What skills and experience we're looking for Deputy Head Teacher–Full Time All‑Through Special School Rural Dorset Due to forthcoming retirement, our thriving, all‑through special school, set in the heart of rural Dorset, is seeking an exceptional Deputy Head Teacher to join our senior leadership team, from September 2026. This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of a school that is both deeply rooted in its community and ambitiously looking ahead. We are situated close to the beautiful Jurassic Coast, surrounded by stunning countryside. About Us We support children and young people aged 4–19 with a wide range of complex needs. Most of our pupils have Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) and around 70% have Autism (ASC). Our beautiful countryside setting gives us the space and freedom to think creatively, build strong relationships, and offer a truly personalised approach to learning. Demand for places continues to grow, and we are proud to be an oversubscribed school with an excellent reputation for care, expertise, innovation and a strong therapeutic offer. Over the next few years, we hope to expand onto a new farm‑school site, creating even more opportunities for outdoor learning, vocational pathways, and developmental play. You would be joining us at a pivotal and exciting moment in our development. The Role As Deputy Head Teacher, you will: • Lead on teaching, learning, and curriculum development across all phases • Support, coach, and inspire staff to deliver high‑quality, inclusive practice • Champion pupil progress, wellbeing, and safeguarding • Strengthen partnerships with families, external agencies, and the wider community • Play a key role in whole‑school improvement and strategic planning, including future expansion work This role calls for a leader with vision, resilience, and a deep commitment to education for all. About You We are looking for someone who: • Has proven experience in special education and a strong understanding of SEND • Communicates with clarity, empathy, and confidence • Brings creativity, curiosity, and a solution‑focused approach • Thrives in a collaborative environment and inspires trust in others • Is excited by the opportunity to help shape a growing, evolving school What the school offers its staff What We Offer • A supportive, forward‑thinking leadership team • Enthusiastic pupils who inspire us every day • A committed staff team who value teamwork and professional growth • Space to innovate, including future involvement in our farm‑school development • A stunning rural setting with strong community connections Pay Scale Leadership range from 15-19, with room for negotiation, for the right candidate based on experience. Visits Please contact us to arrange an informal visit via email to v.reed@mountjoy.dorset.sch.uk. We welcome the opportunity to show you what makes our school so special so are scheduling visits for 9.30am Wednesday 25th & 1.30pm Thursday 26th February. How to Apply If you are inspired by the chance to help lead a popular, growing school with bold ambitions for the future, we would love to hear from you. All applications must be submitted via the Dorset Council Jobs section, please note CVs will not be accepted. Closing date is 5.00pm on Thursday 5th March, and the assessment day will be on 18th March. Commitment to safeguarding Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.