Deputy Headteacher - Specialist SEN School

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

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced pension scheme (NEST)

Enhanced maternity/paternity pay

Fully funded training & qualifications

Staff referral bonus

Blue Light Card discounts

Wellbeing support app

Retail discounts

Life assurance

Enhanced pay scales

Job summary

Simply Education is seeking a Deputy Headteacher for an established independent specialist school serving 11–19 learners with SEND, primarily Autism. You will work with the Headteacher to raise educational standards, lead staff, oversee safeguarding and ensure outstanding care and learning.

The role requires strategic leadership, experience in SEN settings, and a commitment to trauma-informed practices, inclusion, and personalised pathways for students’ progression.

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS or QTLS) is essential.
• Proven leadership in a specialist SEN or complex setting.
• Strong knowledge of SEND, safeguarding and Ofsted readiness.

Responsibilities

• Provide inspirational leadership alongside the Headteacher.
• Drive teaching standards, pupil achievement and curriculum delivery.
• Champion inclusive, trauma-informed approaches to education.
• Lead staff development and safeguarding culture.
• Support behaviour strategies and nurture learning environments.
• Contribute to quality assurance, self-evaluation and improvement.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Teaching & Learning

SEND & Inclusion

Staff Development

Safeguarding & Wellbeing

Behaviour & Pastoral

School Improvement

Communication

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS or QTLS)

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).

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.

• 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.

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.