Job Title
Deputy Headteacher and Curriculum Lead
Location
Castle Gate School, Guildford, Surrey GU2 4DU
Hours
40 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Salary
Up to £60,000.00 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Contract
Permanent | Term Time Only
Start Date
May 2026
About the Role
As Deputy Headteacher and Curriculum Lead, you will play a pivotal role in establishing and leading an exceptional learning environment. Working closely with the Headteacher, you’ll co-create the school’s ethos, strategic direction, and educational excellence. You’ll take the lead in designing and delivering a forward-thinking, inclusive curriculum that reflects our pupils’ diverse needs and interests — ensuring that every learning experience is meaningful, aspirational, and empowering. This is a role that calls for vision, collaboration, and genuine passion for transforming lives.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead on the design, development, and implementation of an innovative, inclusive curriculum
* Champion high-quality teaching, learning, and assessment across the school
* Coach, mentor, and inspire teachers to deliver outstanding, pupil-centred lessons
* Monitor, evaluate, and continually improve the quality of education provision
* Promote a culture of care, ambition, and belonging through trauma-informed practice
* Ensure all pupils have personalised learning pathways tailored to their strengths and needs
* Act as a senior leader, deputising for the Headteacher where required
* Build strong partnerships with parents, carers, external professionals, and the wider community
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
* UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent
* Educated to Degree Level
* A successful track record of senior leadership in a school setting
* In‑depth understanding of curriculum development and quality assurance in education
* Experience supporting children and young people with autism, learning difficulties and/or complex needs
* A commitment to inclusive, person‑centred education
* Excellent communication, collaboration and leadership skills
* Experience as a Senior Leader (e.g., Deputy Headteacher, Assistant Headteacher, Head of Six Form, Whole School etc.)
Desirable
* Experience working within a specialist or SEN setting
* Knowledge of trauma‑informed, therapeutic or neurodiversity‑affirming approaches
* Open to working in Primary and Secondary
* Familiarity with inspection frameworks and school improvement planning
* A flexible, creative and emotionally intelligent leadership style
* Experience gained in any education setting is considered
Benefits
* Life Assurance
* Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
* “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
* Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
o Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
o Hundreds of UK and international discounts
o Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
o Critical illness cover
o Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
About Us
Opening in September 2026, this brand‑new school in Guildford is part of the Options Autism group, a leading provider of specialist education for individuals with complex needs. The school will support up to 40 pupils aged 11–18, offering a safe, structured, and inclusive environment tailored to a wide range of needs. For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for people with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties.
Why Join Us
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting their welfare. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and a fully enhanced DBS. We value personal well‑being and provide mental health support, physical health checks, and a range of benefits to support your growth and wellbeing.
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