DEPUTY HEADTEACHER | HEAD OF CHESTNUT
Lead something special. Shape what comes next.
Mayfield School, TorbayLeadership Scale L16–L22 | Full-time | Permanent
Start: April 2027
We are looking for an exceptional, courageous andcompassionate school leader to become our next Deputy Headteacher andHead of Chestnut.
This is not simply a Deputy Headteacher role.
It is an opportunity to lead Mayfield Chestnut, ourdistinctive specialist SEMH provision in Brixham, while playing a significantpart in the strategic leadership and future development of Mayfield School.
High expectations. Strong relationships. Life-changingeducation.
At Chestnut, we work with children whose social, emotionaland mental health needs can create significant barriers to learning,attendance, relationships and inclusion.
Our response is calm, relational, trauma-informed andambitious.
We believe safety, belonging and regulation are the foundationsfor learning, not alternatives to high expectations.
That means understanding the child behind the behaviourwhile remaining relentlessly ambitious about what they can learn, achieve andbecome.
We need a leader who can do both.
Someone who can bring warmth without loweringexpectations.
Someone who understands SEMH, trauma, attachment andneurodiversity, but who is equally passionate about excellent teaching,curriculum, progress and outcomes.
Someone who can build a calm and consistent culture, developexcellent staff, make difficult decisions when required and keep childrenfirmly at the centre of them.
And someone ready to think beyond one provision and make agenuine contribution as a Deputy Headteacher of Mayfield School.
You will lead
- theculture, development and day-to-day leadership of Chestnut
- excellentteaching, curriculum, assessment and pupil progress
- safeguarding,attendance, behaviour and pupil pathways
- thedevelopment, deployment and professional growth of staff
- strongpartnerships with families, schools, the local authority and otheragencies
- Mayfield'slinked outreach and 6 Day Provision
- significantwhole-school priorities as a member of the senior leadership team.
Who are we looking for?
You may already be a successful Deputy Headteacher.
You may be an experienced Assistant Headteacher, Head ofProvision or senior leader who is ready for the next step.
What matters most is that you can show that you have madethings better for children.
We are particularly interested in leaders who candemonstrate:
- successful school or provision improvement
- excellent leadership of teaching and curriculum
- strong knowledge of SEMH and SEND
- rigorous, child-centred safeguarding practice
- the ability to inspire, support and challenge adults
- confident leadership through complexity and change
- excellent communication with families and professionals
- ambition for children whose educational journeys have not always beenstraightforward.
Why Mayfield?
Because this is a role with real purpose and realinfluence.
You will inherit a distinctive provision with an establishedrelational ethos, but you will also have genuine scope to shape its nextchapter.
You will join an experienced senior leadership team,influence practice across Mayfield and work with partners beyond the school toimprove opportunities for children across Torbay.
For the right person, this is an opportunity to combine hands-onspecialist leadership with genuine whole-school deputy headship.
Come and see us.
Senior leadership appointments are about fit in bothdirections.
We warmly encourage prospective applicants to visitChestnut and talk to us before applying.
Come and meet the children and staff. See the provision. Askdifficult questions. Decide whether our values and ambitions match yours.
Please email sheron@mayfieldtorbay.orgto arrange a visit
Ready to lead the next chapter?
Deputy Headteacher | Head of Chestnut
Leadership Scale L16–L22Full-time | Permanent
Starting April 2027
Mayfield Chestnut | Brixham | Torbay
Closing date: Thursday 3rd DecemberShortlisting: Friday 4th DecemberInterviews: Thursday 10th and Friday 11th December
Safeguarding
Mayfield School is committed to safeguarding and promotingthe welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will besubject to the school's safer recruitment procedures and requiredpre-employment checks. Shortlisted candidates will be informed that onlinesearches may be undertaken as part of due diligence.
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Head of School - Mayfield Chestnut in Torquay employer: Mayfield School
Mayfield School, part of the thriving Education Impact Academy Trust in North Birmingham, is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and professional growth of its staff. With a strong focus on collaboration and innovation, teaching assistants are not only valued as key contributors to student success but also benefit from in-house training and development opportunities. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people with special educational needs in a supportive and rewarding environment.
