We work smarter so that you can enjoy the things that matter outside of workJob Title:
Deputy HeadteacherLocation:
Meadowcroft School, Wakefield, WF1 4ADHours:
37.5 hours per week | Monday–Friday Salary:
Up to £60,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)Contract:
Permanent | Term Time OnlyStart:
June 2026UK applicants only – no sponsorship availableAbout the RoleThe Deputy Headteacher – Pastoral will provide strategic leadership for pastoral provision, behaviour, and wellbeing across the school. The role is central to embedding a trauma-informed and inclusive culture, ensuring that all pupils—particularly those with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs—feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.You will lead the development and implementation of behaviour, anti-bullying, and inclusion strategies, ensuring they are consistent, relational, and effective. Working closely with senior leaders, you will align safeguarding, pastoral, and behaviour systems to create a cohesive and responsive approach. Through strong leadership and the use of evidence-informed practice, you will drive high standards, consistency, and positive outcomes for all pupils.What You’ll Be DoingYou will take ownership of a wide and impactful portfolio, including:Pastoral Strategy & CultureEmbedding a whole-school trauma-informed ethosDriving inclusive practices where diversity is respected and celebratedEnsuring consistent, evidence-informed pastoral systemsPupil Support & WellbeingChairing Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meetingsOverseeing SEMH tracking and intervention planningAmplifying pupil voice to inform school developmentBehaviour & InclusionLeading a relational, restorative behaviour approachDeveloping systems that promote regulation, accountability, and positive relationshipsDriving proactive strategies around bullying, discrimination, and racismQuality AssuranceMonitoring pastoral practice through learning walks, data, and case reviewsCoaching and developing staff to deliver exceptional pastoral careSafeguardingWorking closely with the DSL to ensure pupils feel safe, heard, and supportedOperational LeadershipOverseeing daily cover, transport arrangements, and (initially) examinationsContributing to whole-school improvement and leadershipWhat We’re Looking ForQTS with senior leadership experienceStrong SEMH and trauma-informed knowledgeExperience leading behaviour/pastoral systemsSkilled in multi-agency workingOrganised, analytical, values-drivenCommitted to safeguarding and inclusionDesirable:NPQSL/NPQH (or equivalent)Specialist/AP setting experienceMDT chairing experienceBehaviour tracking systems knowledgeAbout UsMeadowcroft School is an independent specialist day school across four sites in Wakefield, supporting pupils with complex SEMH needs and additional learning difficulties. We provide a safe, nurturing environment with personalised support, small classes, and a broad, balanced curriculum. Our dedicated team works with families, therapists, and external professionals to remove barriers and celebrate progress. We prepare every pupil to build confidence, essential life skills, and a pathway to future success.Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.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 AssurancePension scheme with options to increase contributions“Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checksFlexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:Health, wellbeing and insurance benefitsHundreds of UK and international discountsCycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase SchemeCritical illness coverFamily Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment supportWe 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.#1