deliver outstanding outcomes.
• Promote safeguarding culture and pupil wellbeing.
• Support behaviour strategies and create a calm learning environment.
• Contribute to quality assurance, Ofsted readiness and school improvement.
• Collaborate with parents, carers and external professionals.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

People management

Trauma-informed practice

SEN knowledge

Safeguarding

Education

QTS / QTLS

Tools

Ofsted readiness

Job description

Deputy Headteacher - Specialist SEN School

Salary: 45,000 - 55,000 per annum

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent 40 Hours Per Week

Ready to Take the Next Step in Your SEN Leadership Career?

Are you an experienced Assistant Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher or Senior Leader looking for an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people with additional needs?

Simply Education is delighted to be recruiting for a passionate and forward-thinking Deputy Headteacher to join an established, Ofsted Outstanding independent specialist school supporting young people aged 11-19 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), primarily Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC).

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious educational leader to play a key role in shaping the school's future, driving outstanding teaching and learning, and creating an environment where every young person can thrive.

If you're passionate about inclusive education, have a strong understanding of SEND and believe every pupil deserves the opportunity to succeed, we would love to hear from you!

About the School

You’ll be joining a highly regarded specialist education setting that provides a safe, nurturing and low-sensory learning environment for young people with a range of additional needs.

The school delivers an ambitious and engaging curriculum, including GCSE qualifications, enrichment opportunities and personalised learning pathways, preparing students for further education, employment, training and independent adulthood.

With a strong focus on trauma-informed practice, therapeutic approaches and individualised learning, the school is committed to ensuring every pupil feels valued, supported and empowered to achieve their full potential.

The Role - What Will You Be Doing?

As Deputy Headteacher, you'll work closely with the Headteacher to provide inspirational leadership across the school, supporting staff, driving educational standards and ensuring the highest quality of care and education for pupils.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Strategic Leadership: Supporting the Headteacher in delivering the school's vision, values and strategic priorities.
• Teaching & Learning: Driving high standards of teaching, curriculum delivery and pupil achievement across the school.
• SEND & Inclusion: Championing inclusive, personalised and trauma-informed approaches to education.
• Staff Development: Leading, mentoring and motivating teaching and support staff to deliver exceptional outcomes.
• Safeguarding & Wellbeing: Promoting a strong safeguarding culture and ensuring the safety, welfare and wellbeing of all pupils.
• Behaviour & Pastoral Support: Supporting positive behaviour strategies and creating a calm, consistent and nurturing learning environment.
• School Improvement: Contributing to quality assurance, self-evaluation, Ofsted readiness and continuous improvement.
• Collaboration: Building positive relationships with parents, carers, external professionals and the wider school community.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a confident, compassionate and motivated leader who can inspire both pupils and staff.

Essential requirements:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS or QTLS).
• Proven leadership experience within a specialist school, SEND provision or complex educational setting.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of SEND, particularly Autism Spectrum Conditions.
• Experience supporting pupils with complex educational, emotional or behavioural needs.
• A sound understanding of safeguarding, the Ofsted inspection framework and trauma-informed practice.
• Excellent communication, organisational and people-management skills.
• A genuine passion for improving outcomes for children and young people with additional needs.

Experience as an Assistant Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, SENCO or other senior school leader would be particularly valuable, provided you meet the essential leadership requirements.

What's on Offer?

Alongside a competitive salary of 45,000 - 55,000 per annum, you’ll have access to a fantastic benefits package, including:

• Enhanced pension scheme through NEST.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
• Fully funded training and professional qualifications to support your career development.
• Staff referral bonus - 500 shared between the referring employee and successful candidate.
• Blue Light Card discounts.
• Employee wellbeing support and access to a wellbeing app.
• Retail discounts and employee benefits.
• Life assurance.
• Enhanced pay scales recognising experience and qualifications.

Most importantly, you'll have the opportunity to work within a supportive specialist school where your leadership can make a lasting difference to young people's lives.

Why Apply Through Simply Education?

At Simply Education, we understand that finding the right leadership opportunity is about more than just a job title.

Our specialist education recruitment team will support you throughout the recruitment process, from your initial application and interview preparation through to securing your next role.

Simply Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to appropriate safeguarding and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.