Deputy Head Teacher

Portfield School is a specialist autism provision, offering a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where every student is empowered to reach their full potential. Our Sixth Form, set in a specially adapted building with state-of-the-art technology, provides a unique and highly personalised learning experience with a strong focus on personal development and preparation for adulthood. We offer a range of exciting enrichment opportunities designed to help students develop the skills and confidence they need for life beyond school.

Following the retirement of our long-serving Assistant Head of Sixth Form, we are now seeking a passionate and dedicated Deputy Headteacher for Sixth Form to lead, inspire, and manage the provision, ensuring that all students have the support they need to succeed academically and personally.

Role Overview:

As the Deputy Headteacher for Sixth Form, you will play a central role in the leadership of the Sixth Form, working closely with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to provide strategic direction, manage day-to-day operations, and ensure the delivery of a high-quality, student-centered education.

A day in the life of a Deputy Headteacher would include:

• Leadership & Management: Overseeing the day-to-day running of the Sixth Form, including staff deployment, management, and development.
• Curriculum Development: Leading the development and implementation of the curriculum, ensuring it meets the needs of our students with autism and prepares them for adulthood.
• Exams Officer  & Accreditation: Acting as Exams Officer, managing all exam-related processes and responsibilities. You will also be the internal moderator and verifier of accreditation modules, developing and maintaining appropriate accreditation pathways for our students.
• Safeguarding & Pastoral Care: As Designated Deputy Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), you will ensure the safety and well-being of all students, leading on safeguarding matters within the Sixth Form.
• Professional Development & Research: Keeping abreast of the latest research and best practices in autism and SEND education, ensuring that our provision remains at the forefront of inclusive educational practices.
• Enrichment Opportunities: Promoting and enhance the wealth of enrichment activities available to our Sixth Form students, supporting their holistic development and preparing them for life beyond education.

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Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the staff team within the Sixth Form, providing guidance, support, and training to ensure the highest standards of teaching and learning.
• Develop and implement effective systems for monitoring and assessing student progress, ensuring the provision of appropriate interventions where needed.
• Ensure that all accreditation pathways are robust, relevant, and meet the needs of our students, enabling them to achieve their personal and academic goals.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the school to ensure a consistent and integrated approach to teaching, learning, and student support.
• Engage with parents, carers, and external agencies to ensure effective communication and a holistic approach to each student's development.

Our ideal candidate:

• The ideal candidate will be an experienced and highly effective teacher and leader, with a proven track record of working with students with SEND, particularly autism.
• Significant leadership experience, ideally in a SEND or autism provision.
• A strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities in educating students with autism, particularly in the context of Sixth Form and post-16 education.
• Experience in managing exams, accreditation, and internal moderation.
• A passion for continuous professional development and staying current with research in SEND and autism education.
• Experience in developing curriculum pathways and enrichment activities that are tailored to the needs and aspirations of students with autism.
• The ability to manage complex safeguarding issues and a clear understanding of safeguarding protocols.
• A commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive, and nurturing environment for all students.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders.

What We Offer:

• A supportive and dynamic working environment where innovation and new ideas are encouraged.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and technology.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth within a dedicated and passionate team.
• A chance to make a real difference in the lives of young people with autism.

If you are an experienced and passionate leader with the skills and experience to drive our Sixth Form provision to even greater success, we would love to hear from you.

Closing date: 6th April 2025

Interviews: w/c 21st April 2025

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