Most deputy head roles in mainstream education feel like you're fighting the system. Here, you'll be fighting for young people who genuinely need you - shaping the future of a specialist school where every small win counts as a huge victory, and where leadership actually means something
You'll work alongside the Head Teacher to set the vision for a school that specialises in supporting young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. This isn't about league tables or tick-box compliance. It's about watching a child sit through a full lesson for the first time, or seeing a young person leave school feeling proud of what they've achieved. Those moments - the huge small victories - they're what make this role matter
You won't be doing this alone. The broader management team, specialist staff, and your teaching colleagues are genuinely the best at what they do. The school is well-resourced, the environment is designed to support learning, and you'll have real backing as you build a rewarding teaching career. The recent Ofsted Good rating proves this isn't an underfunded experiment - it's a leading specialist provision that works
This is a role where your leadership directly shapes how young people experience education. You'll drive the quality of teaching and learning, coach staff, build a strong team culture, and use your interpersonal skills to create an environment where both staff and pupils thrive. The salary reflects the weight of that responsibility: £70,275 to £77,676, plus a benefits package that actually rewards your commitment
What you will be doing
- Set the strategic vision for the school alongside the Head Teacher, ensuring the right people and plans are in place for young people to succeed
- Lead and coach teaching and support staff to raise the quality of teaching and learning across SEMH and autism provision
- Model and embed behaviours for learning, helping young people develop resilience and positive engagement with education
- Work with the management team to create a school culture where young people and staff feel valued, supported and part of a genuine community
- Drive continuous improvement and ensure the school maintains its position as a leading specialist provision in the region
Why you will love working here
- Salary of £70,275 to £77,676 plus excellent benefits - your hard work and commitment are genuinely valued
- Full school holidays so you can actually rest and recharge between terms
- Flexible benefits you can tailor to your life, pension options including Teachers' Pension and a very attractive TPS alternative, and medical cover including opticians and dentist claims
- A full induction and on-the-job training to set you up for success, plus a clear path to progression - most head teachers here have been promoted from within
- A wellbeing package including employee assistance, high-street discounts, and a workplace designed with beautiful facilities and the very best resources
Is this you?
- You hold Qualified Teacher Status and have genuine teaching experience under your belt
- You've got a minimum of 2 years in a leadership or management role - you know how to lead people, not just manage tasks
- You're driven by raising the quality of teaching and learning, and you understand what good behaviours for learning actually look like in practice
- Your leadership and coaching skills are strong - you develop people and build teams, not just oversee them
- You understand SEMH and autism, or you're passionate about learning how to support young people with these needs
Applications close on 12 October 2026. Great roles like this are filled quickly, so the sooner you apply the better.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.