Trauma-Informed Deputy Principal — SEND School Leadership

Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust; Dorking; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS or TPS pension schemes

Salary sacrifice schemes

Employee wellbeing support

Employee discounts

Season ticket loan

Employee referral scheme

Progression pathways

Job summary

Unified Academy is part of Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust in Dorking and is seeking an ambitious Deputy Principal to join the Senior Leadership Team. You will shape the strategic direction of the school, champion high quality teaching, and balance therapeutic support with an ambitious, accessible curriculum.

You will lead a trauma-informed approach, oversee safeguarding, and empower staff across teaching, therapy, and pastoral teams to secure excellent outcomes for vulnerable learners.

Qualifications

• Substantial and recent experience of teaching pupils/students with special needs, including autism.
• Experience of working effectively with young people who present with a range of challenging behaviour.
• Proven ability in building and leading a staff team.
• Generate enthusiasm for new ideas in both students and staff, and inspire others with confidence and professional autonomy.

Responsibilities

• Therapeutic & Strategic Leadership: Shape a trauma-informed school culture that reduces barriers to learning and prioritizes emotional regulation.
• Curriculum & Engagement: Lead an innovative, flexible curriculum that blends academic progress with vital life skills and vocational opportunities.
• Positive Behaviour Support: Oversee robust, non-punitive behaviour support frameworks, working closely with therapists and external agencies.
• Staff Empowerment: Coach, mentor, and build resilience among a dedicated team of teachers, teaching assistants, and pastoral staff.
• Safeguarding: Act as a key leader in safeguarding, ensuring strict compliance and exceptional care for vulnerable learners.

Skills

SEN experience

Leadership

Staff development

Trauma-informed practice

Job description

Unified Academy is part of Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust in Dorking and is seeking an ambitious Deputy Principal to join the Senior Leadership Team. You will shape the strategic direction of the school, champion high quality teaching, and balance therapeutic support with an ambitious, accessible curriculum.

You will lead a trauma-informed approach, oversee safeguarding, and empower staff across teaching, therapy, and pastoral teams to secure excellent outcomes for vulnerable learners.