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.
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.
Qualifications
* 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.
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).
Closing Date: 6th November 2025. Interviews will take place on: The week commencing 10th November 2025.
Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all. The Trust is committed to promoting and advancing equality of opportunity by attracting and retaining the most diverse range of students, staff and partners. The Trust is a family of specialist education providers from pre‑school through to further education across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire and fully represents all designations of special education needs and disabilities (SEND). We employ over 1500 people across our schools, college and central support team, and our mission is to provide the best possible opportunities to achieve full potential for all students and staff.
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