Deputy Head - Culture and Engagement in Crawley

Thomas Bennett Community College is seeking a dynamic Deputy Head – Culture and Engagement to play a pivotal role in leading behaviour, attendance, and the overall student experience. As part of The Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT), you will benefit from strong leadership support, high‑quality professional development, and collaboration across a network of schools committed to excellence.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for whole‑school culture, behaviour, and student engagement, ensuring a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment.
• Drive high expectations across the school, leading improvements in attendance, behaviour, and student outcomes through clear systems and consistent practice.
• Use data effectively to monitor trends, evaluate impact, and inform decision‑making, strengthening pastoral systems and targeted interventions.
• Work in partnership with staff, families, and external agencies to support student wellbeing, inclusion, and engagement.
• Play a key role in whole‑school improvement planning and contribute to the development of a rich extracurricular programme that enhances student experience.

What We’re Looking For

• A highly effective and experienced senior leader with a proven track record of impact at whole‑school level.
• Strong expertise in behaviour management, safeguarding, inclusion, and pastoral care, with a clear understanding of best practice.
• An excellent communicator who can inspire, influence, and build strong relationships with students, staff, and the wider community.
• A values‑driven leader with a genuine commitment to equity, diversity, and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Benefits

• Access to high‑quality, trust‑wide CPD and clear opportunities for career progression.
• A supportive leadership environment with a strong focus on collaboration and continuous improvement.
• A generous pension scheme and a range of wellbeing support initiatives.
• Family‑friendly policies designed to support a positive work‑life balance.

To find out more, visit our website or contact the school office on 01293 526255 or admin@tbcc-tkat.org.

Our Commitment

Safeguarding
We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to a rigorous safer recruitment process, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Flexible Working
We recognise the importance of supporting staff to balance their professional responsibilities with personal commitments. We actively promote flexible working practices and aim to create an environment that supports wellbeing and sustainable work‑life balance.

Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging
At Kemnal, we are committed to fostering a culture of Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging. We value and celebrate differences, recognising the unique experiences and perspectives that each individual brings. We are dedicated to continuous learning and growth as a community and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

Access to Interview
Be Who You Are at Kemnal – if you are invited to interview, please let us know if you require any adjustments to the recruitment process. We are committed to ensuring all candidates can fully participate and present themselves authentically, and we will make reasonable adjustments both during recruitment and within the workplace where possible.