1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Overview
Job Title: Deputy Headteacher
Location: Bluebank School, Whittington Moor, Derbyshire, S41 8LQ
Salary: Up to £55,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
Start: January 2026
We are excited to offer a unique opportunity for an inspiring, dynamic, and committed Deputy Headteacher to join Bluebank School, a new Acorn Education provision opening in January 2026. This co-educational school will support up to 60 pupils aged 5–18 with complex needs, including Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties.
About The Role: This is a key leadership role where you will help shape a high-quality, tailored education offer. Working closely with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team, you will support outstanding outcomes for all pupils and contribute to a culture of excellence throughout the school. You will be instrumental in ensuring that the school meets standards while putting pupil wellbeing and progress at the centre of everything we do.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the planning and delivery of a broad, balanced, and relevant curriculum.
* Champion positive behaviour support, promoting a safe and consistent environment.
* Work as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside education and clinical colleagues.
* Monitor pupil progress and ensure all learners meet their individual goals.
* Support the assessment and placement process for new pupils.
* Ensure compliance with local safeguarding procedures.
* Drive high-quality teaching and learning across the school.
* Support the Headteacher in school management, staff development, and improvement planning.
Essential Criteria
* QTS and a relevant degree.
* Experience working with pupils with SEMH needs and/or challenging behaviour.
* Proven leadership and staff management experience.
* Budget management experience with a focus on efficiency.
* Knowledge of Independent School Standards and the Education Inspection Framework.
* Commitment to safeguarding and promoting pupil wellbeing.
* A passion for inclusive education and raising achievement.
What We’re Looking For
You will be a strategic and reflective leader who:
* Builds strong relationships with staff, pupils, families, and professionals.
* Is committed to inclusive, high-quality education.
* Remains calm and solution-focused in the face of challenge.
* Can lead a positive and aspirational school culture where everyone thrives.
Supporting Statement Guidance
Please tell us a little about yourself and why you are interested in this position. Referring to the job description, explain why you believe you are suitable for the role. Include details of your relevant skills and experience and describe how you would contribute to the role and the school if appointed.
About Us
Bluebank School is a brand-new Acorn Education provision opening in January 2026 in Whittington Moor, Derbyshire. The co-educational school will cater for up to 60 pupils aged 5 to 18, offering specialist support for children and young people with complex needs, including SEMH difficulties. We are part of Acorn Education and can promise you plenty of challenges and opportunities to develop your career. Acorn Education is the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist education for vulnerable pupils and young people. As part of Outcomes First Group, we lead our sector in setting and delivering new approaches with measurable outcomes. In 2024, Outcomes First Group were certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.
Why join Acorn Education?
We place pupil outcomes and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake each day knowing your role has a significant positive impact. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Benefits
Your health and wellbeing are important. You’ll receive an exceptional reward package including:
* Life Assurance
* Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
* “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to mental health support services and physical health checks
And a Market-leading Benefit Offering Through Vista, including:
* A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
* Discounts in the UK and abroad
* Cycle to Work Schemes
* Electric Car Purchase Scheme
* Critical illness cover
* Family Growth Support including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
4DWW will be rolled out within our school when we have a full complement of staff, so there’s never been a more exciting time to join #teamOFG!
Outcomes First Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. All stages of the recruitment process are subject to safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
#1
#J-18808-Ljbffr