Deputy Headteacher in Thatcham

Job Location: The Grange School, Thatcham

Salary: £60,008.00 based on working 40 hours per week, 39.2 weeks of the year.

Contract Type: Permanent – Term Time Only

Do you want to help shape the next chapter of our ‘Outstanding – Centre of Excellence’? Could you be our new Deputy Headteacher (Secondary)? The Grange School is not only a prestigious Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ SEND school across all areas, it is a community stepping confidently into its next chapter. We have recently expanded our secondary provision and opened a new building. As such, we are looking for a passionate and dynamic leader to continue shaping the vision and future of our secondary curriculum, making a real impact on daily operations and long-term strategy.

Having opened in 2023, the school has steadily established itself as a place of excellence, ambition, and transformation. In the last month, we proudly celebrated the opening of The Orchard, our third purpose-built space officially unveiled alongside the Mayor of Thatcham, our Team Members, and of course, our Pupils and their Families. Within this environment, our Pupils are already demonstrating remarkable confidence, proudly guiding visitors, sharing their achievements, and showing the impact of a school that prioritises personal development as highly as academic success.

Our school specialises in working with Pupils who may face challenges related to autism, speech and language needs, or trauma. You will be supported by an exceptional and dedicated Education and Integrated Multidisciplinary Therapy Team who work seamlessly together to deliver truly holistic support. Therapy is not an addition; it is integral. It threads through all aspects of school life, strengthening Pupils’ social, emotional, and mental health, giving them the tools they need to communicate, build relationships, and engage successfully in their learning and wider experiences.

You will be helping to manage and shape more than a school building; you will be helping to lead a culture built on strong, respectful relationships and a deep understanding of every Pupil’s individual journey. You’ll guide and inspire our dedicated team, ensuring they have the training and support to provide an engaging, high-quality education. You’ll also play an active role in recruiting and developing Team Members, fostering a culture of collaboration and professional excellence. Your leadership will help embed our core values: Honesty, Empathy, Aspiration, Respect, and Teamwork into every aspect of school life, creating a nurturing and aspirational learning environment.

With thoughtfully designed sensory breakout areas, an ambitious curriculum, and rich opportunities for learning beyond the classroom, including regular educational visits that bring learning to life, The Grange School stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when education and therapeutic practice work in true partnership. It is a place where aspiration is real, outcomes are meaningful, and futures are transformed.

Working alongside the Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher (Primary), SENDCo, and the wider team, you will play an exciting and pivotal role in supporting the school through the next stage of development and to its capacity of 60 Pupils. This is more than just a leadership role; it is an opportunity to help run an already rated ‘Outstanding’ School and to ensure the next inspection is one that is even better! This is your opportunity to become our next Deputy Headteacher, helping to lead and shape a future where every Pupil continues to excel.

A day in the life of a Deputy Headteacher will involve:

• You’ll work closely with the Headteacher to shape the school’s vision and ethos, leading the secondary provision and ensuring everything aligns with Ofsted standards and the school's development goals.
• You'll oversee and adapt the secondary curriculum to meet both Ofsted expectations and the unique needs of Pupils, especially those with Autism and complex learning needs.
• You'll play a critical role in maintaining high expectations for Pupil outcomes, ensuring safeguarding protocols are followed, and acting as the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead for the Secondary phase.
• Leading Team Member development will be central to your role, where you’ll mentor and inspire your team, fostering collaboration across Education and Therapeutic Services, while building strong relationships with Pupils, Families, and external agencies.
• Operationally, you’ll manage resources, oversee Team Member performance, and ensure the school provides a safe, engaging, and high-quality learning environment that encourages Pupil growth and personal development.

To be a successful Deputy Headteacher you’ll need:

• A degree and Qualified Teacher status, with at least 2 years of management experience in an educational setting, particularly working with Autism/Learning Disabilities.
• Strong understanding of the secondary curriculum, safeguarding procedures, and knowledge of Ofsted/KCSiE standards.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire Team Members, with excellent communication skills and a track record of managing resources effectively.
• Confidence in using data for self-evaluation, setting targets, and problem-solving, paired with strong analytical skills.
• A motivated, empathetic, and flexible mindset, aligned with the core values of Honesty, Empathy, Aspiration, Respect, and Teamwork.

In return for your time, you’ll get:

• Holidays – You’ll only work term time (39.2 weeks), and get paid the additional 12.8 weeks whilst you’re off.
• Pension scheme – Our pension scheme is based on you paying in 5%, and us adding 3%.
• Learning & Development Opportunities – We provide comprehensive learning opportunities for Team Members to develop themselves.
• Discounts – You’ll have access to brilliant discounts through the Blue Light Card and our own employee benefits platform.
• Wellbeing Support – Your wellbeing is always our priority. You’ll have access to mental health and wellbeing support. On top of this, our therapies team offers a monthly confidential check-in clinic, and group reflective practice sessions.
• Cycle2Work - The cycle to work scheme enables you to buy a bicycle at a discounted rate.
• DBS – As this role requires you to have an enhanced DBS carried out, we will cover this cost.
• After 12 months service - You’ll be eligible for our Medicash scheme which covers a wide range of medical, health and wellbeing expenses (Including immediate access to a GP!). You’ll get life assurance paid at 2 x your annual salary, and even more high street discounts.

As part of our commitment to safer recruitment, successful applicants will undergo pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS, online and social media checks, and reference validation. Due to the nature of our work, we are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974), so we may ask you to disclose any spent or unspent criminal convictions during recruitment. This disclosure does not automatically disqualify you, and we encourage transparency at the application stage.

At Phoenix Learning and Care, we are committed to diversity and creating an inclusive environment where all Team Members feel safe to be themselves without risk of discrimination. We believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our organisation, and we strive to ensure everyone can contribute authentically and openly.