Deputy Headteacher

We are looking for an inspirational and dedicated Deputy Headteacher to help lead Castlebar School into its next phase of development and growth. The ideal candidate will be an experienced senior leader with a passion for special education.

Castlebar School, a maintained special school in the London Borough of Ealing, serves pupils aged 4-11 years with moderate to severe learning difficulties including autism and other complex needs. There are 184 pupils and 100 staff members. Our high-quality facilities include well-equipped classrooms, outdoor learning areas, specialist facilities and intervention rooms. Our recent Ofsted inspection in January 2025 rated us as ‘Outstanding’ in all areas.

Our vision is to provide an inclusive, high-quality education for children aged 4-11 years with complex SEN needs. We offer a stimulating and enriching curriculum that provides a wide range of exciting, personalised learning opportunities, enabling our pupils to develop essential life skills and become as independent as possible. We have a committed and highly skilled workforce, an enthusiastic Senior Leadership team, a supportive board of governors, and the most amazing children who inspire us daily.

We warmly welcome visits to the school. To arrange a visit, please contact our School Business Manager, Philippa Quenby, at pquenby@castlebar.ealing.sch.uk or 020 8998 3135.

Key Responsibilities:

• Be a part of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to the strategic planning and development of the school
• Lead curriculum development and continuous professional development
• Take a lead responsibility for Safeguarding
• Inspire and support our pupils, staff, and community
• Lead with integrity, creativity, and clarity, promoting an inclusive and supportive school culture
• Deliver high-quality learning experiences to young people with special educational needs in school and through a purposeful Outreach offer to other provisions
• Ensure the school’s policies and practices reflect our commitment to diversity and inclusion
• Model teaching within the school

In return, Castlebar School offers:

• A vibrant and inclusive school community
• Extensive and high-quality CPD to support your professional development
• Professional support, effective feedback, and opportunities for reflection in a warm and supportive environment
• Networking opportunities across the borough through the ELP
• A commitment to encouraging and supporting staff wellbeing
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Bike To Work Scheme 

Closing Date for Applications: Wednesday 23 April 2025

Shortlisting: Friday 25 April 2025

Interview Dates: Thursday 8 and Friday 9 May 2025 

Castlebar School is committed to upholding the highest possible safeguarding standards and follows safe recruitment practices to protect children and vulnerable adults. This role involves safeguarding responsibilities. All staff at Castlebar School must adhere to statutory guidance, our safeguarding policy and staff code of conduct in order to fulfil these responsibilities. The successful candidate will be required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure & Barring Service. Further information can be found at www.gov.uk

Also, in line with KCSIE 2024 and safer recruitment practices, the school may conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates. The online search is part of our safeguarding checks and will seek publicly available information on candidates’ suitability to work with children. Shortlisted candidates will be provided with further guidance and will be asked to clarify their online presence.

This post is exempt from the rehabilitation of offender’s act 1974, which provides that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are protected so that they do not need to be disclosed. Shortlisted candidates are required to complete a self-declaration form. It is an offence to apply for this role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. For roles that involve regulated activity with vulnerable adults an adult barred list check is required.