At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead SENDCo and Inclusion initiatives, ensuring quality education for students with diverse needs.
- Company: Join St Matthias Academy, a supportive special school dedicated to student success.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role across multiple sites with opportunities for growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of students with SEND and foster an inclusive learning environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in educational leadership and a passion for supporting diverse learners.
The predicted salary is between 61534 - 67898 € per year.
Location: St Matthias Academy, Bristol and Bath
Start Date: September 2026
Hours: 32.5 hours per week
Salary: Leadership 8 - Leadership 12 £61,534 - £67,898
Are you an enthusiastic and proactive individual with a passion for creating a safe and well-maintained environment for students and staff? St Matthias Academy is looking for a Deputy Headteacher to join our team.
Please note this role requires you to travel and work regularly across our 3 sites (Brentry, Fishponds, Bath). There may also be times where you are required to teach across the curriculum as needed.
About Us: St Matthias Academy is a special school that serves students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties. We are dedicated to providing a supportive and engaging learning environment where every student can thrive. This role is a key part of our commitment to ensuring our students are taught to the best standards alongside the national curriculum.
The Role: We’re looking for a reliable and hardworking Deputy Headteacher to join our team. You will lead on SENDCo and Inclusion.
What you’ll be doing:
- To support the Headteacher in providing outstanding specialised leadership for St Matthias, ensuring its continued success and sustainability as a special provision.
- To assist in supporting pupils with diverse and complex needs towards successful transitions to appropriate onward destinations.
- To lead on specific areas related to the quality of specialised education, personalised development, behaviour and attitudes tailored to pupils with SEND, and outcomes for the school, as designated by the Headteacher.
- To build and maintain effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders, including other special schools, the Local Authority SEND teams, and external partners and organisations, to promote positive outcomes for all pupils with SEND.
- To work with the Headteacher to ensure that every child with SEND receives a high-quality, personalised education and achieves academic and social success.
- To support the engagement of the community, including families of pupils with SEND, in all aspects of the school.
- To assist in the efficient and effective management of specialised school resources, ensuring value for money.
- To support the Headteacher in ensuring consistency and standards of excellence across all three sites, with a focus on specialised provision.
- To actively contribute to the safeguarding and promotion of the welfare of all vulnerable pupils.
Key Relationships: The Deputy Headteacher establishes and maintains effective working relationships with:
- The Trust
- The School’s Governing Body
- The Local Authority SEND teams
- Specialist therapists and health professionals
- Families of pupils with SEND
- Other special schools and provisions
- All relevant support agencies.
- Relevant safeguarding agencies.
Key areas of responsibility:
Strategic direction and development of the school:- To support the strategic leadership that secures the school vision, tailored to the specific needs of pupils with SEND.
- To assist in the design and implementation of personalised learning programmes and interventions.
- To assist in ensuring that all aspects of specialised school performance are monitored and evaluated, including progress against EHCP & promote best outcomes for individuals.
- To ensure that the school improvement plan reflects the unique needs of the pupil cohort.
- To ensure the school provides a safe and nurturing environment that meets the complex needs of the pupils.
- To contribute to the creation and maintenance of a strong safeguarding culture, with an acute awareness of the vulnerabilities of pupils with SEND.
- To assist in the development of staff expertise in specialised teaching strategies and interventions.
- To ensure that every child’s individual needs are met through personalised learning pathways.
- To lead on the implementation of EHCPs and other statutory requirements.
- To line manage staff, providing specialised guidance and support.
- To assist with the development of systems that aid in the complex recording of pupils' progress.
- To deliver high quality lessons, and to aid in the development of best teaching practices within the school.
- To ensure that all staff are trained in safeguarding practices relevant to pupils with SEND.
- To develop effective working relationships with mainstream schools to ensure the smooth transition of pupils between schools.
- To teach high quality lessons across the curriculum, adapting as required for individual needs within a cohort.
- To coach and develop other teachers across the school to promote high quality teaching and learning in line with school and trust guidance.
- To ensure that the curriculum is adapted and personalised to meet the diverse needs of pupils & promote best outcomes for individuals.
- To promote the use of a range of technologies and other specialised resources.
- To monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of specialised teaching strategies.
- To deliver training so staff can teach high quality lessons, and to aid in the development of best teaching practices within the school.
- To promote a learning environment where vulnerable pupils feel safe and are encouraged to communicate concerns.
- To assist in the allocation of resources to support specialised provision.
- To ensure that funding is used effectively to meet the needs of pupils with SEND.
- To assist in the recruitment of staff with specialised skills and expertise.
- To lead on the professional development of staff in SEND-related areas.
- To ensure safer recruitment practices are followed with the awareness of the pupils' vulnerabilities.
- To build strong partnerships with families of pupils with SEND.
- To provide specialised support and guidance to families.
- To collaborate with external agencies to support pupils and their families.
- To promote open communication with parents regarding safeguarding concerns, with heightened sensitivity to the needs of vulnerable families.
- To ensure that all pupils with SEND have access to a high-quality, personalised education.
- To advocate for the needs of pupils with SEND.
- To monitor and evaluate the progress of pupils against their individual goals.
- To be highly vigilant in identifying and responding to any signs of abuse or neglect, with a particular focus on the vulnerabilities of pupils with SEND.
- To provide the governing body with specialised information and advice on SEND-related matters.
- To keep the governing body informed of safeguarding policies and procedures, and any related concerns.
Deputy Headteacher - SENDCo and Inclusion Lead in Bristol employer: St Matthias Academy
St Matthias Academy is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. With a strong emphasis on professional development and collaboration across our three sites in Bristol and Bath, we offer unique opportunities for growth and innovation in the field of special education. Our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all pupils ensures that every team member plays a vital role in making a meaningful impact on the lives of students with SEND.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Headteacher - SENDCo and Inclusion Lead in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education, especially those who work with SEND. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching St Matthias Academy thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and the specific challenges they face. This will help you tailor your responses and show you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use examples from your experience that highlight your leadership skills and your passion for supporting students with SEND. We want to see the real you!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Headteacher - SENDCo and Inclusion Lead in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Deputy Headteacher - SENDCo and Inclusion Lead. We want to see your passion for supporting students with diverse needs, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about leadership, so be sure to emphasise your previous experiences in managing teams and driving educational initiatives. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others and lead by example.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm.
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 St Matthias Academy.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Matthias Academy
✨Know Your SENDCo Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest strategies and best practices in special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Be ready to discuss how you would implement these in a school setting, especially at St Matthias Academy. Show your passion for creating inclusive environments!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in the past. Highlight your experience in managing staff and developing their skills, particularly in specialised teaching strategies. This role is all about leadership, so make it clear that you can inspire and guide others.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would build relationships with various stakeholders, including families, local authorities, and external partners. Be ready to share your ideas on fostering collaboration and communication to support students with SEND. This will show that you understand the importance of community engagement.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Safeguarding is crucial in this role, so be prepared to discuss your understanding of safeguarding policies and how you would ensure a safe environment for vulnerable pupils. Share any relevant experiences where you've had to advocate for student welfare, as this will highlight your dedication to their well-being.
