We’re looking for a visionary and compassionate school leader to become the Deputy Headteacher of The Ladder School - The Mercian Trust’s Alternative Provision Free School for students aged 13-19, set in a fantastic modern building in the heart of Walsall.

At The Ladder School, we provide a purposeful, nurturing and ambitious education for young people who need something different from mainstream provision. More than an alternative placement, The Ladder School offers students a fresh opportunity to reconnect, re-engage and prepare positively for their future.

Every student is known as an individual. Our staff look beyond behaviour, barriers and previous experiences to understand the whole child. Through strong relationships, consistent routines and high expectations, students are supported to rebuild trust, develop confidence and re-engage with learning.

Our school has a warm, family feel. It is safe, respectful and inclusive, while remaining clear about standards, responsibility and ambition. Students experience care, structure and challenge in equal measure, and are encouraged to recognise their strengths, overcome obstacles and believe in what they can become.

This is a rare opportunity to help guide The Ladder School into its next chapter; shaping the future of a school that makes a meaningful difference every day. You will work alongside a team united by its commitment to young people, families and lasting transformation.

At a school where every day brings fresh challenges and fresh rewards, as Deputy Headteacher you will lead with ambition, determination and honesty - you will embody our Mercian Trust values - that we care, we are courageous, we are candid, and we are accountable.

These values underpin our Trust-wide social mobility and social justice mission to increase opportunities and improve outcomes - especially for those who are disadvantaged, have special educational needs or disabilities, or are more likely to face discrimination.

The Ladder School is more than just a school building with its staff, students and families - it is a strategic approach for redefining alternative provision - both across our twelve Mercian Trust schools, and wider, across all the communities we serve in the towns of the Black Country.

You will bring significant experience of school leadership - whether that is in the Alternative Provision, SEND, or other atypical school sector, or within mainstream schools. The key skillset we are looking for is the drive, energy and innovation to be a key member of the leadership team of a truly remarkable school and continue its journey to redefine alternative provision.

Role overview:

A crucial leadership role in our forward-thinking Alternative Provision school

Join us at a crucial stage of our social mobility mission

A competitive salary in range L14-18 (Pay Award Pending)

To start January 2027, or earlier by negotiation

Why The Mercian Trust?

As one Trust we share a common purpose. We call it our social mobility and social justice mission to change our communities through the very best equitable education. When we get this right, it enables our children and young people to fulfil their potential, thrive in the world of work, and make a positive contribution to the local, national and international community. Our recent achievements include:

Sustainable Growth - becoming one of the largest and most diverse trusts in the region

Social Mobility & Social Justice - National recognition for the Trust’s two selective grammar schools who the most successful on the number of local disadvantaged students passing the entrance and joining the schools

Increasing Opportunities - Opening brand-new purpose-built campus in Walsall Town Centre including an alternative provision for students at risk at permanent exclusion from mainstream schools alongside a Digital Skills Hub to provide professionals and employers

Pioneering Spirit - National recognition for pioneering work around youth mental health, including establishing an in-house multi-disciplinary team of clinicians and allied health professionals delivering interventions and providing support to vulnerable students

Outward Looking- Organising and hosting the region’s first Youth Suicide Conference (2023) and Youth Violence Conference (2024) at Villa Park

Innovation and Improvement - A multi-million-pound investment in the digital infrastructure of Trust schools and our Digital Skills Hub underpinning the ongoing transformation of how staff teach, students learn, leaders lead and the whole Trust operates in readiness for the AI-supercharged careers and workplaces of the future.

Want to be a part of something extraordinary? Find out more: The Mercian Trust - Home

What can we offer you:

Benefits:

Financial, Health and Lifestyle

discounts on everyday purchases (Eden Red)
a comprehensive free of charge health plan (UK Health Care)
a cycle to work scheme via Halfords
Access to the Blue Light Card

For further benefits including education sector leading CPD: The Mercian Trust - What we can offer you

The Mercian Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references.

The Mercian Trust is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Please take time to read our policies attached to this advert.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Deputy Head Teacher

About This Role

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