Start Date: 1st September 2026 Contract: Full-time, Permanent Salary: Leadership L11 - L15 (£66,368 - £73,105) Location: Bury St Edmunds area (SEMH Specialist Setting)
The Opportunity
Are you a visionary leader who believes that a child's diagnosis or history should never define their potential?
We are seeking an exceptional Deputy Headteacher to lead Teaching and Learning at our growing specialist school. This isn't just a leadership role; it's an opportunity to co-construct an inclusive, high-aspiration curriculum that provides children with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs the very best life chances.
Our school supports pupils aged 9-16, all of whom hold an EHCP. We are a community built on resilience, empathy, and the unwavering belief that our students deserve a vocational and academic offer that rivals any mainstream setting.
Who You Are
You are a practitioner who leads by example. You understand that "Teaching and Learning" in an SEMH context requires a unique blend of pedagogical rigour and deep therapeutic understanding.
We are looking for someone who:
Is an Expert Practitioner: You aren't afraid to roll up your sleeves-you will be prepared to teach pupils while simultaneously driving the strategic vision for the whole school.
Is a Master of De-escalation: You possess elite behaviour management skills and the emotional intelligence to support both students and staff through challenging moments.
Is a Curriculum Architect: You love collaborating with colleagues to build vocational and academic pathways that are truly inclusive.
Is a Supportive Mentor: You work flexibly and possess a skill set that allows you to coach and develop staff at all levels of their career.
Why Join Us?
You will be joining a forward-thinking specialist team supported by a collaborative, wider network of special schools. We value professional growth as much as we value our students' progress.
Impact: Have the privilege of shaping the lives of children who need the most dedicated advocates.
Innovation: Be at the forefront of extending our curriculum and vocational offer during an exciting period of growth.
Development: Access significant training and bespoke professional development opportunities through a leading multi-academy trust.
Support: Work alongside an experienced senior leadership team and dedicated SEND Directors who are committed to your success.
How to Apply
If you have high aspirations for children with SEMH needs and the leadership drive to turn those aspirations into reality, we want to hear from you.
Please review the Job Description and Person Specification. In your application, use the supporting information section to provide clear evidence of how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.
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