Job Description:

Deputy Headteacher – Specialist SEMH School

Location: Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
Salary: Up to £62,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Start Date: January 2027
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Sponsorship: UK applicants only – no visa sponsorship available

About the Role

SENCare Recruitment is currently recruiting an experienced and passionate Deputy Headteacher for a specialist SEMH school in Milton Keynes.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a newly established specialist school supporting pupils aged 9–16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), communication difficulties and associated complex needs.

We are seeking an ambitious and dedicated senior leader who has a strong background in specialist education and is committed to delivering outstanding educational outcomes for vulnerable young people.

Working closely with the Headteacher, the successful candidate will play a key role in the strategic and operational leadership of the school, driving improvements in teaching and learning, safeguarding, curriculum development and staff performance.

The school follows a therapeutic, trauma-informed approach to education, providing a nurturing and structured environment where pupils can develop academically, socially and emotionally.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Headteacher in the strategic leadership, management and continuous improvement of the school.

• Lead and develop high-quality teaching, learning and assessment practices across the school.

• Oversee curriculum planning and development, ensuring provision is tailored to pupils with SEMH, ASD and complex SEND needs.

• Monitor pupil progress, attainment and engagement, implementing strategies to improve educational outcomes.

• Work closely with the SENCO and therapeutic teams to ensure effective implementation of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), supporting the school's safeguarding responsibilities.

• Promote positive behaviour management, emotional regulation and trauma-informed approaches throughout the school.

• Line manage, mentor and support teaching and support staff, promoting professional development and high standards of practice.

• Build strong working relationships with parents, carers, local authorities and external professionals.

• Support whole-school improvement planning, quality assurance, compliance and Ofsted inspection readiness.

• Contribute to creating a positive, inclusive and aspirational school culture.

The Ideal Candidate

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and PGCE – essential.

• Significant teaching experience within specialist education, particularly supporting pupils with SEMH, ASD and complex SEND.

• Previous senior leadership experience, ideally as an Assistant Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher or in a comparable school leadership role.

• A proven track record of improving teaching standards, pupil outcomes and whole-school performance.

• Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation, SEND frameworks, EHCPs and inclusive educational practice.

• Experience developing and implementing school improvement strategies.

• A clear understanding of trauma-informed education, therapeutic approaches and positive behaviour support.

• Experience managing, mentoring and developing teaching and support staff.

• Excellent communication, organisational and decision-making skills.

• The ability to remain calm, resilient and solution-focused when working within a complex educational environment.

• A genuine commitment to improving the educational experiences and life opportunities of young people with additional needs.

About the School

The school is a newly established specialist provision in Milton Keynes, supporting children and young people aged 9–16 with SEMH needs, autism, communication difficulties and associated behavioural challenges.

With a strong emphasis on therapeutic education, personalised learning and emotional wellbeing, the school aims to provide a safe, nurturing and supportive environment where every pupil can achieve their potential.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to help shape the school's development, establish high standards of education and contribute to a positive and inclusive learning culture.

Benefits

The successful candidate will have access to a competitive benefits package, which includes:

Competitive salary of up to £62,000 per annum.

Permanent, term-time-only contract.

Pension scheme with options to increase contributions.

Life assurance.

Mental health and wellbeing support.

Access to health, wellbeing and insurance benefits.

Employee discounts across a wide range of UK and international retailers.

Cycle to Work Scheme and Electric Car Purchase Scheme.

Critical illness cover.

Enhanced family-friendly benefits, including maternity and paternity support.

About SENCare Recruitment

SENCare Recruitment is a specialist recruitment agency providing experienced Special Educational Needs (SEN) professionals to specialist schools, mainstream schools, colleges, alternative provisions, residential settings and local authorities across the UK.

We recruit for temporary, long-term and permanent positions, including SEN Teachers, Teaching Assistants, SENCOs, Assistant Headteachers, Deputy Headteachers, Headteachers and other specialist education professionals.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced senior leader with a strong background in SEMH and specialist education, and you are looking for an opportunity to make a lasting impact within a developing school, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today or contact our recruitment team directly and ask for John Stokes at SENCare Recruitment.

Safeguarding & GDPR

SENCare Recruitment is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All applicants will be subject to appropriate safeguarding and compliance checks, including an Enhanced DBS check, relevant barred list checks and other pre-employment screening where required.

By applying for this vacancy, you acknowledge that SENCare Recruitment Ltd will process your personal information in accordance with applicable UK GDPR and data protection legislation.