Job Description
Summary:
Deputy Headteacher job in Somerset; West Hatch and Hambridge. Support the Headteacher with leadership and management.
About the School:
A school committed to individualised learning and therapeutic education, providing tailored support for students with complex needs in a supportive, rural environment.
The Opportunity:
As a Deputy Headteacher, you will play a key role in supporting the Headteacher and leading the school’s educational and pastoral vision. This is an opportunity to make a real impact in a trauma-informed, therapeutic environment where high standards of teaching, learning, and behaviour are prioritised.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the Headteacher in establishing and sustaining the school’s culture and ethos, promoting inclusion, respect, and high expectations
- Lead curriculum implementation and assessment, ensuring a broad, balanced, and coherent offer tailored to pupils’ complex needs
- Model and uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and integrity as set out in the Staff Code of Conduct
- Support teaching staff to deliver evidence-informed, high-quality teaching aligned with the Teachers’ Standards and the school’s therapeutic ethos
- Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and collaborate with the SENDCO to ensure effective provision for pupils with SEND, including personalised learning plans and statutory compliance
- Lead behaviour management strategies in line with the school’s behaviour policy and trauma-informed practices
- Monitor attendance and punctuality, implementing strategies to improve and sustain high levels
- Oversee pastoral care systems to support pupils’ wellbeing, resilience, and personal development
Qualifications & Skills:
Required
- Proven leadership experience in a special school or complex educational setting
- Strong knowledge of the Ofsted inspection framework, safeguarding, SEND, and trauma-informed practice
- Ability to lead teams, motivate staff, and model professional conduct as per the Staff Code of Conduct
- Commitment to the Nolan Principles and school’s professional conduct expectations
- Ability to contribute to strategic planning and school improvement
- Commitment to safeguarding and child protection, following school policies and reporting procedures
- QTS/NPQSL is a requirement
Preferred
- Experience in a therapeutic or pastoral care environment
- Experience in school improvement planning and implementation
- Experience with curriculum design and delivery in a special educational needs context
Compensation & Benefits:
- Competitive salary between £40,000 and £55,000
- NEST enhanced pension scheme
- Fully funded training and qualifications for all colleagues
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Access to a blue light discount card
- Employee benefits scheme including wellbeing app and discounts