Deputy Headteacher

Shorefields; Wickford; On-site; GBP 53,000 - GBP 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A special school in Wickford is seeking an experienced Deputy Headteacher to join their leadership team. The role focuses on safeguarding and promoting emotional wellbeing among students with additional needs. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with the Headteacher, managing various aspects of school life, including attendance and behaviour support, ensuring an inclusive environment for all pupils. The position offers a unique opportunity to impact students' lives positively, with a strong emphasis on professional development and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of special school environments and challenges.
• Experience in leading safeguarding initiatives.
• Commitment to promoting emotional wellbeing.

Responsibilities

• Lead safeguarding initiatives and ensure pupils' wellbeing.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to support staff.
• Oversee behaviour management and therapeutic provisions.

Skills

Leadership

Safeguarding

Inclusive practice

Emotional wellbeing support

Education

Relevant educational leadership qualification

Job description

Job Ref No. ECC7045-291 Position Type: Deputy Headteacher Pay Range: L17 - L21

Position Start Date: 01/09/2026 Contract Type: Full-time Contract Term: Permanent

Application Close: 06/03/2026 Midday Date of Interviews: 20th March 2026

Deputy Headteacher (Designated Safeguarding Leader) September 2026

Full time

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."Mahatma Gandhi

Castledon School is a special school committed to Unlocking Potential for children and young people with additional needs. Guided by our values of Belonging, Opportunity and Achievement, we are seeking an experienced leader to join the senior leadership team as Deputy Headteacher, with responsibility as the Designated Safeguarding Leader.

This is an exciting leadership opportunity for someone who believes that feeling safe, understood and valued is the foundation for learning.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively alongside the Headteacher and wider Senior team as part of a strong senior leadership team. They will play a central role in ensuring pupils are safeguarded and supported to thrive, contributing to both the strategic and operational leadership of the school.

Key areas of responsibility will be discussed at interview, and will include safeguarding, attendance, behaviour and safety, therapeutic provision, and support for Looked After and Previously Looked After Children.

Central to the role is the leadership of Castledon's therapeutic, relational approach to behaviour, recognising the impact of trauma, attachment and additional needs. The Deputy Headteacher will champion positive relationships, emotional wellbeing and consistent practice, ensuring behaviour support is underpinned by care, understanding and high expectations.

As noted in the school's most recent Ofsted inspection, "Staff support pupils' behaviour exceptionally well… Pupils' culture is incredibly positive and they treat each other with kindness and respect."

The role requires a strong understanding of the complexities of a special school environment and a commitment to inclusive practice. Safeguarding, wellbeing and care will be embedded across all aspects of school life, enabling pupils to feel a sense of belonging, access meaningful opportunities and achieve their potential.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are therefore expected to behave in such a way that supports this commitment. Appointment to this post will be subject to the following satisfactory pre-employment checks:

• Relevant work qualifications
• Right to work in the UK
• Barred List Check (previously List 99)
• Disclosure & Barring Service Check (for all staff and volunteers)

Information about the School

Castledon School is a Special School for pupils with Moderate Learning Difficulties and additional complex needs from Year 1 - Year 14.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.