Deputy Headteacher – SEMH Alternative Provision

Location: (Essex/Suffolk Border)
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Contract: Full-time, Permanent

About the Opportunity

We are working in partnership with a highly regarded alternative provision to recruit an exceptional Deputy Headteacher. This is a rewarding leadership opportunity for an experienced education professional passionate about supporting young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the Headteacher with the strategic and operational leadership of a specialist setting that is committed to helping pupils achieve beyond their dreams.

About the School

Our client is a well-established alternative provision set within a unique rural environment near the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Essex/Suffolk border. The school supports pupils aged 11–16 who have faced challenges in mainstream education, including exclusion and disrupted schooling.

The provision prides itself on:

• Creating a safe, nurturing, and structured environment
• Delivering a curriculum that balances academic achievement with personal development
• Offering tailored support to re-engage pupils with education
• Providing opportunities for life skills development, community engagement, and off-site learning
• Maintaining strong partnerships with parents, carers, and local authorities

With a small cohort of approximately 24 pupils, the school is able to deliver a highly personalised and impactful educational experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Headteacher with the leadership and management of the school
• Lead on teaching, learning, and curriculum development
• Ensure high standards of behaviour, safeguarding, and inclusion
• Contribute to staff development and performance management
• Work collaboratively with external agencies, families, and local authorities
• Help drive improvements in attendance, engagement, and pupil outcomes
• Support outreach and reintegration pathways into mainstream education where appropriate

Candidate Profile

We are seeking a candidate who:

• Has proven leadership experience within SEMH, SEND, or alternative provision settings
• Demonstrates a strong track record of improving outcomes for vulnerable learners
• Possesses excellent knowledge of safeguarding and behaviour management
• Is a compassionate, resilient leader with a relational approach
• Can inspire both pupils and staff to achieve their full potential
• Values collaboration with families and multi-agency professionals

What’s on Offer

• Opportunity to join a forward-thinking and supportive leadership team
• A chance to make a genuine impact on the lives of young people
• Ongoing professional development and progression opportunities
• A unique working environment with small class sizes and a personalised approach

Apply Now

If you are an ambitious and dedicated leader looking for your next step in a specialist setting, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please apply today or contact us for a confidential discussion.