Deputy Headteacher (Secondary)

Job Title: Deputy Headteacher - Secondary

Job Location: The Grange School, Thatcham

Salary: £60,008.00 based on working 40 hours per week, 39.2 weeks of the year.

Contract Type: Permanent - Term Time Only

The Grange School is an outstanding SEND school with a strong focus on holistic, therapeutic education. We have recently expanded our secondary provision and opened a new building. We are seeking a passionate and dynamic leader to shape the vision and future of our secondary curriculum, influencing daily operations and long-term strategy.

Having opened in 2023, the school has established itself as a place of excellence, ambition, and transformation. The Orchard, our third purpose-built space, was officially unveiled alongside the Mayor of Thatcham, our Team Members, Pupils and Families. Our Pupils demonstrate confidence, guide visitors, and show the impact of a school that prioritises personal development alongside academic success.

Our school specialises in working with Pupils who may face challenges related to autism, speech and language needs, or trauma. You will be supported by an Education and Integrated Multidisciplinary Therapy Team who deliver holistic support. Therapy is integral and threads through all aspects of school life, strengthening Pupils' social, emotional, and mental health and helping them engage in learning and wider experiences.

You will help to manage and shape more than a school building; you will lead a culture built on strong, respectful relationships and a deep understanding of every Pupil's individual journey. You'll guide and inspire our dedicated team, ensuring they have the training and support to provide an engaging, high-quality education. You'll also play an active role in recruiting and developing Team Members, fostering collaboration and professional excellence. Your leadership will help embed our core values-Honesty, Empathy, Aspiration, Respect, and Teamwork-into every aspect of school life.

With thoughtfully designed sensory breakout areas, an ambitious curriculum, and rich opportunities for learning beyond the classroom, The Grange School stands as a powerful example of education and therapeutic practice working in true partnership.

Working alongside the Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher (Primary), SENDCo, and the wider team, you will contribute to the next stage of development and support capacity for 60 Pupils. This is more than a leadership role; it is an opportunity to help run an already rated Outstanding School and contribute to an even better inspection outcome.

This is your opportunity to become our next Deputy Headteacher, helping to lead and shape a future where every Pupil continues to excel.

A day in the life of a Deputy Headteacher will involve:

• You'll work closely with the Headteacher to shape the school's vision and ethos, lead the secondary provision, and ensure alignment with Ofsted standards and development goals.
• You'll oversee and adapt the secondary curriculum to meet Ofsted expectations and the needs of Pupils, especially those with Autism and complex learning needs.
• You'll maintain high expectations for Pupil outcomes, ensure safeguarding protocols are followed, and act as the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead for the Secondary phase.
• Leading Team Member development will be central to your role, mentoring and inspiring the team, fostering collaboration across Education and Therapeutic Services, and building relationships with Pupils, Families, and external agencies.
• Operationally, you'll manage resources, oversee Team Member performance, and ensure the school provides a safe, engaging, and high-quality learning environment that supports Pupil growth and personal development.

To be a successful Deputy Headteacher you'll need:

• A degree and Qualified Teacher Status, with at least 2 years of management experience in an educational setting, particularly with Autism/Learning Disabilities.
• Strong understanding of the secondary curriculum, safeguarding procedures, and knowledge of Ofsted/KCSiE standards.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire Team Members, with excellent communication skills and a track record of managing resources effectively.
• Confidence in using data for self-evaluation, target setting, and problem-solving, paired with strong analytical skills.
• A motivated, empathetic, and flexible mindset aligned with the core values of Honesty, Empathy, Aspiration, Respect, and Teamwork.

In return for your time, you'll get:

• Holidays - You'll work term time (39.2 weeks) and receive pay for the additional 12.8 weeks you are off.
• Pension scheme - Our pension scheme is based on you paying in 5%, and us adding 3%.
• Learning & Development Opportunities - Comprehensive development opportunities for Team Members.
• Discounts - Access to Blue Light Card discounts and our employee benefits platform.
• Wellbeing Support - Wellbeing is a priority, with mental health support, a monthly confidential check-in clinic, and group reflective practice sessions.
• Cycle2Work - The cycle-to-work scheme enables you to buy a bicycle at a discounted rate.
• DBS - Enhanced DBS cost covered by us.
• Medicash - After 12 months' service, eligibility for Medicash cover, life assurance of 2 x annual salary, and additional discounts.

As part of safer recruitment, successful applicants will undergo pre-employment checks, including enhanced DBS, online and social media checks, and reference validation. Due to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974), we may ask you to disclose spent or unspent convictions during recruitment. This disclosure does not automatically disqualify you, and transparency is encouraged at the application stage.

At Phoenix Learning and Care, we are committed to diversity and creating an inclusive environment where all Team Members feel safe to be themselves without risk of discrimination. We believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our organisation, and we strive to ensure everyone can contribute authentically and openly.