DescriptionEmployerLocation
Post No. -POSN005073 - Acting Headteacher - Ysgol Bryn Derw
Full Time Secondment Opportunity
We are looking for an exceptional person who will lead our school with effect from 1st September 2026 until 31st August 2027 following the substantive Headteacher taking up a secondment opportunity for one year.
Ysgol Bryn Derw is the only dedicated ASD Special School in the Gwent region, currently situated on three sites, educating children from age 4 to 19. The school has a range of facilities including independent living skills areas, a Rebound Therapy room, Soft Play and Sensory Rooms, Forest School areas and bespoke classrooms. The range of therapeutic interventions is broad and includes Music Therapy, Pet Therapy, Yoga Therapy, visits from Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Therapists, and Rebound Therapy.
Ysgol Bryn Derw is a happy and warm school. We pride ourselves on this environment as when young people with ASD feel safe and comfortable, they can achieve their best. Our pastoral system is geared towards helping our pupils feel calm, secure and happy, adult support is readily available. Our curriculum with highly individualised pathways and experiences attempts to ensure that every child can be successful. Each learner enters Ysgol Bryn Derw with unique and significant challenges and obstacles to learning. Each learner will leave Ysgol Bryn Derw equipped with the necessary skills to maximise their life chances in their individualised future plan, by developing in the 4 Purposes of the Curriculum for Wales in their own individual way. Our motto, which aligns with this focus, is “Learning and growing together for our future”.
Applicants must secure their Headteacher/ Chair of Governors approval in principle before applying.
We are looking for candidates with strong leadership skills, who can inspire others, lead by example and maintain the school’s high standards.
The Governing Body are committed to appointing an Acting Headteacher who:
-Cares passionately about our children: all their thinking and decisions will be influenced by this.
-Has an aspiration for excellence, nurturing and developing our pupils to reach their full potential
-Embraces diversity, in all its forms and builds trusting relationships
-Is brave and resilient and prepared to challenge and lead change for the benefit of the school.
-Has proven leadership, management, communication and interpersonal skills to promote effective teamwork.
-Seeks to develop strong, collaborative working arrangements with all partners and organisations that support the school.
-Shares specialist best practice with other specialist and mainstream settings and outside agencies
-Demonstrates and promotes excellence, equality and high expectations for all
What we can offer you:-
-A highly professional, talented, innovative team of staff
-A supportive community along with a committed and engaged Governing Body who are dedicated to working in partnership to achieve the best for all our pupils.
-A very supportive Local Authority
If you have the skills, experience, passion, and ambition to lead our school in this exciting opportunity, we would be delighted to hear from you.
We would welcome prospective candidates to visit the school. Please contact Richard Drew at the school to arrange a suitable time.
If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact Richard Drew at the above email.
Closing Date for Applications: 4th June 2026
Shortlisting: 8th June 2026
Interviews scheduled for: 16th June 2026
This position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS). This post requires you to be registered with the EWC.
We welcome applications for all our jobs in either Welsh or English. An application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.
Newport City Council is committed to working towards its workforce being more representative of the population that we serve and particularly welcomes applications from people from minority ethnic communities represented (or living) in the city. Selection will be made on ability and skills to undertake the role.
Newport City Council is not currently supporting applicants with sponsorship for right to work. In applying for a vacancy, applicants should already have the right to work in the UK.
Our values – Fairness for all, Making a difference, Being responsible, Working together
Ein gwerthoedd – Ein Gwerthoedd, Tegwch i Bawb, Gwneud Gwahaniaeth, Bod yn Gyfrifol, Gweithio gyda'n gilydd
Safeguarding Statement
Ysgol Bryn Derw ASD Special School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.