Deputy Head Teacher L16-L20, £75,049 - £82,654 Permanent, Full Time Required from 1 September 2026 Evergreen Primary School is a specialist primary setting for pupils with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) and Complex Autism. We are seeking an experienced, reflective and committed Deputy Head Teacher to join our senior leadership team and help drive the next phase of the school’s development. This is a key leadership role within a complex, high-needs environment where strong SEND knowledge, clarity of purpose and collaborative leadership are essential. This is an exciting time in our development as we are opening another site in Newton Aycliffe. Our pupils present with a range of cognitive, communication, sensory, physical and medical needs, and many learn within informal, pre-formal and semi-formal developmental pathways. Our curriculum prioritises communication, cognition, independence and preparation for life beyond primary education. Our Vision: Inspire • Enjoy • Achieve At Evergreen this means: Inspiring high expectations for pupils with complex needs Ensuring learning is purposeful, accessible and engaging Securing meaningful achievement through small-step progress and personalised outcomes We are ambitious for every pupil and grounded in evidence-informed special education practice The Role The Deputy Head Teacher will work closely with the Head Teacher to support the strategic leadership and operational management of the school. The successful candidate will: Support the strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the school Lead and develop high-quality teaching and learning for pupils working significantly below age-related expectations Drive curriculum development for pupils within pre-formal and semi-formal pathways Champion total communication approaches and autism-informed practice Support the development and wellbeing of a skilled multidisciplinary staff team Promote positive behaviour support and inclusive practice Contribute to robust safeguarding, medical and welfare systems Work collaboratively with families, governors and external professionals Support school improvement through rigorous monitoring, evaluation and professional development You will: Have senior or middle leadership experience within a special school or specialist SEND provision Demonstrate strong knowledge of learning for pupils with PMLD, SLD and complex autism Understand the Engagement Model and small-step assessment approaches Have experience of Positive Behaviour Support and autism and trauma-informed practice Be a collaborative leader with the ability to inspire and support colleagues Demonstrate integrity, resilience and a clear moral purpose What We Offer Dedicated and skilled staff committed to collaboration and continual improvement Inspiring pupils who demonstrate resilience, individuality and potential every day A supportive and engaged governing body Strong partnerships with families and external professionals The opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future direction of a specialist provision A school community where professional integrity, teamwork and respect underpin daily practice Safeguarding Evergreen Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be subject to enhanced DBS clearance and all statutory pre-employment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Visits to the school are encouraged. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and, if successful, you will need to apply for an enhanced DBS disclosure. As a disability confident employer, we are committed to employing disabled people and people with health conditions making reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants when required. Closing date: 20/04/2026 Interview date: 05/05/2026 Evergreen Primary School Warwick Road Bishop Auckland DL14 6LS Tel: 01388 459721 Email: evergreen@durhamlearning.net Website: www.evergreenprimary.co.uk VPRS/161