Deputy Head in Hemel Hempstead

We are looking for an energetic and ambitious team member to lead our Grovehill (KS2) site (13 students, 8-10 staff). The role is a senior leader level and alongside leading the KS2 site, we are looking for someone to focus on personal development and behaviour across the schools as part of working on the school development plan.

After 4 years, the current site lead is taking their next steps in a new provision and we have the exciting opportunity for an outstanding senior leader to join our team and have an incredible impact on our small community. The site has 3 classes, with ages across KS2 plus some year 7s who are remaining as part of a nurture group style class setup. The needs are primarily autism and anxiety, but some students also have complex SEMH needs and at times, when needs are not met, behaviour can be complex.

This role is led by a head of education and sits alongside another deputy head who leads the secondary site and teaching and learning across the schools. This team leads on education provision and schools within the Redbourn Park Group who also have alternative provision and training departments.

It is important to reiterate this is a complicated and incredibly important role; balancing operational leadership of the site, communicating with and supporting parents, working within the safeguarding team and of course, the wide and varying of the senior leadership responsibilities. It would suit someone who is aspiring to be a head teacher long term, and also someone who is comfortable with delivering a high level of operational oversight, organisational skills and clear, consistent communication.

A primary background is ideal but not essential; however, experience with SEN and managing complex behaviours and needs is crucial to the success of the role.

Redbourn Park is a specialist organisation supporting children and young people with complex needs, particularly autism, trauma, and social, emotional, and mental health difficulties. We exist for pupils who have often struggled elsewhere and need more than standard education can offer. Our work brings together education, therapy, care, and leadership under one clear purpose: to create safe, consistent environments where children can regulate, learn, and succeed. We are values-driven, relational in our approach, and uncompromising on standards. Empathy matters here but so does accountability, structure, and doing what we say we will do. Everyone at Redbourn Park, regardless of role, shares responsibility for modelling calm, professionalism, and ambition. We believe people thrive when expectations are clear, relationships are strong, and purpose is shared—and that belief shapes how we work with pupils, families, and each other every day.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the head of education and other leaders in the effective day-to-day management of the KS2 site including recruiting and inducting staff, staff meetings and responding to the views, needs and requests of children, staff, parents, governors and visitors.
• Work with the Leadership Team, staff and governors in the development, implementation and review of school improvement plans, including regular monitoring and evaluation of standards and quality of provision.
• Work with staff to develop a strong therapeutic environment that has at its centre high expectations of learning and emotional management.
• Work with, and at times lead, the Senior Leadership team in the school focuses on our developing offer of personal development opportunities, working towards the goal of a deep, wide and genuinely outstanding offer.
• Act as a deputy safeguarding lead, offering exemplary practice at all times.
• Ensure your site is compliant against the independent school standards and work both independently and as part of the senior leadership team to reach ambitious goals within the inspection framework and gradings.
• Ensure the vision and values are clearly articulated, shared, understood and acted upon effectively by all stakeholders.
• Demonstrate the vision in your everyday work and practice.
• Motivate and work with others to create a shared culture and positive climate.
• Ensure that strategic planning takes place.