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Job Title: Deputy Headteacher
Location: Orchard Manor, Near Kings Lynn, Downham Market, PE34 3HT
Hours: 40 per week | Monday to Friday
Salary: Up to £57,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | 52 Weeks
Start: May 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available
About the Role
As Deputy Headteacher, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering a high-quality, inclusive education that reflects both organisational values and regulatory standards. Working in close partnership with the Principal, you will help define the school’s ethos, strategic direction and culture of excellence, ensuring every pupil is supported to thrive academically, socially and emotionally. This is a leadership role requiring vision, integrity and a deep commitment to transforming lives through outstanding education.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide strategic leadership in the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the curriculum, teaching, and personal development provision
* Drive high standards of pupil achievement through rigorous monitoring, evaluation, and improvement of teaching and learning
* Lead, coach, and develop staff, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and professional growth
* Play a key role in shaping, delivering, and evaluating the School Development Plan, ensuring sustained school improvement
* Build and maintain effective partnerships with families, multi-disciplinary teams, and external stakeholders to support pupil success
* Support the Headteacher in strategic leadership, including school self-evaluation, resource and budget management, and operational effectiveness
* Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring a strong culture of safeguarding and pupil wellbeing across the school
* Deputise for the Headteacher when required, providing clear and confident leadership
About You
Essential:
* UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent
* Educated to Degree Level
* A successful track record of senior leadership in a school setting
* In-depth understanding of curriculum development and quality assurance in education
* Experience supporting children and young people with autism, learning difficulties and/or complex needs
* A commitment to inclusive, person-centred education
* Excellent communication, collaboration and leadership skills
About us
Orchard Manor School, part of Options Autism, is a brand-new specialist school opening near King’s Lynn in Downham Market. The school will cater for up to 72 pupils aged 5 to 16 with a variety of complex needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).
Orchard Manor is an independent specialist school where the curriculum is thoughtfully designed around the specific needs of autistic learners and those with related needs. Education is supported by a fully integrated on-site clinical team, ensuring a holistic, person-centred approach to learning and wellbeing.
At Orchard Manor, we are committed to creating a nurturing, inclusive environment where every pupil is supported to achieve their full potential.
For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.
We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the 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.
* Life Assurance
* Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
* “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
* Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
o Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
o Hundreds of UK and international discounts
o Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
o Critical illness cover
o 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.
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
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