Full job descriptionPosition: Deputy Headteacher
Location: Great Barrow
Availability: Full-time, permanent
Start Date: Immediate or as soon as possible
Salary: £45,000-£50,000 per annum
About the Role:
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Deputy Headteacher to join an independent SEN school in Great Barrow. This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with the Headteacher, supporting the leadership and development of a specialist setting for pupils with autism, learning disabilities, communication difficulties and complex behavioural needs.
The school currently supports 17 pupils, with plans to expand its capacity to 30. There are also exciting plans to develop an alternative education provision through a 1.5-acre horticultural site, offering pupils additional opportunities for practical learning and personal development.
The school has a Good Ofsted rating and benefits from strong central support, including HR, finance and clinical services.
The school follows a Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) approach and uses PROACT-SCIPr-UK strategies, focusing on proactive support, emotional regulation and reducing the need for physical restraint. The emphasis is on a positive, person-centred and non-punitive approach.
The successful candidate will share the school’s values of Understand, Empower and Aspire, helping create a supportive environment where pupils and staff can thrive.
Responsibilities:
*Support the Headteacher with the strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the school.

*Maintain high standards of teaching, learning and pupil outcomes.

*Promote an inclusive, safe and supportive learning environment.

*Support staff development, coaching and performance management.

*Oversee individual learning plans and positive behaviour support strategies.

*Ensure safeguarding procedures and policies are followed effectively.

*Work collaboratively with teachers, teaching assistants, the SENCO and the wider multidisciplinary team.

*Contribute to school improvement planning and future expansion.

*Support the development of the alternative education and horticultural provision.

*Build positive relationships with families, external professionals and agencies.

*Promote the school’s values and ensure pupils receive individualised support.

Requirements:
*Previous leadership experience within a school or specialist education setting.

*Experience supporting pupils with autism, learning disabilities or complex behavioural needs.

*A strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection.

*Knowledge of positive behaviour support and proactive behaviour management.

*Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills.

*The ability to motivate and develop a team of education professionals.

*A compassionate, patient and resilient approach to supporting pupils with additional needs.

*The ability to work effectively with families, staff and external professionals.

*Relevant teaching qualifications and leadership experience appropriate to the role.

*A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for young people with SEN.

Why Join Us:
*Competitive salary of £45,000-£50,000 per annum.

*Permanent leadership opportunity with an immediate or near-immediate start.

*Work within a specialist independent SEN school with a Good Ofsted rating.

*Benefit from a supportive leadership team and central services.

*Play a key role in the school’s growth and future development.

*Contribute to an innovative outdoor learning and horticultural provision.

*Work alongside a dedicated team of education professionals.

*Make a meaningful difference to pupils’ education, wellbeing and personal development.

If you are an experienced education professional looking for your next leadership opportunity and are passionate about supporting pupils with complex SEN needs, we would love to hear from you! Click Apply Now to submit your CV.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR SPENCER CLARKE GROUP
All applications are subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure, professional reference checks and Overseas Police Clearances (if applicable), in line with our stringent safeguarding policy.
*Your CV must cover the last 10 years of employment history where possible, and all employment breaks must be explained.

*You must have the legal right to work in the UK.

*You must be willing to attend a registration interview.

Salary details will be confirmed during the recruitment process. This is a permanent position, offering the successful candidate the opportunity to contribute to the long-term development of a specialist education setting.
Spencer Clarke Group works with a variety of schools across a wide geographical area, covering primary, secondary, special educational needs and college-level placements, as well as support staff and senior leadership positions.
Please note: The school and organisation’s identity will remain confidential at this stage of the recruitment process.