Overview
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, Hazel Oak Special School – Deputy Head Teacher Vacancy
Full time, permanent – to start Summer or Autumn term 2026
Leadership scale 18 to 22 (£78,702-£86,803)
Our Values: Community Respect Wellbeing Growth Creativity
About Hazel Oak
Hazel Oak supports a broad range of pupils with learning difficulties including Autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, social, emotional and mental health, speech, language and communication difficulties, and more complex medical needs. Communication, wellbeing, life skills and the functional use of core skills are central to our curriculum, bringing real-life experience into learning.
We welcome applications from a broad range of backgrounds and experience leading within education. We celebrate belonging and the diversity of our population, celebrating difference as one of our strengths.
Leadership and Role Context
The successful applicant will have substantial leadership experience in senior roles within schools, managing teams effectively, and supporting staff to deliver high-quality curriculum content and outcomes. As an inspiring and creative teacher and leader, you will support staff to deliver an adapted national curriculum to meet diverse learner needs, developing staff pedagogy through collaborative team working, creating inspired experiences and cultural capital for all.
Alongside the Head Teacher, and three Assistant Head Teachers, you will drive the school’s development through research-based, aspirational and innovative training, coaching, peer and wellbeing support. A commitment to trauma-informed, restorative practice, championing individual pupil needs, and modelling high expectations to staff and pupils is essential.
Leadership Structure
Head Teacher & Deputy Head Teacher
3 x Assistant Head Teachers
Responsibilities
* Lead and develop the school leadership team and staff to deliver high-quality curriculum and outcomes for a diverse pupil population.
* Work with the Head Teacher and Senior Leadership Team to drive school development through innovative training, coaching and research-based practice.
* Model and promote trauma-informed, restorative practice and high expectations for all pupils and staff.
* Support staff wellbeing, collaboration and professional development to improve pedagogy and pupil outcomes.
* Engage with families and the community to support pupil development and inclusion.
Requirements / Qualifications
* Substantial leadership experience in senior roles within schools.
* Proven ability to manage teams effectively and to lead curriculum development and delivery.
* Experience in leading inclusive practice for pupils with diverse needs, including neurodiversity.
* Commitment to trauma-informed, restorative practices and high expectations for pupils and staff.
What We Offer
Competitive leadership scale (£78,702-£86,803) and a supportive, values-driven school culture with opportunities for professional growth and impact.
How to Apply
Contact Maisie Franklin, Headteacher’s PA, via email for further details or to arrange a visit: s501mfranklin@hazel-oak.solihull.sch.uk
Further information about the school can be found on our website: www.hazel-oak.co.uk “Reaching for the Stars”
Closing date for applications is 9am on Tuesday 10 February 2026.
Hazel Oak School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure and Safer Recruitment checks, including on an online search.
Attachments
* Job Description - Deputy Headteacher.pdf
* Person Specification - Deputy Headteacher.pdf
* Recruitment Monitoring Form.pdf
* Reference Contact Details.pdf
* Standard Job Application Form DBS SCHOOLS v5.1 March 2023.doc
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