Overview
Job Title: Deputy Headteacher and Curriculum Lead
Location: New Options School - Castle Gate School, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 4DU
Salary: Up to £60,000.00 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: May 2026
UK Applicants only – this role does not offer sponsorship
Be part of something extraordinary. Build a school. Change lives.
As part of our exciting expansion, Options Autism is opening a brand-new specialist school in Guildford — designed to support children and young people with autism, learning disabilities, and complex needs.
We are now seeking a passionate and visionary Deputy Headteacher & Curriculum Lead to help shape this new provision from the very beginning. This is more than a leadership role — it’s a rare opportunity to help design a school culture rooted in inclusion, creativity, and compassion, where every pupil can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
About the Role
As Deputy Headteacher and Curriculum Lead, you will play a pivotal role in establishing and leading an exceptional learning environment. Working closely with the Headteacher, you’ll co-create the school’s ethos, strategic direction, and educational excellence.
You’ll take the lead in designing and delivering a forward-thinking, inclusive curriculum that reflects our pupils’ diverse needs and interests — ensuring that every learning experience is meaningful, aspirational, and empowering.
This is a role that calls for vision, collaboration, and genuine passion for transforming lives.
Your Key Responsibilities
* Lead on the design, development, and implementation of an innovative, inclusive curriculum
* Champion high-quality teaching, learning, and assessment across the school
* Coach, mentor, and inspire teachers to deliver outstanding, pupil-centred lessons
* Monitor, evaluate, and continually improve the quality of education provision
* Promote a culture of care, ambition, and belonging through trauma-informed practice
* Ensure all pupils have personalised learning pathways tailored to their strengths and needs
* Act as a senior leader, deputising for the Headteacher where required
* Build strong partnerships with parents, carers, external professionals, and the wider community
Who We’re Looking For
You’re an experienced, forward-thinking school leader with a deep understanding of SEND and an unshakeable belief in every child’s potential. You lead with empathy, clarity, and purpose — balancing strategic vision with hands-on commitment to daily excellence.
You know how to empower staff, inspire pupils, and create a culture where innovation and care go hand in hand.
Essential Requirements
* UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent
* Educated to Degree Level
* Proven experience in senior school leadership (e.g. Deputy, Assistant Headteacher, or equivalent)
* Strong understanding of curriculum design and quality assurance
* Experience working with pupils with autism, learning difficulties, and/or complex needs
* Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
* Commitment to inclusive, person-centred education and continuous improvement
Desirable
* Experience in a specialist or SEN setting
* Knowledge of trauma-informed or neurodiversity-affirming practices
* Familiarity with inspection frameworks and school improvement planning
* A creative, emotionally intelligent leadership style with the ability to adapt and inspire
This is an incredible opportunity to help build a school where every child is understood, supported, and celebrated for who they are. If you’re ready to lead with purpose, inspire excellence, and make your mark on a brand-new chapter in specialist education — we’d love to hear from you.
About Us
Opening in September 2026, this brand-new school in Guildford is part of the Options Autism group, a leading provider of specialist education for individuals with complex needs. The school will support up to 40 pupils aged 11–18, offering a safe, structured, and inclusive environment tailored to meet a wide range of needs.
Our schools are unique environments, each one having its own special atmosphere and range of opportunities and resources. Our teachers enjoy becoming part of their school’s ‘family’, exploring the potential of the building and environment and getting to know the brilliant pupils in our care.
For over 16 years Options Autism have provided support and education to pupils and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.
We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.
Benefits
Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:
* Life Assurance
* Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
* “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
* And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:
* A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
* 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
* Cycle to Work Schemes
* Electric Car Purchase Scheme
* Critical illness cover
* Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.
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