At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to support students with SEMH needs in a dynamic school environment.
- Company: Compass Community School Staffordshire, a specialist school for boys aged 11-17.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, extensive training, small class sizes, and flexible pension options.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to safeguarding and promoting student welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of students while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and experience in teaching and managing challenging behaviours.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About The Role
Key Dates
- Deadline for Applications: 06/03/2026
- Interview Date: W/C 09/03/26
Who we are
Compass Community School Staffordshire is a secondary independent special school for boys aged 11-17 years old in Caulden Lowe, Staffordshire. Our children come from a wide range of backgrounds, but all have Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH). Many will also have other Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) such as Autism, ADHD, and communication difficulties. The work we do is both varied and challenging and, as a trauma and attachment informed organisation, all staff are provided with extensive therapeutic training and support. Our closely triangulated approach places the child at the centre of decision making, ensuring that education and therapy professionals, parents/carers, local authority teams and, most importantly, our students can work together to secure outstanding outcomes for all.
The Role
We are a small and specialist school and the way in which the Deputy Head Teacher goes about their day will, in many ways, define its outcomes, its successes and its character. As such, Compass Education is looking for a practitioner who shares our vision and can embody our ethos in every decision they make and every conversation they have, be that with students, parents or professionals. The staffing structure around our family of schools means that the Deputy Head Teacher will be well supported, allowing them to focus on what is really important. The Regional Executive Head Teacher and Head Teacher will support decision making and problem solving, admin and compliance teams are available to keep things running smoothly, a dedicated Head of Teaching Learning and Curriculum will help you to drive the quality of education. You will have a responsibility for Behaviour and Attitudes, and Attendance. You will work closely with a team of school leaders in similar settings across the region and the country, alongside a specialist Regional SENCO. Compass leaders and managers know that our schools do not operate in isolation and they know how important it is to work with professionals from other agencies to influence lasting change. Managing all of this means that you will have boundless enthusiasm, a commitment to doing the right thing for as long as it takes and the leadership to take your team along for the journey. There will be a teaching element to this role.
The Right Person
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- A proven record of good or outstanding teaching practice.
- An excellent, efficient and emotionally intelligent communicator.
- The ability/willing to teach a subject specialism to GCSE or equivalent vocational level.
- A strong desire to work inclusively within an emotionally literate environment, supporting children who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
- Experience of crisis-management/managing challenging behaviours and working with children with SEMH difficulties.
- Proven experience of implementing a creative and academically engaging curriculum which meets the needs of individual pupils, whilst maintaining high standards of education.
- Experience of effective working with hard-to-reach or disengaged families.
Benefits and Rewards
- Staff laptop and mobile phone
- Competitive salary in line with MPS and UPS scales.
- Extensive training and professional qualification opportunities
- Small class sizes with specialist TA support
- The chance to be part of an expanding, national organisation that recognises skill, effort and potential and grows its own leadership teams
- Enhanced occupational sickness scheme
- Flexible pension
- Regular therapeutic and supportive supervision
- Employee benefit service with access to wellbeing services, salary sacrifice schemes, high street vouchers, money off eating-out and takeaways
We regularly review applications and reserve the right to close an advert early if we identify suitable candidates.
Safeguarding
Compass Community Schools are highly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau) and undergo due diligence checks on social media use. All school-based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children. All school staff should be aware of the school's Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.
Compass is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As we continue to grow, we know that we must have the most talented employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences to support our children and young people.
Deputy Headteacher employer: Compass Schools
Compass Schools is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment where your contributions directly impact the wellbeing of students and staff. With a strong emphasis on professional development, we offer numerous growth opportunities in the field of school catering, alongside competitive benefits that prioritise work-life balance. Join us in creating nutritious meals in a vibrant educational setting that values safety and quality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Headteacher
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Compass Community School Staffordshire. They can give you the inside scoop on what it’s really like and might even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the school’s ethos and values. Show us how your teaching style aligns with our trauma-informed approach and how you can contribute to our mission of supporting students with SEMH needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those around behaviour management and working with families. We want to see your passion and commitment shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Headteacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for education and supporting children with SEMH shine through. We want to see how you embody our ethos and vision in your approach to teaching and leadership.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience, especially in crisis management and working with challenging behaviours. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate a proven record of good or outstanding teaching practice, so be specific about your achievements!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and suitability for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Compass Community School Staffordshire.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Schools
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand Compass Community School's ethos and approach. Familiarise yourself with their focus on SEMH needs and how trauma-informed practices shape their environment. This will help you demonstrate your alignment with their values.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past roles that highlight your experience with crisis management and working with children who have SEMH difficulties. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Engage with the Team
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for collaboration. Talk about how you plan to work closely with other professionals, parents, and students. Highlight your communication skills and how they can foster a supportive environment for everyone involved.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This could include inquiries about the school's approach to professional development or how they measure success in supporting students with SEND. It shows your genuine interest in the role and the school.
