SEN Deputy Headteacher (Secondary)

South East England | Specialist Alternative Provision | Full-Time | Permanent | £70,000 - £79,000 | September 2026 Start

Are you an ambitious senior leader ready to take the next step in your career?

Do you have the vision, resilience and leadership skills to drive school improvement whilst transforming outcomes for vulnerable young people?

We are seeking an exceptional Deputy Headteacher to join a specialist secondary provision supporting pupils who face significant barriers to education, including social, emotional and mental health needs, attendance challenges and complex personal circumstances.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking organisation at a pivotal stage of its development. Working closely with the Headteacher and wider leadership team, you will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the school, driving standards and ensuring every pupil receives the support they need to succeed.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Support the strategic leadership and day-to-day operational management of the school.
• Deputise for the Headteacher when required.
• Lead on key aspects of school improvement planning and implementation.
• Drive high standards of teaching, learning, behaviour and attendance.
• Support the development of an ambitious, inclusive and nurturing school culture.
• Contribute to the wider vision and growth of the organisation.

Teaching & Learning

• Lead the monitoring and evaluation of teaching and learning across the secondary provision.
• Champion high-quality classroom practice and curriculum delivery.
• Support staff development through coaching, mentoring and performance management.
• Analyse pupil progress and performance data to inform improvement strategies.
• Ensure pupils receive personalised learning pathways which support both academic achievement and personal development.
• Promote the effective use of technology and innovative teaching approaches.

Inclusion & Pastoral Leadership

• Lead on complex pupil cases and multi-agency working.
• Support attendance, behaviour and engagement strategies.
• Work closely with families, local authorities and external professionals.
• Contribute to SEND, safeguarding and inclusion strategies.
• Support successful pupil transitions, reintegration and long-term outcomes.

Leadership & Staff Development

• Lead, motivate and inspire staff to achieve the highest standards.
• Support recruitment, induction and professional development across the school.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Develop strong partnerships with stakeholders and external agencies.
• Contribute to whole-school quality assurance and self-evaluation processes.

The Ideal Candidate

• Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent.
• Has significant leadership experience within secondary, alternative provision, specialist or SEND settings.
• Demonstrates a proven track record of raising standards and improving outcomes.
• Has strong knowledge of behaviour, attendance, safeguarding and inclusion.
• Can effectively lead and develop both teaching and support staff.
• Possesses excellent communication, organisational and relationship-building skills.
• Is passionate about improving life chances for young people facing barriers to education.

Desirable Experience

• Senior leadership experience within Alternative Provision, SEMH or specialist education.
• Experience leading Teaching and Learning across a secondary setting.
• Experience working alongside external agencies including CAMHS, local authorities and social care.
• NPQSL or equivalent leadership qualification.
• Experience leading change and school improvement initiatives.

What's on Offer?

• Salary of £70,000 - £79,000 depending on experience.
• Opportunity to shape and influence a growing specialist provision.
• Extensive CPD and leadership development opportunities.
• Collaborative and supportive senior leadership team.
• Clear progression opportunities within a wider educational organisation.
• The chance to make a significant and lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable young people.

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