At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to support secondary-aged pupils with SEMH needs.
- Company: Join a growing specialist school in South East London with a strong vision for education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, Teachers' Pension Scheme, and comprehensive professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive culture with genuine long-term progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and proven leadership experience in SEN or specialist education.
Location: South East London
Salary: From £60,000 per annum (DOE)
Contract: Full-Time | Permanent
Start Date: September 2026 (or sooner by agreement)
Closing Date: 30th July 2026
Luma Education Recruitment is supporting an ambitious and growing specialist school in South East London to appoint an experienced Deputy Headteacher. This is an exciting opportunity to join a developing provision supporting secondary-aged pupils with SEMH needs, SEND, and barriers to mainstream education.
The school is part of an expanding organisation with a strong vision for specialist education, offering excellent opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and long-term career progression.
Key Responsibilities:- Support the Headteacher with the strategic and operational leadership of the school
- Drive high standards of teaching, learning, behaviour, and pupil outcomes
- Lead and develop staff through coaching, mentoring, and performance management
- Promote a positive, nurturing, and inclusive culture across the school
- Work closely with families, local authorities, and external professionals
- Contribute to curriculum development and quality assurance processes
- Ensure safeguarding, compliance, and SEND provision remain at the highest standard
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- Proven leadership experience within SEN, SEMH, Alternative Provision, or specialist education settings
- Strong understanding of SEND legislation and inclusive educational practice
- Experience supporting pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs
- Excellent communication, organisational, and people management skills
- A passion for improving outcomes for vulnerable young people
- Salary from £60,000 per annum
- Teachers' Pension Scheme
- Comprehensive CPD and leadership development opportunities
- Regular specialist training and professional learning
- Supportive and collaborative senior leadership team
- Genuine long-term progression opportunities within a growing organisation
- Opportunity to shape and influence an expanding specialist provision
- Wellbeing-focused culture and employee support initiatives
About Luma Education Recruitment: Luma Education Recruitment specialises in connecting talented education professionals with schools and specialist provisions across the UK. We recruit for a wide range of positions, including Teachers, SEN Specialists, Middle Leaders, Deputy Headteachers, Headteachers, and Executive Leadership roles.
We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.
To discuss this opportunity or apply, please send your CV to or call (phone number removed).
Looking for a different leadership opportunity? Get in touch to discuss our current vacancies across SEN schools, Alternative Provision settings, independent schools, and specialist education providers nationwide.
Deputy Headteacher (SEN / SEMH / Alternative Provision) employer: Luma Education Recruitment Ltd
Luma Education Recruitment is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable young people. With a strong focus on professional development, employees benefit from comprehensive CPD opportunities, a nurturing culture, and genuine long-term career progression within a growing organisation dedicated to specialist education in South East London.
Contact Details:
Luma Education Recruitment Ltd Recruitment Team
