At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire students and staff while shaping the school's strategic direction.
- Company: Join a leading specialist education provider committed to inclusion and diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full school holidays, and excellent professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive environment with a focus on wellbeing and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives and celebrate their small victories.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and substantial secondary teaching experience required.
The predicted salary is between 67898 - 75049 € per year.
£67,898 - £75,049 + excellent benefits. Please note that this role is expected to commence in September 2026, although we can be flexible for the right candidate. If we receive a high volume of applications, we may close this advert early. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
Our Deputy Head Teachers are fulfilled by the idea of making even the smallest positive changes in our young people, so we celebrate the little things. There are lots of ups and downs, and to some of our young people, sitting through a lesson can be a big win. We call these huge small victories and whilst they may seem small on the surface, they add up to make a big difference.
We are looking for an experienced and passionate secondary leader who can inspire both students and staff, regardless of subject specialism or previous secondary background. Working alongside the Head Teacher, you will help shape the strategic direction of the school, drive high standards across teaching and learning, and create an environment where every young person feels supported to achieve their potential.
You will be leading within a specialist setting supporting children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs, so resilience, adaptability and compassion are essential. The role can be challenging at times, but the progress our young people make - academically, socially and emotionally - makes every moment worthwhile. As a Deputy Head Teacher within Witherslack Group, you will be supported every step of the way by an experienced leadership team, specialist colleagues and a wider network that is fully committed to helping both staff and students thrive.
You will work in a well-resourced environment with colleagues who are passionate about what they do, giving you the opportunity to build a rewarding leadership career whilst making a genuine difference every single day.
You will be joining Abbeywood School, which opened in 2019, located in a newly refurbished building with every aspect designed to consider the needs of our pupils. Complemented with a highly experienced and dedicated staff team, Abbeywood has grown, both in terms of pupil numbers and reputation, and was recently rated as Good by Ofsted. We provide a range of educational options for young people with ADHD, ASD, Aspergers and SEMH, including an extensive provision of vocational courses.
For your hard work and commitment, we reward you with the best salary and benefits package in the education sector. With us, you will get to bring learning to life and make a genuine difference to the lives of our young people plus you will get:
- Training: A full induction and on the job training.
- Holiday: You will work hard at WG, so you will be rewarded with full school holidays.
- Progression: If career development is your thing, most of our head teachers have been promoted from within our group.
- Flexible benefits: meaning you can increase/decrease benefits such as life insurance.
- Pension: we offer a range of pensions to suit your lifestyle needs including Teachers Pension and our very attractive TPS alternative.
- Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance.
- Medical cover: so you can claim back the cost of things like an opticians or dentist appointment and a host of high-street discounts.
- Beautiful working environments: with the very best facilities.
- A recommend a friend scheme: that offers a £1,000 bonus every time.
Our young people come from all walks of life, with diverse experiences, backgrounds and needs and we believe our workforce should reflect that diversity too. We want leaders who can inspire, engage and genuinely connect with young people, helping them feel understood, valued and supported to succeed.
You will be more than a Deputy Head Teacher - you will be a visible, resilient and compassionate leader who can build strong relationships with both students and staff.
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and substantial teaching experience within a secondary setting.
- Previous leadership and management experience, ideally within a middle or senior leadership role.
- A passion for improving outcomes for young people with additional needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder and Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs.
- The ability to drive high standards across teaching, learning and behaviour.
- A strong understanding of effective behaviour strategies and creating positive learning environments.
- Proven leadership and coaching skills, with the ability to motivate, develop and inspire staff teams.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with students, families and colleagues.
- Resilience, adaptability and a solution-focused approach within a specialist education environment.
- The ability to contribute strategically alongside the Head Teacher to support the long-term vision and development of the school.
At Witherslack Group, inclusion is part of who we are. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued and that they truly belong. As a specialist provider of education and care for children and young people with special educational needs, we understand the importance of embracing individuality and championing difference - especially when it comes to neurodiversity. We celebrate diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and the unique strengths that each person brings to our community.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities. We are proud to be recognised as an inclusive employer and are committed to making our recruitment and workplace practices inclusive and accessible. If you need any adjustments to support you through the recruitment process or in the workplace, we will be there every step of the way.
By building a diverse and inclusive team, we are better able to support the children, young people and families we serve and ensure every member of our team can thrive, grow, and be their authentic self.
The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (we will cover the cost) and an online search. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.
Secondary Deputy Head Teacher in Humber employer: Witherslack Group
Witherslack Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where passionate educators can thrive. As a Deputy Head Teacher at Abbeywood School, you'll benefit from a comprehensive salary and benefits package, ongoing professional development, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people with special educational needs. Join a dedicated team in a state-of-the-art facility that values diversity and fosters personal growth, ensuring every staff member feels valued and empowered.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Secondary Deputy Head Teacher in Humber
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education, especially those who have experience in leadership roles. They might have insider info on opportunities or even recommend you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school and its values. Understand their approach to supporting students with additional needs, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion during interviews! Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially in supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and SEMH needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Secondary Deputy Head Teacher in Humber
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for education and supporting young people shine through. We want to see how you can inspire both students and staff, so share your experiences and what drives you in this field.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Deputy Head Teacher. Highlight your leadership experience and how it aligns with our values at StudySmarter. This shows us that you understand what we’re looking for!
Be Authentic:We value authenticity, so don’t be afraid to bring your whole self into your application. Share your unique experiences and perspectives, especially those that relate to working with diverse groups of young people.
Apply Early:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We might close the advert early if we get a lot of applications, so get yours in as soon as possible through our website to ensure you don’t miss out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Witherslack Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the role. Familiarise yourself with the challenges and rewards of working with students who have Autism Spectrum Disorder and Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. This will show your passion and understanding during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership experiences and how they’ve shaped your approach. Think about specific examples where you’ve inspired staff or improved student outcomes. This is your chance to demonstrate your ability to drive high standards and create a positive learning environment.
✨Connect with Their Values
Research the school’s ethos and values, especially their focus on celebrating 'huge small victories'. Be ready to share how you can contribute to this culture and support the diverse needs of students. Showing alignment with their mission will make you stand out.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions that reflect your interest in the role and the school. Inquire about their strategies for supporting staff and students, or how they measure success in their educational approach. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.