Deputy Headteacher

Full Time - Permanent

Salary: L15 - 20

NOR: 129

At Presfield High School and Specialist College, our mission is simple: Shaping Futures. Changing Lives. We are a dedicated specialist community where young people aged 11–19 with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) truly thrive. We don't just teach; we care deeply about the holistic growth of every single student, valuing both academic success and social fulfillment equally. Through our three tailored educational pathways—Skills for Life, Parallel, and Formal—we ensure our pupils achieve their full potential in an inclusive, nurturing environment where passion and dedication drive everything we do.

To help lead this extraordinary setting, we are seeking an exceptional Deputy Headteacher who thrives in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. In a specialist school like ours, adaptability is not just a skill—it is a mindset, no two days are ever the same, no two hours are ever the same. This role demands a leader who can think on their feet, embrace unpredictability, and seamlessly pivot their approach to meet the evolving needs of our pupils and staff. We need an agile, collaborative leader who balances rigorous school systems with the flexibility required for a dynamic SEN setting. If you are a resilient, excellent practitioner who combines high expectations with a genuine heart for SEN, we would love to hear from you.

Why Join Us?

A School with a Genuine Heart: At Presfield, we are more than just a school; we are a community that lives and breathes our values. You will join an incredibly warm, passionate, and dedicated team of staff who support one another and truly love what they do.

The Joy of Making a Real Difference: There is nothing quite like watching our young people make breakthroughs in their confidence, communication, and happiness. Here, you will see the direct, life-changing impact of your leadership every single day.

Culture of Nurture and Care: We place authentic relationships and well-being at the heart of everything we do. You will be part of a supportive, collaborative Senior Leadership Team that genuinely cares about your professional growth, your ideas, and your workload balance.

A Vibrant and Rewarding Daily Journey: If you love an environment filled with energy, creativity, and the freedom to think on your feet, you will thrive here. Our school is a place of continuous learning, laughter, and shared moments of pride where no two days are ever the same.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking an authentic, dynamic leader who understands that in an SEN setting, the best-laid plans require a healthy dose of flexibility. You will be someone who can think on your feet with a smile, turning unpredictable moments into positive opportunities for our pupils. 

You will bring a high level of emotional intelligence and self-awareness to the role, serving as a visible, approachable, and warm presence for our staff, students, and families. You must excel at building trusting, authentic relationships, blending a supportive heart with the clear boundaries and gentle accountability needed to help our school thrive. A passionate advocate for your team, you will champion a positive, reflective staff culture that truly values individual wellbeing, welcomes open feedback, and nurtures everyone’s professional growth.

Beyond your exceptional classroom practice and robust understanding of ASC, your greatest assets will be your adaptability, emotional intelligence, and resilience. We need a Deputy Headteacher who is as comfortable steering strategic school systems as they are rolling up their sleeves to support a student or colleague in a moment of need. If you are a collaborative, solution-focused leader who leads with both a sharp mind and a big heart, you will find your perfect home here.

A little about us ...

Due to the nature of the work involved, this post is "exempt" from the provision of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.