At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead inclusion initiatives and manage key areas like safeguarding and SEND.
- Company: Chailey School, known for its kindness and strong academic achievements.
- Benefits: Full-time, term-time only role with generous annual leave after 5 years.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through inclusive education leadership.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior leadership and a passion for school improvement.
- Other info: Join a supportive community dedicated to fostering an outstanding learning environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
Chailey School is seeking to appoint a Deputy Headteacher for Inclusion for September 2026. Chailey School is a very kind school, modelling this in our day-to-day interactions with one another in our school community. We have a strong track record of academic achievement, as well as considerate pastoral care. This post is new and focuses on the overall leadership of inclusion. The successful candidate will be responsible for all things inclusion and directly line manage Assistant Headteachers with roles including safeguarding, behaviour, attendance, SEND, pupil premium, interventions, and inclusion by design.
Hours and pattern
- Hours of work: 32.5 hours per week.
- Working pattern: Full-time, term-time only (working for 39 weeks per year plus 13 weeks annual leave, which will increase after 5 years' continuous service).
Closing date
25 February 2026
Experience and key qualities
- We welcome applications from experienced leaders or those looking for their first deputy headship.
- Our ideal candidate will have experience of senior leadership within a school.
- Hold an NPQH or be open to obtaining the qualification.
- Have experience of working in a secondary school setting.
- Be an excellent communicator.
- Be experienced in leading school improvement and strategy.
- Be able to lead on delivering an outstanding learning environment.
The Headteacher welcomes any informal conversations beforehand which can be arranged by contacting Mrs Serena Rodd via email.
Interview date
Wednesday 04 March 2026
East Sussex County Council is committed to equality of opportunity. We positively welcome applications from all sections of the community. This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will need to undertake, or currently hold, a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) clearance for this authority. This post is covered by the Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018. The school will need to ensure that they are not knowingly employing a person who is disqualified under the 2018 Regulations in connection with relevant childcare provision. Accordingly, the successful candidate will be required to demonstrate to the school, by completing a self-declaration form as part of the pre-employment checks process, that they have not been disqualified under the 2018 Regulations. If the preferred candidate is found to be disqualified under the 2018 Regulations, the offer of employment will be subject to the application by the preferred candidate to Ofsted for a waiver and the receipt of a waiver from Ofsted.
Deputy Headteacher - Inclusion (Chailey School) in Lewes employer: Frantcep
Contact Detail:
Frantcep Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Deputy Headteacher - Inclusion (Chailey School) in Lewes
β¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a good look at Chailey School's website and social media. Familiarise yourself with their values and recent achievements. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
β¨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Set up mock interviews with friends or colleagues. Focus on articulating your experience in inclusion and leadership clearly. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when itβs time to shine in front of the real interview panel.
β¨Tip Number 3
Donβt shy away from asking questions! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the school's approach to inclusion. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly via the Chailey School website. Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and youβll be one step closer to joining a kind and supportive school community.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Headteacher - Inclusion (Chailey School) in Lewes
Some tips for your application π«‘
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so donβt be afraid to share your passion for inclusion and education.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Deputy Headteacher role. Highlight your relevant experience in leading inclusion and how it aligns with our values at Chailey School.
Showcase Your Achievements: Donβt hold back on sharing your successes! Whether itβs improving student outcomes or leading successful initiatives, we want to see how youβve made a difference in your previous roles.
Follow the Application Process: Remember, we only accept applications through our website, so make sure to submit your application there. Itβs super easy, and we canβt wait to read what you have to say!
How to prepare for a job interview at Frantcep
β¨Know Your Inclusion Stuff
Make sure you brush up on all things related to inclusion, safeguarding, and SEND. Familiarise yourself with the latest strategies and policies in these areas, as you'll be leading them. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've improved inclusion in previous roles will really impress.
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare to talk about your leadership style and experiences. Think of specific instances where you've led a team or implemented a successful strategy. The interviewers will want to see how you can inspire and manage Assistant Headteachers effectively.
β¨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As an excellent communicator, you need to demonstrate this during the interview. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Use examples that highlight your communication skills, especially in challenging situations involving students or staff.
β¨Engage with the School's Values
Chailey School prides itself on being a kind school. Make sure you align your answers with their values. Share your own experiences of fostering kindness and support within a school community, and how you plan to continue this ethos in your role.