The Department for Education (DfE) granted permission for Bedelsford School to open a temporary satellite site for children with special education needs in the London Borough of Merton in September 2025. Bedelsford Chaucer Centre will have capacity for 40 places in the first year with the potential to increase up to 80 children over a three-year period. The provision will be for children who have a range of moderate to severe learning difficulties and complex needs. This is likely to include Speech Language and Communication Needs and may also include Autism Spectrum Conditions and other associated areas of need. The DfE has also given approval for OHCAT to open a brand new purpose-built Free School in Merton and the aim is that pupils and staff will transfer across to the new Free School when it is completed. We are seeking an inspirational Deputy Head of School to join the Leadership Team at this exciting new Centre. You will work closely with the Head of School to establish and develop the Chaucer Centre, helping to shape its vision, culture, and provision. This role is ideal for a proactive leader who thrives in a start-up environment within a well-established Trust. Key Responsibilities: • Support the Head of School in establishing and leading the new Chaucer Centre, ensuring high standards of teaching, learning, and student welfare. • Lead curriculum planning, implementation, and monitoring, promoting inclusive and high-quality education. • Manage, support, and develop staff, including performance management and professional growth. • Ensure safeguarding, inclusion, and student wellbeing are central to all aspects of the Centre. • Build strong partnerships with students, families, and the wider community, representing the Centre within the Trust. Key Requirements: • Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with substantial leadership experience, ideally in a specialist or SEND setting. • Strong knowledge of curriculum development, assessment, and inclusive teaching practices. • Proven ability to lead, inspire, and manage staff effectively. • Commitment to safeguarding, student welfare, and promoting an inclusive learning environment. • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organisational skills to engage students, families, and the wider community. OHCAT is an exciting, forward-thinking organisation, and we offer many benefits to attract and keep our staff, contributing towards maintaining and improving wellbeing, and encouraging our required behaviours, achievements, values, and skills. Below is just a selection of the benefits available to our employees: Rewards & Benefits: • Pathways for progression within the trust, ensuring you can grow and thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment. • Pension Scheme - you will be enrolled in either the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS), both offering life cover and financial protection for your family. • Salary Sacrifice Schemes (Cycle Scheme and Home Electronics Scheme) • Employee Wellbeing - We support employee wellbeing with access to counselling, mental health support, generous leave, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave including Employee Assistance Programme, MyGym Discounts, Corporate Eyecare Scheme • Employee Discounts (Blue Light Card, Costco Membership, Discounts for Teachers, and more) • Other (Season Ticket Loan and Employee Referral Scheme) Find out what makes OHCAT a truly rewarding place to work - visit our ‘Work for Us’ page to hear from our Chief Executive Officer, John Prior, and watch inspiring messages from students and parents about the difference our staff make every day. Our Trust Bedelsford School is part of Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust. We are a family of specialist education providers from pre-school through to further education across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire and fully represent all designations of special education needs and disabilities (SEND). To find out more about us, and what makes us a special place to work please our website. We are committed to promoting and advancing equality of opportunity by attracting and retaining the most diverse range of students, staff and partners. Working together to transform lives is what we do and across the whole organisation we have a range of experts and practitioners who advocate for children and young people with SEND to ensure they receive the best possible opportunities to achieve their full potential. As a large specialist education provider we employ over 1500 people across our schools, college and central support team. There is a wide range of job roles available, ranging from teaching and therapy to business support roles and significant career progression opportunities. It is an exciting time to be part of OHCAT and we are keen to recruit talented people who can play a key role in realising our mission and who want to make a difference. In return, we offer training and development, competitive pay and benefits in a positive and inclusive working environment. Closing Date: 6th November 2025 Interviews will take place on: The Week Commencing 10th November 2025 Safeguarding Statement Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all.