At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape a new specialist school for learners with complex needs.
- Company: Exciting opportunity at The Wolsey Park School in Essex.
- Benefits: Leadership pay scale, permanent contract, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join us before we open and help build our vision from the ground up.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team creating an inclusive learning environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in teaching and leadership for SLD/PMLD learners.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
We are building a new specialist school for Essex! Importantly within that, we are now starting to build the incredible team who will shape the vision and culture for this much‑needed provision for learners with complex, severe, and profound and multiple learning difficulties. We are looking for a passionate leader who will play a pivotal role in the creation and ongoing success of The Wolsey Park School. Success will be grounded in our shared values of dignity, positivity, collaboration and aspiration, with families at the heart of decision‑making.
If this is a mission that excites and inspires you, with the understanding that underpinning this will be a myriad of detailed, explicit planning and implementation for exceptional teaching and learning, then please read on.
The successful candidate will work collaboratively alongside the Headteacher to build and develop our school: our vision and ethos, our team, and our specialist curriculum. They will play a central role in ensuring learners thrive, and parents are valued, contributing to both the strategic and operational leadership of the school.
On completion, The Wolsey Park School will be a split site, with primary‑age learners located at Wolsey Park Rayleigh, and KS3 and 4 at Wolsey Park Woodham (in South Woodham Ferrers). By 2028, there will be two deputy‑head teachers. Due to the split‑site, for the majority of the week, each Deputy will lead on day‑to‑day management, staffing and parent support, holding key responsibility and front‑facing leadership for one of our two sites. Both deputies will hold leadership responsibilities over school‑wide strategy, details of which to be agreed on appointment according to skill set.
We will be opening Wolsey Park Rayleigh, our primary provision, first; however, candidates interested in leading either provision are encouraged to apply at this time. This post begins one term before the school opens, with the successful candidate working alongside the headteacher on recruitment, admissions, curriculum, and assessment, alongside wider practical preparations.
If you are an outstanding teacher and leader, with a detailed knowledge and understanding of curriculum and assessment for learners with SLD and/or PMLD, and you have the desire to build an amazing culture and the wider team to meet those same high standards of teaching and learning, then we need you!
Although this role will have only light teaching responsibilities, we want someone who wants to teach, loves to interact with exceptional children and young people, and is passionate about improving long‑term outcomes alongside the day‑to‑day experience for all our learners. All learners in our care deserve the very best from our schools, and the successful candidate will share a deep commitment to our mission, aims, and values, which should be clearly demonstrated at both the application and interview stages.
Deputy Headteacher for Specialist SLD and PMLD School in Essex employer: Shorefields
The Wolsey Park School is an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment for both staff and students. With a strong focus on collaboration, dignity, and aspiration, we offer our team members the opportunity to shape a pioneering educational provision for learners with complex needs. Located in Essex, our new specialist school provides a unique chance for professional growth and development, as well as the satisfaction of making a meaningful impact in the lives of our students and their families.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Headteacher for Specialist SLD and PMLD School in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, especially those who have experience with SLD and PMLD. They might know about opportunities or even recommend you directly, which can give you a leg up.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s vision and values. Make sure you can articulate how your leadership style aligns with their mission. We want to see that passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with curriculum development and assessment strategies for learners with complex needs. Bring examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles to the table during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Headteacher for Specialist SLD and PMLD School in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for education and working with learners with SLD and PMLD shine through. We want to see your excitement about shaping the vision and culture of our new school!
Be Specific:Use specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your leadership skills and understanding of curriculum and assessment for learners with complex needs. We love details that show how you can contribute to our mission.
Align with Our Values:Make sure to highlight how your personal values align with ours: dignity, positivity, collaboration, and aspiration. We’re looking for someone who shares our commitment to putting families at the heart of decision-making.
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 ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at The Wolsey Park School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shorefields
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your vision for a specialist school. Think about how you can contribute to shaping the culture and ethos of The Wolsey Park School. Be ready to share specific ideas on how you would implement this vision in practice.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership roles and how they relate to working with learners with SLD and PMLD. Highlight any specific strategies you've used to support these learners and how you’ve engaged with families to ensure their involvement in the educational process.
✨Collaborative Mindset
Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively with the Headteacher and other staff. Think of examples where you’ve successfully led a team or project, particularly in an educational setting. This will show that you’re not just a leader but also a team player who values collaboration.
✨Passion for Teaching
Even though the role has light teaching responsibilities, express your passion for teaching and interacting with students. Share anecdotes that demonstrate your commitment to improving outcomes for learners and how you plan to inspire your team to maintain high standards in teaching and learning.
