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- Tasks: Lead strategic and operational initiatives to enhance education for autistic young people.
- Company: St John's College, an award-winning autism-specific college with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Join a supportive leadership team and access professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion; remote interviews available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of autistic learners and shape their future.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status, experience in SEND settings, and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
St John's College is an award-winning, Ofsted-rated Good autism-specific college for autistic young people aged 16–25. We are now seeking an experienced and strategic Deputy Head of College to join our College Leadership Team (CLT).
About the Role
As Deputy Head of College, you will play a key role in the strategic and operational leadership of the College. Working closely with the Head of College, you will drive the quality of education, ensuring that all learners receive a high-quality, ambitious and personalised curriculum that prepares them for adulthood. You will lead on the continuous improvement of teaching, learning and assessment, ensuring strong outcomes for learners, and will contribute to the development and delivery of the College's strategic vision. This is a highly influential role, supporting the alignment of education, health and care provision while ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the strategic leadership and continuous improvement of the College, contributing to long-term planning and vision
- Lead on the quality of education, ensuring a well-sequenced, ambitious curriculum aligned to learner needs and EHCP outcomes
- Drive high standards in teaching, learning and assessment through effective leadership and performance management
- Oversee curriculum planning, timetabling and delivery, ensuring consistency across provision, including off-site learning
- Lead on external accreditation and RARPA, ensuring robust assessment, tracking and reporting of learner progress
- Monitor learner outcomes and use data to inform decision-making, interventions and improvement planning
- Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders including families, local authorities and partner organisations
- Support safeguarding across the College, contributing to DSL responsibilities and a strong culture of safety and wellbeing
- Ensure effective operational management, including staffing structures, resource allocation and day-to-day systems
- Deputise for the Head of College as required
About You
We are looking for a confident and values-driven leader who is passionate about improving outcomes for autistic young people. You will bring:
- Qualified Teacher Status and a relevant degree (or equivalent)
- Experience of leading teaching, learning and curriculum development within a SEND or specialist setting
- Strong understanding of autism, SEND legislation, EHCPs and the SEND Code of Practice
- Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop teams to deliver high performance
- Excellent communication, organisational and decision-making skills
- A commitment to inclusive practice, equality and learner-centred approaches
You will be resilient, collaborative and driven to deliver continuous improvement, with the ability to balance strategic thinking and operational delivery.
Why Join St John's College?
- Be part of a values-driven, autism-specialist organisation with a strong reputation for quality and innovation
- Join a committed and supportive leadership team with a shared ambition for learner success
- Play a key role in shaping the future of education for autistic young people
- Access high-quality training and professional development opportunities
If you are an experienced leader with a passion for inclusive education and a commitment to excellence, we would love to hear from you. Only applications submitted online will be considered via the recruitment portal.
Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.
Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations.
We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.
Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
Deputy Head in Brighton employer: Ambitious about Autism
Contact Detail:
Ambitious about Autism Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head in Brighton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with SEND. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the college's values and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just a fit for the role but also share our passion for improving outcomes for autistic young people.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around leadership and curriculum development. We want to see how you can drive high standards and support continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who follow our process!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head in Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Deputy Head. Use specific examples that showcase your leadership skills and understanding of autism and SEND legislation.
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for improving outcomes for autistic young people shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to inclusive education and learner-centred approaches.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. This will help us easily understand your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Online: Remember, we only consider applications submitted through our recruitment portal. So, make sure to apply online and follow the instructions carefully to ensure your application is received!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ambitious about Autism
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of autism and SEND legislation. Brush up on the EHCP process and be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented these in your previous roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with the theory but can apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and driving improvements in teaching and learning. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you motivated your team to achieve high standards. This will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively.
✨Engage with the Vision
Familiarise yourself with St John’s College’s strategic vision and values. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of improving outcomes for autistic young people. This connection can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions that show your interest in the role and the college. Inquire about their current initiatives, challenges they face, or how they measure success. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the college is the right fit for you.