Deputy Headteacher – Specialist Education
Location: Darwen, Lancashire
Salary: £60,145 – £66,368 (L7–L11) depending on experience
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time (40 hours per week)
Start Date: September 2026
Interview Date: 22nd May
About the Opportunity
We are working in partnership with an exceptional Primary and Secondary Special Education school to recruit an outstanding Deputy Headteacher for a unique setting supporting young people aged 10–19.
This is a rewarding opportunity to join a forward-thinking, nurturing school environment that supports students with ASC, ADHD and SEMH needs. The setting is designed to provide a calm, structured and inspiring environment, enabling every learner to build confidence, develop independence and achieve meaningful outcomes.
With a small cohort (approx. 64 students) and a highly collaborative team, the school prides itself on delivering a personalised curriculum that truly makes a difference.
The Role
As Deputy Headteacher, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the school, working closely with the Headteacher to:
- Provide strong, visible leadership across the school
- Drive excellence in teaching, learning and outcomes
- Support and develop a high-performing, committed staff team
- Lead on key whole-school priorities, ensuring sustained improvement
- Champion inclusive, student-centred approaches to education
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced leader who is passionate about transforming futures through education.
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- A relevant further professional qualification
- Experience within a specialist ASD and/or SEMH setting
- Proven track record of whole-school leadership impact
- Experience translating strategy/policy into effective practice
- Leadership responsibility across a key phase, department or inclusion
- Experience working with governance or senior stakeholders
- Strong understanding of quality assurance processes (e.g. observations, performance management)
Why Apply?
- Be part of a values-driven organisation making a genuine impact
- Work in a supportive, collaborative leadership team
- Influence whole-school strategy and drive meaningful change
Safeguarding
This role is subject to safeguarding checks, including enhanced DBS clearance. The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.
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