Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding initiatives and support students with additional needs in a special school environment.
- Company: Castledon School, dedicated to unlocking potential for children with complex needs.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, supportive team, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help create a safe, inclusive space for all students.
- Qualifications: Experience in educational leadership and a commitment to inclusive practices.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a nurturing environment.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58000 £ per year.
Castledon School is a special school committed to unlocking potential for children and young people with additional needs. Guided by our values of belonging, opportunity and achievement, we are seeking an experienced leader to join the senior leadership team as Deputy Headteacher, with responsibility as the Designated Safeguarding Leader. This is an exciting leadership opportunity for someone who believes that feeling safe, understood and valued is the foundation for learning.
The successful candidate will work collaboratively alongside the Headteacher and wider Senior team as part of a strong senior leadership team. They will play a central role in ensuring pupils are safeguarded and supported to thrive, contributing to both the strategic and operational leadership of the school. Key areas of responsibility will include:
- Safeguarding
- Attendance
- Behaviour and safety
- Therapeutic provision
- Support for Looked After and Previously Looked After Children
Central to the role is the leadership of Castledon's therapeutic, relational approach to behaviour, recognising the impact of trauma, attachment and additional needs. The Deputy Headteacher will champion positive relationships, emotional wellbeing and consistent practice, ensuring behaviour support is underpinned by care, understanding and high expectations.
The role requires a strong understanding of the complexities of a special school environment and a commitment to inclusive practice. Safeguarding, wellbeing and care will be embedded across all aspects of school life, enabling pupils to feel a sense of belonging, access meaningful opportunities and achieve their potential.
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are therefore expected to behave in such a way that supports this commitment. Appointment to this post will be subject to the following satisfactory pre-employment checks:
- Relevant work qualifications
- Right to work in the UK
- Barred List Check (previously List 99)
- Disclosure & Barring Service Check (for all staff and volunteers)
Castledon School is a Special School for pupils with Moderate Learning Difficulties and additional complex needs from Year 1 - Year 14. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.
The application closing date is 28/01/2026.
Deputy Headteacher in Wickford employer: Shorefields
Contact Detail:
Shorefields Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Headteacher in Wickford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, especially those who might know about the Deputy Headteacher role at Castledon School. A friendly chat can lead to insider info and maybe even a recommendation!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the school's values and mission. Show us how your experience aligns with their commitment to safeguarding and supporting pupils with additional needs. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend or mentor to do a mock interview with you. Focus on articulating your leadership style and how you would champion positive relationships and emotional wellbeing at Castledon School.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the lives of our pupils.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Headteacher in Wickford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Education: When writing your application, let your passion for education and supporting children with additional needs shine through. We want to see how you connect with our values of Belonging, Opportunity, and Achievement.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail your experience in leadership roles, especially in special education settings. We’re looking for someone who understands the complexities of a special school environment, so share specific examples that demonstrate your expertise.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
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 at Castledon School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shorefields
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
As a Deputy Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Leader, you need to be well-versed in safeguarding policies and practices. Brush up on the latest legislation and best practices in safeguarding children, especially in a special school environment. Be ready to discuss how you would implement these strategies effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role is all about leadership, so think about your approach to leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led initiatives in the past, particularly those that focus on emotional wellbeing and behaviour support. Highlight your ability to foster positive relationships within the school community.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity
Castledon School values inclusive practice, so be prepared to discuss how you would ensure that all pupils feel a sense of belonging. Share specific strategies you've used to support children with additional needs and how you plan to champion their achievements in your new role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life situations. Think about challenges you might face as a Deputy Headteacher and how you would address them, particularly regarding safeguarding, attendance, and behaviour management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
