Interim Deputy Headteacher, Thames Valley

Brava Education; Oxford; On-site; GBP 83,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Brava Education is partnering with a special school in the Thames Valley to recruit an experienced Interim Deputy Headteacher who will lead quality of education and drive the school’s improvement plan. The role is full-time, on site, with a competitive day rate and immediate start running to Christmas 2026.

You will shape curriculum structure, sequencing and assessment cycles, line manage curriculum leaders, and lead lesson observations, feedback and CPD, with occasional modelling and

Qualifications

• Experience at Deputy Headteacher level or above.
• Strong track record in curriculum, assessment and teaching and learning.
• Current and confident knowledge of the new Ofsted framework.
• Comfortable working at pace within an established improvement plan.
• Special school experience is not essential; leaders with strong teaching and learning experience in mainstream will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Lead quality of education and teaching and learning across the school, including curriculum structure, sequencing and assessment cycles.
• Line manage and coach curriculum leaders, and lead lesson observation, feedback and CPD.
• Role is senior and highly visible, with focus on building relationships with staff and pupils.

Skills

Deputy Headteacher experience

Curriculum development

Assessment

Teaching and learning

Ofsted framework knowledge

Job description

Brava Education is working with a special school in the Thames Valley, who are looking for an experienced Interim Deputy Headteacher to lead quality of education as the school delivers its improvement plan.

The role

This is a senior, hands-on Deputy Headteacher role within a special school that has a clear improvement plan in place, led by its Executive Headteacher. The leadership structure has two Deputy roles, one leading pastoral and inclusion and one leading quality of education. This role leads the quality of education side.

You will lead quality of education and teaching and learning across the school, including curriculum structure, sequencing and assessment cycles. You will line manage and coach curriculum leaders, and lead lesson observation, feedback and CPD.

The role is highly visible, with a focus on building relationships with staff and pupils quickly. There is no timetabled teaching, although modelling and co-teaching may be asked for.

About you

• Experience at Deputy Headteacher level or above.
• A strong track record in curriculum, assessment and teaching and learning.
• Current and confident knowledge of the new Ofsted framework.
• Comfortable working at pace within an established improvement plan.
• Special school experience is not essential. Leaders with strong teaching and learning experience in mainstream will be considered.

Terms

The role is interim and full time, five days a week on site, with some flexibility for the right candidate. It offers a competitive day rate and an immediate start, running to at least Christmas 2026.

The process

The process will begin with a Teams call, followed by a school visit, with a quick decision after that.