Deputy Headteacher – Oak Bridge School in Croydon

Opening September 2026

Help shape a new kind of school - from the ground up

Location: Near Croydon

Contract: Full time, permanent

Interviews: January 2026

Start Date: Summer Term 2026

We’re looking for an exceptional Deputy Headteacher - an expert in curriculum, teaching, and learning - to join us as we open Oak Bridge School, part of the Spaghetti Bridge Group, in September 2026. Oak Bridge will be a new independent special school supporting pupils aged 6-19 with SEMH and Autism, following our unique three-stage curriculum designed to develop 21st century skills and a lifelong love of learning.

As Deputy Head, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the school’s academic vision - designing and leading inspiring, evidence-based learning experiences that unlock potential and nurture curiosity. You’ll work alongside the Headteacher and our wider team to establish a culture where creativity, compassion and challenge thrive.

Our Cultural Pillars

• Challenge the Status Quo - We question assumptions, think differently, and create new possibilities for education.
• Work with Passion and Joy – We love what we do and bring energy, optimism, and care to our work.
• Unsettling yet Inspiring – Growth lives at the edge of comfort; we lean into that space with courage and curiosity.
• Tell the Truth, Even When It’s Hard – We lead with honesty, humility, and integrity, because trust changes everything.

About You

• An expert in curriculum, teaching, and learning, with a track record of designing innovative, inclusive provision.
• Deeply knowledgeable about SEMH and Autism, and how to create environments where pupils can engage, progress, and flourish.
• A reflective and research-informed practitioner who values curiosity and continuous improvement.
• A skilled communicator and coach who empowers others through trust, clarity, and collaboration.
• Emotionally intelligent, compassionate, and ready to lead with authenticity.

Why join Spaghetti Bridge?

We are a forward-thinking group of independent special schools united by a shared belief: education should be relational, creative, and bold enough to change lives. You’ll be supported with a comprehensive induction programme, including mentoring from our experienced school leaders, colleagues and Group Support Team. As part of a growing network, you’ll have access to exceptional professional development and the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded leaders shaping the future of specialist education. During your induction period you will work with peers across the group at a variety of our schools to support the schools opening.

At Spaghetti Bridge, we work with passion and joy - for our students, for our craft, and for each other. We care deeply about relationships and are committed to creating an environment where both children and adults develop and flourish. We encourage early applications and may appoint prior to the closing date.

For more information, please view https://oakbridgeschool.co.uk/ or contact our onboarding team via recruitment@spbridge.co.uk for more information.

Spaghetti Bridge Ltd are committed to Safeguarding therefore, all employees must have the ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of our children and young people. All applicants must be willing to undergo safeguarding checks appropriate to the post, including checks with Disclosure & Barring Service. This post involves working with children and young people considered to be at risk and therefore is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. We are a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply.