Deputy Headteacher

Join Danecout School as a Deputy Headteacher! Lead with purpose. Shape the future. Transform lives through inclusive education. Hours: 27 hours per week Contract: Permanent Term Time Only Role: 39 weeks per year Start Date: September 2026 Actual Salary: L18 - L23 About the Role This is a rare and exciting opportunity for an experienced senior leader to join Danecourt School at a pivotal moment in its journey. We are seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking Deputy Headteacher to join our senior leadership team and play a key role in shaping the future of our provision — including an ambitious expansion to extend our age range from 11 to 19, with a new secondary provision opening in 2028. Danecourt is a large, well-established primary special school supporting almost 300 pupils with complex needs across three sites. We are committed to delivering high-quality, inclusive education through innovative, personalised approaches that meet a wide range of learning, communication and sensory needs. This is a strategic and hands-on leadership role, where you will: Support the Headteacher in driving school improvement, strategy, and governance Lead the pastoral provision and whole-school wellbeing strategy, ensuring a coherent and high-quality approach across all phases Contribute to curriculum development, assessment, and personalised learning across primary and the developing secondary provision Provide operational leadership across multiple sites, ensuring consistency in standards, safeguarding, and behaviour Lead, coach, and develop staff, modelling excellent practice and building leadership capacity Play a key role in the planning and phased development of the new secondary provision Build strong partnerships with families, therapists, and external agencies You will be a visible, inspiring leader who champions inclusive practice and is committed to achieving the very best outcomes for children and young people with complex needs. Who you Are We are looking for an exceptional leader who: Has proven senior leadership experience within special education Has experience of leadership within a secondary setting Has a strong understanding of curriculum design, assessment, and personalised approaches for pupils with complex needs Can lead and inspire teams across multiple sites with clarity, empathy, and high expectations Is committed to safeguarding, inclusion, and improving life chances for pupils Has strong organisational and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to lead change and manage complex projects Is resilient, reflective, and values-driven, with a passion for making a meaningful difference What We Offer Danecourt offers a welcoming, ambitious and inclusive environment where leaders are empowered to make a genuine difference. As part of the Maritime Academy Trust, we provide meaningful career opportunities, strong collaboration and the chance to shape exceptional provision for pupils with co