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 the school opens and help build our vision!
- 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 Rayleigh employer: Shorefields
At The Wolsey Park School, we are dedicated to creating an inspiring and supportive environment for both our staff and students. As a Deputy Headteacher, you will be part of a passionate team committed to shaping the future of learners with complex needs, with ample opportunities for professional growth and collaboration. Our culture is rooted in dignity, positivity, and aspiration, ensuring that every member feels valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our exceptional children and young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Headteacher for Specialist SLD and PMLD School in Rayleigh
✨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 have insider info on the role or even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the school's vision and values. Show us how your passion aligns with our mission to create an amazing environment for learners with complex needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about your experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire a team, especially in a challenging educational setting.
✨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, it shows you’re serious about joining our exciting new school!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Headteacher for Specialist SLD and PMLD School in Rayleigh
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 The Wolsey Park 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 reflect our shared values of dignity, positivity, collaboration, and aspiration in your application. We’re looking for someone who truly embodies these principles and can bring them to life in our school.
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 everything is in order for the selection process. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 in the decision-making 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, especially in an educational setting, and be ready to discuss how you would foster collaboration at The Wolsey Park School.
✨Passion for Teaching
Even though the role has light teaching responsibilities, express your passion for teaching and interacting with exceptional children. Share anecdotes that demonstrate your commitment to improving outcomes for learners and how you plan to maintain that connection in your leadership role.
