At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire as Deputy Headteacher and SENDCo, shaping educational standards and inclusive practices.
- Company: Whitchurch Primary School, part of the growing Lighthouse Schools Partnership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent CPD opportunities, wellbeing support, and a positive working environment.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to empowering future leaders and fostering a love of learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives in a nurturing and collaborative school community.
- Qualifications: Experience in teaching and leadership, with a focus on special educational needs.
The predicted salary is between 51773 - 61534 £ per year.
Hours: 32.5
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: L1 - L8, £51,773 - £61,534
Start Date: September 2026
The Role
Whitchurch Primary School are looking for an inspiring Deputy Headteacher and SENDCo to join our happy and successful school. Under the direction of the Headteacher, you will take a major role in formulating the strategic direction of our school, establishing high educational standards and ensuring that every pupil experiences an enriching school life. As an exemplary class teacher, you will model high-quality, evidence-informed teaching for colleagues to aspire to. Alongside your classroom and deputy leadership duties, you will take on the crucial role of SENDCo, ensuring our school delivers outstanding, inclusive provision within the SEND graduated approach.
These jobs may be applied for in any of the below combinations:
- You will be Deputy Headteacher and SENDCo (preferred)
- You will be Deputy Headteacher (3 days) and Teacher (2 days)
- You will be SENDCo (2 days) and Teacher (3 days)
- You will just be Deputy Headteacher (3 days)
- You will just be SENDCo (2 days)
Please be clear in your application what role/s you are applying for.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the Headteacher in formulating the strategic aims, objectives and policies of the school, and deputise in their absence.
- Promote a positive school culture built on clear rules and routines, maintaining high standards of pupil behaviour and staff professionalism.
- Act as an exemplary model of high-quality, evidence-informed classroom teaching for colleagues across the school to observe and aspire to.
- Establish and sustain a broad, structured curriculum across all phases, utilising effective assessment strategies to inform strategic decisions.
- Lead special educational needs provision as SENDCo, ensuring the school fulfills its statutory duties and delivers effective support through the graduated approach.
- Fulfil the duties of Designated Safeguarding Lead and Lead Teacher for Looked After Children, ensuring rigorous compliance with all safeguarding procedures.
- Manage staff workloads fairly, oversee daily school systems and ensure financial resources are allocated appropriately and efficiently.
- Drive school improvement strategies and ensure staff have access to high-standard professional development opportunities, including targeted support for Early Career Teachers.
We can offer you:
- A fabulous working environment with children who really want to learn.
- A friendly and successful school.
- A growing school with dedicated and hard-working staff.
- A positive learning environment.
- Supportive staff, governors, parents and community.
- Collaborative working within our Trust community to support our endeavours to work smarter.
- Excellent CPD opportunities.
- Access to wellbeing support.
- 24-hour confidential helpline and counselling.
- Healthcare cash plan.
- Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle Scheme.
- Discount retail platform with access to hundreds of discounts.
Our School
At Whitchurch we have high expectations of everyone in our community and work hard to make the best possible progress in all areas of our learning; our nurturing community is built on respect, honesty and a culture of shared responsibility. Our curriculum at Whitchurch is designed around the interests, heritage and aspirations of our children; we build on pre-learning and the strong commitment for education shared by our families. We are proud to complement our curriculum learning with a wealth of enrichment activities designed to enhance and enrich lives, to open children’s eyes to the exciting world that awaits them. We work hard alongside our families to empower future leaders and ignite a real love of learning.
The Trust
The Lighthouse Schools Partnership (LSP) is a Multi-Academy Trust which has experienced rapid growth since it started in 2016. There are currently 30 schools in the Trust. The Lighthouse Schools Partnership is cross-phase and includes Infant, Junior, Primary and Secondary schools. The Trust is a mixed MAT and includes both non-denominational and Church of England schools.
Closing Date: Friday 12 June 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Early applications are encouraged. The school reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date of the advertisement, should the School be able to identify an appropriate candidate.
Deputy Headteacher and SENDCo in Whitchurch employer: Whitchurch Primary School
Whitchurch Primary School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where dedicated staff can thrive. With a strong focus on professional development, including excellent CPD opportunities and wellbeing support, employees are empowered to grow in their roles while making a meaningful impact on the lives of students. Located within the nurturing community of the Lighthouse Schools Partnership, our school fosters a culture of respect and shared responsibility, ensuring that every team member feels valued and inspired to contribute to our mission of delivering outstanding education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Headteacher and SENDCo in Whitchurch
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Whitchurch Primary School and its values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current staff or alumni from Whitchurch. They can provide insider info about the school culture and what they value in a Deputy Headteacher and SENDCo.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how you would handle specific scenarios related to SEND provision and leadership. Practising your responses can really boost your confidence.
✨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 you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace the digital age in education.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Headteacher and SENDCo in Whitchurch
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Clear About Your Role:When applying, make sure to specify which role or combination of roles you're interested in. This helps us understand your preferences and ensures we can match you with the right position.
Showcase Your Experience:Highlight your experience in leadership and SENDCo roles. We want to see how you've made a positive impact in previous positions, so share specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements.
Tailor Your Application:Make your application stand out by tailoring it to our school’s values and mission. Show us how your vision aligns with our commitment to high educational standards and inclusive provision.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application reaches us directly and is considered promptly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Whitchurch Primary School
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the Deputy Headteacher and SENDCo role. Familiarise yourself with the school's strategic aims and how you can contribute to them. This will show that you’re not just interested in the position, but also in the school’s vision.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Skills
Prepare to discuss your teaching philosophy and provide examples of high-quality, evidence-informed teaching practices you've implemented. Be ready to explain how you model these practices for colleagues and how you can inspire others to improve their teaching.
✨Highlight Your SEND Experience
As SENDCo, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of special educational needs provision. Share specific examples of how you’ve successfully supported students with SEND in the past and how you plan to ensure inclusive practices at Whitchurch Primary School.
✨Engage with the Community
Talk about your experience working with parents, governors, and the wider community. Show that you value collaboration and are committed to building strong relationships that enhance the school environment. This will resonate well with the school’s nurturing ethos.
