Job Description:

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and ambitious Deputy Headteacher to join a highly regarded specialist independent school, based in East London, supporting young people with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. January 2027 or sooner start - Dependent on availability.

This is a key leadership position within a specialist setting where the successful candidate will work closely with the Headteacher and wider leadership team to drive school improvement, raise standards and ensure every pupil receives an ambitious, personalised and high-quality education.

The school provides specialist education for pupils aged 7–17 years, many of whom have experienced significant barriers to accessing and succeeding within mainstream education. The provision aims to provide pupils with as close to a mainstream experience as possible, while ensuring they receive the specialist support, structure and care required to thrive.

The Role

As Deputy Headteacher you will be a highly visible and influential member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to the strategic direction of the school while taking a leading role in its day-to-day development and improvement.

Working alongside the Headteacher, the successful candidate will help establish a culture of high expectations, positive relationships and continuous improvement. They will provide strong professional leadership to staff, contribute to the development of an ambitious curriculum and ensure that safeguarding, behaviour, teaching and learning remain at the highest possible standards.

This role would suit an experienced Deputy Headteacher, Assistant Headteacher or senior specialist education leader who is ready to take the next step in their career within a complex SEND environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Headteacher in providing strategic and operational leadership across the school, driving continuous improvement and high standards.
• Lead on key areas of school improvement, ensuring agreed priorities translate into measurable improvements in pupil outcomes and experience.
• Provide strategic leadership for teaching, learning and curriculum development, ensuring provision is ambitious, personalised and responsive to pupils' individual needs.
• Champion outstanding practice in supporting pupils with ASC and SEMH, including positive behaviour approaches and emotionally informed practice.
• Lead, motivate and develop staff, creating a culture of professional accountability, collaboration and continuous development.
• Maintain a strong focus on safeguarding, pupil welfare, behaviour and the development of a safe, positive and inclusive school culture.
• Work collaboratively with families, governors, Local Authorities and external professionals to ensure pupils receive coordinated and effective support.

About the Candidate

The successful candidate will be an experienced education leader with a strong understanding of specialist education and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND.

You will ideally bring:

• Proven senior leadership experience within a school or specialist education setting.
• Experience of contributing to or leading whole-school improvement.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of ASC and/or SEMH.
• A proven track record of improving teaching, learning and pupil outcomes.
• Experience leading and developing staff within a complex educational environment.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding and pupil welfare.
• The ability to establish positive relationships and lead through influence, challenge and support.
• Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• A resilient, reflective and solution-focused approach to leadership.

Why Apply?

• This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate specialist education leader to join a school where leadership has a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of young people.
• The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work alongside an experienced Headteacher and wider leadership team, influence the strategic development of the school and help create an environment in which pupils who may have struggled within traditional education can re-engage, achieve and thrive.
• The role offers genuine scope for professional development and progression, alongside the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the continued growth and improvement of a specialist SEND provision.

Salary: £76,000 - £85,000 (Dependent on experience)

If this role is of interest, please contact Kenny Fraser at Integrity Education Solutions.

Integrity Education Solutions and the school are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be subject to enhanced DBS and full pre-employment checks. Applications are welcomed from all sections of the community.