Deputy Headteacher

Wightwick Hall School is a secondary SEN school dedicated to preparing our students for adulthood by equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to thrive in their own unique way. Our approach is grounded in restorative and relational principles, shaping a behaviour ethos built on trust, mutual respect, and meaningful connection. We believe firmly in a “one size fits one” philosophy, celebrating individuality and ensuring that every young person is understood, valued, and supported within an inclusive, adaptable learning environment. As proud members of Endeavour MAT, we benefit from being part of a caring, student‑centred trust committed to excellence and opportunity for all. We are seeking a Deputy Headteacher who embodies our values: a forward-thinking, compassionate, and dynamic leader who will inspire others, champion personalised learning, and drive forward our restorative ethos, someone who will help shape the future of our school and ensure every student’s potential is not just recognised, but realised.

Key Responsibilities

Core Leadership

• Deputise for the Headteacher, including operational leadership during absence.

• Contribute to the strategic leadership of the school, including School Improvement Planning and evaluation.

• Lead, model, and embed the school’s restorative and relational ethos.

Teaching, Learning & Curriculum

• Lead whole‑school Teaching and Learning strategy, ensuring high‑quality, personalised SEN pedagogy.

• Lead quality assurance processes (learning walks, curriculum reviews, assessment accuracy, progress tracking).

• Support staff with curriculum development, adaptation, and intervention planning.

Professional Development & Workforce

• Lead ITT and ECT programmes, including appraisal and mentoring.

• Coordinate whole‑school CPD and staff development, including coaching where appropriate.

• Lead staff induction and contribute to a strong professional culture.

• Manage staff performance through appraisal, support plans, and capability processes.

• Line manage teachers and allocated middle leaders.

Safeguarding

• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), supporting strategic oversight of safeguarding across the school.

• Monitor safeguarding trends and support multi‑agency work.

• Contribute to safeguarding training and staff updates.

Behaviour, Pastoral & Relational Practice

• Lead whole‑school behaviour strategy, ensuring restorative, trauma‑informed, and relational practices are embedded.

• Quality assure behaviour systems, data, interventions, and pastoral provision.

• Support escalation, staff coaching, and SEN‑specific behaviour planning.

SEND & Personalised Provision

• Provide strategic support to the SENCO and leadership of SEND provision.

• Oversee quality and consistency of EHCP provision and annual reviews.

• Strengthen therapy and multi‑disciplinary working within the curriculum.

• Ensure “one size fits one” principles are reflected in curriculum, behaviour, and pastoral processes.

Personal Development & Preparing for Adulthood

• Oversee key elements of Personal Development, including life skills, enrichment, British Values, and independence education.

Staffing, Recruitment & Operations

• Oversee whole‑school cover arrangements and manage special leave.

• Plan and organise whole‑school meeting structures.

• Lead the coordination of volunteers and work‑experience placements in school.

• Contribute to health & safety leadership and emergency planning (if appropriate). 

Attendance

• Maintain strategic oversight of attendance trends.

• Hold weekly leadership meetings with the Attendance Lead, offering challenge, direction, and support.

• Ensure attendance links to safeguarding, behaviour, and curriculum planning.

   

For an informal discussion or to arrange a visit, please contact Alex Steer, Headteacher, on 01902 761889                                           

‘This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/ vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This position is subject criminal records check from the Disclosure and Barring service which will require you to disclose details of all unspent and unfiltered spent reprimands, formal warnings, cautions and convictions in your application form.