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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to support students with special educational needs.
- Company: Join Orchard Hill College, an Outstanding Specialist College making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy comprehensive training, flexible working, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the lives of young people with SEND.
- Qualifications: Diploma in Education and Training or equivalent, with proven leadership experience.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community dedicated to empowering students.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 58000 £ per year.
We are seeking an exceptional leader to join our senior leadership team as Deputy Head of College at our Sutton Region. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in driving forward our vision and ensuring the very best outcomes for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Responsibilities
- Manage a high-quality educational environment for students with complex SEND including Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities, Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs, Moderate Learning Difficulties and Autistic Spectrum Disorder
- Ensure the region sustains its outstanding Ofsted rating
- Responsible for the safeguarding of young adults
- Ensure that the college centres meet their statutory duties as outlined in the SEND Code of Practice
- Keep abreast of developments within education and the special sector at local, national and international level
- Represent the College on local authority, commissioning groups, open events, transition fairs and more
- Be responsible for the day-to-day management of staff, including arranging cover for staff absence
- Liaise with Local Authorities to build relationships and facilitate enrolments
Qualifications
- Diploma in Education and Training or equivalent
- QTS/QTLS or equivalent
- Proven ability to lead on and model exemplary teaching practice and develop high quality coaching and training across the centre
- Significant experience delivering education and training for students with a wide range of complex SEND
- Evidence of successful experience as a manager in one or more settings, especially specialist SEND settings
- Evidence of working as a manager at a provision that achieved the Ofsted judgement of \’good\’ or above
- Knowledge of current best practice and initiative in relation to Safeguarding and Child Protection, including national agendas
Salary
Salary: £53,355-£68,118 per annum inclusive of London Weighting Allowance (Lecturer and Management Pay Scale, Spine Points 19 – 29)
About Orchard Hill College
Orchard Hill College (OHC) is an Outstanding Specialist College (Ofsted, April 2025) offering life-changing learning opportunities to young people and adults with a range of special education needs and/or disabilities. We operate vibrant community-based College Centres across London and Surrey, where committed specialist teams deliver a variety of programmes designed to meet the diverse needs of our students. Students who study with us have a wide range of needs including profound and multiple learning disabilities, communication and behavioural difficulties and specific medical needs. All students are individual, and their learning programme is designed to support and empower them to achieve their aspirations and goals, whilst developing skills to become more independent members of their community.
Orchard Hill College is an exciting, forward-thinking organisation, and we offer many benefits to attract and keep our staff, contributing towards maintaining and improving wellbeing, and encouraging our required behaviours, achievements, values, and skills. Below is just a selection of the benefits available to our employees:
Benefits
- Comprehensive training and development
- Opportunities to engage with internal professional networks
- Access to counselling advice and support via Health Assured (employee assistance programme)
- Wellbeing support via occupational health and mental-health first aiders
- Generous annual leave and flexible working schemes
- Teachers Pension Scheme (TPS) with life cover and financial protection for your family
- Enhanced parental leave schemes
- Cycle to work scheme
- Season ticket loans
- Employee referral scheme
- Discounted gym membership and digital fitness
- Home electronics scheme
Our Trust The College is an Academy sponsor and established Orchard Hill College Academy Trust in 2013, which is home to 13 special schools. We provide for over 1500 pupils and students with SEND across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire. For more information about us and what makes us a special place to work, please visit our vacancies page. We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity by attracting and retaining a diverse range of students, staff and partners. If you wish to discuss this opportunity, please contact the college directly. Visits to the College in advance of applications are encouraged. Your application form will be scored according to the requirements in the person specification; please demonstrate how your experience, skills and knowledge match the criteria.
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Deputy Head of College employer: Orchard Hill College
Contact Detail:
Orchard Hill College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of College
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with SEND. They might have insider info on opportunities or even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the college's values and recent achievements. Show us that you’re not just a fit for the role but also passionate about our mission to support students with complex needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the position. It keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our amazing team at Orchard Hill College.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of College
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for education and supporting students with SEND shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in managing educational environments for students with complex needs. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and successful outcomes.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your qualifications and experiences, so we can easily see how you fit the role of Deputy Head of College.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Orchard Hill College
✨Know Your SEND Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the complexities of special educational needs and disabilities. Brush up on the latest developments in the sector, especially those related to safeguarding and the SEND Code of Practice. This will show your commitment and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, particularly in managing staff and delivering high-quality education. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, especially in specialist settings. This will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with Orchard Hill College's mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your personal vision aligns with theirs and how you can contribute to driving their goals forward. This shows that you’re not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about their current initiatives or challenges they face in maintaining their Ofsted rating. This not only shows your interest but also your proactive approach to understanding the role and the organisation.
