At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve education for autistic young people, ensuring high-quality learning experiences.
- 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 in a dynamic educational environment.
- 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 55000 - 65000 £ 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).
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 of College in Brighton employer: Ambitious about Autism
St John's College is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. As a member of the College Leadership Team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of autistic young people while benefiting from high-quality training and professional development. With a strong commitment to values-driven leadership and a collaborative culture, St John's College offers a unique chance to shape the future of education in a rewarding and innovative setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of College 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 opportunities that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching St John's College thoroughly. Understand their values and mission, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for improving outcomes for autistic young people during interviews. Share specific examples from your past roles where you've made a difference. This will demonstrate your commitment and fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at St John's College.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of College in Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for improving outcomes for autistic young people shine through. We want to see your commitment to inclusive education and how it aligns with our values.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Deputy Head of College. Highlight your experience in leading teaching and curriculum development, especially within SEND or specialist settings, so we can see how you fit into our team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to understand why you’re the right fit for this influential role.
Apply Online:Don’t forget to submit your application through our recruitment portal! This ensures that your application is considered, and it’s the best way for us to keep track of all candidates.
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 applied this knowledge in your previous roles. This will show that you’re not just a leader, but a knowledgeable advocate for the learners.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you’ve led teams to improve teaching and learning outcomes. Think about specific strategies you’ve implemented and the results they achieved. This will help demonstrate your ability to motivate and develop others, which is crucial for this role.
✨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. This shows you’re not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the college’s goals. Inquire about their current challenges or future plans regarding curriculum development and learner outcomes. This demonstrates your proactive mindset and genuine interest in the position.
