Posted: 16 June
The role
Deputy Headteacher (SEN / SEMH / Alternative Provision)
Location: South East London
Salary: From £60,000 per annum (DOE)
Contract: Full-Time | Permanent
Start Date: September 2026 (or sooner by agreement)
Closing Date: 30th July 2026
Luma Education Recruitment is supporting an ambitious and growing specialist school in South East London to appoint an experienced Deputy Headteacher. This is an exciting opportunity to join a developing provision supporting secondary-aged pupils with SEMH needs, SEND, and barriers to mainstream education.
The school is part of an expanding organisation with a strong vision for specialist education, offering excellent opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and long-term career progression.
Key Responsibilities:
Support the Headteacher with the strategic and operational leadership of the school
Drive high standards of teaching, learning, behaviour, and pupil outcomes
Lead and develop staff through coaching, mentoring, and performance management
Promote a positive, nurturing, and inclusive culture across the school
Work closely with families, local authorities, and external professionals
Contribute to curriculum development and quality assurance processes
Ensure safeguarding, compliance, and SEND provision remain at the highest standard
Requirements:
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Proven leadership experience within SEN, SEMH, Alternative Provision, or specialist education settings
Strong understanding of SEND legislation and inclusive educational practice
Experience supporting pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs
Excellent communication, organisational, and people management skills
A passion for improving outcomes for vulnerable young people
Benefits:
Salary from £60,000 per annum
Teachers' Pension Scheme
Comprehensive CPD and leadership development opportunities
Regular specialist training and professional learning
Supportive and collaborative senior leadership team
Genuine long-term progression opportunities within a growing organisation
Opportunity to shape and influence an expanding specialist provision
Wellbeing-focused culture and employee support initiatives
About Luma Education Recruitment
Luma Education Recruitment specialises in connecting talented education professionals with schools and specialist provisions across the UK. We recruit for a wide range of positions, including Teachers, SEN Specialists, Middle Leaders, Deputy Headteachers, Headteachers, and Executive Leadership roles.
We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.
To discuss this opportunity or apply, please send your CV to or call (phone number removed).
Looking for a different leadership opportunity? Get in touch to discuss our current vacancies across SEN schools, Alternative Provision settings, independent schools, and specialist education providers nationwide
