Deputy Headteacher and SENCO in Doncaster

Be part of something extraordinary! Esland Doncaster School – Opening September 2026. Are you ready to shape a school from the ground up? Do you thrive on innovation, high standards, and making a genuine difference for children with diverse needs? Do you want a role where your leadership will directly influence culture, quality and outcomes from day one? Then apply to Esland today!

Location: High Melton, Doncaster. Hours: full time, Monday to Friday. Salary: £47,981 to £59,167 per annum (depending on experience and qualifications).

If you’re an exceptional teacher and leader with QTS and SENCO qualification, and you’re excited by the challenge (and privilege!) of helping build a brand‑new school, then this could be the opportunity that transforms your career.

A Rare Opportunity to Build, Lead and Inspire. Esland Doncaster School will open its doors in September 2026 and will be the sixth school in the Esland family, a community dedicated to changing the lives of vulnerable young people aged 7–18 with ASD, ADHD, EBSA and associated SEMH. Joining us in May means you will play a key role in shaping the school’s direction, ethos and excellence from the very start. This is not just another Deputy Head role, this is your chance to co‑create a thriving, nurturing, innovative educational environment.

Your Impact As our Deputy Head/SENCO, you will:

• Be a driving force for safeguarding and wellbeing across the school
• Lead a culture of exceptional teaching and learning through coaching, modelling and innovation
• Oversee statutory and internal assessment systems that shape pupil progress
• Champion SEND excellence, including EHCPs, interventions and staff training
• Play a central role in behaviour, pastoral care, careers guidance and safeguarding
• Collaborate with the Headteacher to lead the day‑to‑day running of the school
• Guide teachers through high-quality supervision and performance development
• Identify and remove barriers to learning so every young person can thrive
• Inspire staff, students and families through high standards, compassion and integrity
• Act as delegated Headteacher when required, and a key architect of the school’s vision

Every decision you shape, every system you design, and every relationship you build will help form the foundations of our new school.

What we are looking for:

• QTS and degree (or equivalent)
• SENCO qualification
• At least 5 years’ post‑qualification experience
• A proven record of raising standards across a school
• Ability to teach a range of subjects (KS2–KS5)
• Deep understanding of pedagogy, inclusion, SEND, behaviour and safeguarding
• Strong grasp of the EIF and Independent School Standards
• Skilled in assessment, tracking and school self‑evaluation
• Leadership qualities that inspire, motivate and unite

• Experience in the independent specialist sector and working with SEND students
• Knowledge of the Gatsby Benchmarks
• Higher degree or equivalent

Who You Are: You’re someone who leads with heart and ambition: caring, approachable, inspiring. Someone who sees potential everywhere and brings people with them. You thrive under pressure, you laugh, you learn, and you love helping others succeed. You are driven by values and committed to continuous improvement, both for yourself and for the children you serve.

Successful employment is subject to satisfactory Full Enhanced Disclosure, right to work and reference checks in line with government regulations and Safer Recruitment Practices. All young people are equally entitled to have their needs met in a fair and balanced way. Esland employees are responsible for promoting equal opportunities for all and for challenging any behaviour or practice which discriminates against any young person or colleague on the grounds of race, religion, disability, age, gender, sexual orientation, or any other perceived difference.

What we can offer:

• A competitive salary between £47,981 and £59,167, reviewed annually
• Enrolment into the Esland education pension scheme, which is double matched up to 20%, meaning a total pension contribution of up to 30%
• Company sick pay
• Access to a company holiday home based in the Peak District, where you can stay for free!
• Life insurance to the value of 4 times your basic salary
• Comprehensive, paid induction training and ongoing training within the role
• Fantastic opportunities for career development, we promoted over 100 colleagues last year
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) including our Online GP 24/7, 365 days a year
• Access to our Green Hybrid and EV car scheme
• A £500 bonus via our 'Refer a Friend’ scheme
• Monthly recognition awards
• Access to big-brand deals and discounts via our employee benefits scheme E‑Together
• The opportunity to make a real difference to a child's life!

Become an Eslander and start a genuinely rewarding journey.