Orchard Hill College (OHC) is an Outstanding Specialist College (Ofsted, April 2025) offering life-changing learning opportunities to young people and adults with a range of special education needs and/or disabilities. We operate vibrant community-based College Centres across London and Surrey, where committed specialist teams deliver a variety of programmes designed to meet the diverse needs of our students.
We are seeking an exceptional leader to join our senior leadership team as
Deputy Head of College
at our Sutton Region. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in driving forward our vision and ensuring the very best outcomes for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Key Responsibilities:
• Manage a high-quality educational environment for students with complex special educational needs and disabilities including Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities, Social, Emotional and Mental Health, Moderate Learning Difficulties and Autistic Spectrum Disorder
• Ensure the region sustains its outstanding Ofsted rating
• Responsible for the safeguarding of young adults
• Ensure that the college centres meet their statutory duties as outlined in the SEND Code of Practice
• Keep abreast of developments within education and the special sector at local, national and international level
• Represent the College on local authority, commissioning groups, open events, transition fairs and more
• Be responsible for the day-to-day management of staff, including arranging cover for staff absence
• Liaise with Local Authorities to build relationships and facilitate enrolments
Key Requirements:
• Diploma in Education and Training or equivalent
• QTS/QTLS or equivalent
• Proven ability to lead on and model exemplary teaching practice and develop high quality coaching and training across the centre
• Significant experience, knowing and delivering of the education and training for students with a wide range of complex SEND
• Evidence of successful experience as a manager in one or more settings, especially specialist SEND settings
• Evidence of working as a manager at a provision that achieved the OE judgement of 'good' or above in an Ofsted inspection
• Knowledge of current best practice and initiative in relation to Safeguarding and Child Protection, including the most recent and high-profile national agendas
Orchard Hill College 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:
• Comprehensive training and development
• Opportunities to engage with internal professional networks
• Access to counselling advice and support via Health Assured (our employee assistance programme)
• Commitment to wellbeing supported by our occupational health service and mental-health first aiders
• Generous annual leave and flexible working schemes in addition to bank and public holidays and a Christmas closure period
• As part of your contract of employment you will enrolled into the Teachers Pension Scheme (TPS) which has life cover and financial protection for your family
• Enhanced parental leave schemes
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loans
• Employee referral scheme
• Discounted gym membership subscription including digital fitness
• Home electronics scheme
Our Trust:
The College is an Academy sponsor and established Orchard Hill College Academy Trust in 2013 which is home to 13 special schools. Together Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust provide for over 1500 pupils and students with SEN across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire.
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.
It is an exciting time to be part of OHC 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.
We are committed to promoting and advancing equality of opportunity by attracting and retaining the most diverse range of students, staff and partners.
Closing Date: 6th October 2025
Interviews will take place on: The week commencing 13th October 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.