At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to enhance teaching and wellbeing for students with complex needs.
- Company: Join a supportive family of specialist independent schools in Kent.
- Benefits: Strong support, leadership development, and the chance to shape SEN education.
- Other info: Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is essential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and foster an inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: QTS/QTLLS and proven senior leadership experience in special or mainstream settings.
Integrity Education Solutions are supporting a family of specialist independent schools group seeking an experienced Deputy Headteacher within one of their schools based in Kent on a permanent basis from September 2026. The school caters for children aged from 5 – 18 years with various EHCP diagnoses from ASD/ADHD/SLCN, therefore experience with leading a school setting where children have complex communication needs (Pre-verbal and non-verbal) is advantageous.
The Role
The successful candidate will provide inspirational leadership across all aspects of school life, driving excellence in teaching, learning, wellbeing, and pupil outcomes. Key responsibilities include:
- Setting and delivering a clear strategic vision for the school
- Fostering a culture of inclusion, compassion, ambition, and high expectations
- Leading and developing a talented, motivated staff team
- Building strong partnerships with parents, carers, local authorities, and multi-agency professionals
The Ideal Candidate
- QTS | QTLLS
- Proven senior leadership experience within a special or mainstream school setting
- A strong understanding of SEN and a commitment to continuous improvement
- Expertise working with children with complex communication needs
- Integrity, empathy, resilience, and a deep commitment to pupil success and staff wellbeing
Why Join?
- Strong central support
- Clear leadership development pathways
- The opportunity to shape the future of SEN education within a growing trust
- A culture where every child is seen, heard, and celebrated
If this Deputy Headship role is of interest, contact Kenny Fraser at Integrity Education Solutions. Integrity Education Solutions and the school are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be subject to enhanced DBS and full pre-employment checks. Applications are welcomed from all sections of the community.
Deputy Headteacher in Maidstone employer: Integrity Education Solutions Limited
Contact Detail:
Integrity Education Solutions Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Headteacher in Maidstone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, especially those who have experience in special needs settings. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you a heads-up on what schools are looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Think about how your leadership style aligns with their vision for inclusion and pupil success. We want to see you shine as someone who truly understands their mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with complex communication needs during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've led teams to support children with ASD, ADHD, or SLCN. This will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that Deputy Headteacher role!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Headteacher in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Deputy Headteacher role. Highlight your experience with SEN and leadership in your previous roles, showing us how you align with our vision for excellence in education.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We want to see your unique approach to leadership! Share examples of how you've inspired teams and fostered a culture of inclusion and high expectations in your past positions. This will help us understand how you can drive our school's mission forward.
Emphasise Your Commitment to Wellbeing: Since staff wellbeing is crucial, don’t forget to mention how you’ve supported your team in the past. We’re looking for someone who values empathy and resilience, so share any initiatives you’ve led that prioritised these aspects.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us directly, please apply through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Integrity Education Solutions Limited
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Special Educational Needs (SEN) and the specific challenges faced by children with complex communication needs. Be ready to discuss your experience in leading teams that support these students, as well as any strategies you've implemented to foster inclusion and engagement.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to articulate your leadership philosophy and how it aligns with the school's vision. Think about examples where you've inspired staff or improved pupil outcomes. Highlight your ability to build strong relationships with parents and multi-agency professionals, as this is key for the role.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Wellbeing
The school values staff wellbeing just as much as pupil success. Be ready to share how you've supported your team in previous roles, whether through professional development opportunities or fostering a positive work environment. This will show that you understand the importance of a happy, motivated staff.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking insightful questions about the school's culture, future plans, or how they measure success. This not only shows your genuine interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the school is the right fit for you.