Deputy Headteacher – SEMH Primary & Secondary
Location: Leyland
Contract: Temporary (1 term initially) or Permanent
Start Date: January 2025 (February considered for the right candidate)
Salary: Leadership Scale 6 – L10 (dependent on experience)
A specialist SEMH school in Leyland is seeking a dedicated and experienced Deputy Headteacher to support both Primary and Secondary phases within a trauma-informed setting. This appointment comes at a key time for the school, as they prepare for a planned SLT restructure due to retirement. The successful candidate will play a vital role in maintaining stability, driving improvement, and ensuring high-quality provision for pupils with complex trauma, social, emotional, and mental health needs.
The Opportunity
This role offers flexibility, with the school open to temporary (initial 1-term contract) or permanent arrangements depending on candidate availability and interest. You will join a committed leadership team and play a central part in shaping the strategic direction during this period of transition.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide strong, compassionate leadership across both Primary and Secondary SEMH provision
* Oversee safeguarding as the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
* Lead and manage pastoral teams to ensure effective behaviour support, wellbeing systems, and trauma-informed practice
* Support whole-school improvement planning and operational leadership
* Maintain high standards of teaching, learning, and care across all phases
* Work collaboratively with the Headteacher and wider SLT to ensure consistency and stability during staffing changes
Essential Requirements
* DSL training and substantial safeguarding leadership experience
* Proven track record of managing pastoral teams within an SEMH, Alternative Provision, or high-needs environment
* Strong understanding of trauma-informed approaches and behaviour support
* Experience leading across multiple phases (Primary/Secondary) is highly desirable
* Ability to lead staff through change with confidence, empathy, and clarity
* Leadership experience aligned to Leadership Scale 6 – L10
If you are an experienced senior leader with a passion for SEMH education and you’re available from January (or February for the right candidate), we would love to hear from you.
Apply now or contact us for a confidential discussion about the role.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
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