Deputy Headteacher

Full Job Description

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Deputy Headteacher

Garden Court School, Carnforth, Lancashire LA6 2DZ

40 hours per week | Monday to Friday

Up to £60,000.00 per annum (depending on expense, not pro rata)

Permanent | Term Time Only

April 2026

UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

As Deputy Headteacher, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering a high‑quality, inclusive education that reflects both organisational values and regulatory standards. Working in close partnership with the Principal, you will help define the school’s ethos, strategic direction and culture of excellence, ensuring every pupil is supported to thrive academically, socially and emotionally. This is a leadership role requiring vision, integrity and a deep commitment to transforming lives through outstanding education.

• Curriculum & Quality Leadership:
  Lead and coordinate the development of a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum, ensuring consistency, high standards and continuous improvement across the school.
• Progress & Outcomes:
  Monitor pupil achievement and progress rigorously, ensuring personalised targets are met and that each learner’s pathway leads to meaningful success.
• Behaviour & Inclusion:
  Work collaboratively with the clinical team to oversee Behaviour Support Plans, embedding trauma‑informed practice and ensuring plans are regularly reviewed and effective.
• Strategic Leadership:
  Act as a key member of the senior leadership team, deputising for the Principal where required and contributing to whole‑school strategy, policy and improvement planning.
• Personalised Provision:
  Champion inclusive, person‑centred education, ensuring all pupils access tailored learning pathways that reflect their individual strengths and needs.
• Partnership & Community Engagement:
  Build and sustain strong relationships with parents, carers, external agencies and the wider community to promote positive outcomes for all pupils.

Essential:

• UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent and degree‑level qualification
• Proven senior leadership experience within a school setting
• Strong expertise in curriculum development, quality assurance and school improvement
• Demonstrable commitment to inclusive education
• Excellent communication, collaboration and leadership skills

Desirable:

• Experience with in specialist or SEN settings
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed, therapeutic or neurodiversity‑affirming approaches
• Experience across Primary and/or Secondary phases
• Flexible, creative and emotionally intelligent leadership style

Garden Court School is a brand‑new independent specialist school, opening in June 2026, providing education for up to 40 pupils with SEMH and complex needs. We offer a nurturing, safe, and structured environment where pupils can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Small classes and personalised programmes ensure every pupil receives the support they need to achieve their potential. In partnership with families, we empower young people to build independence, confidence and essential life skills.

Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence‑based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact. We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health…