Deputy Headteacher

DEPUTY HEADTEACHER (2 POSTS) – required for September 2019 or sooner

Do you want to be part of an inspirational team in our school which has a proven track record of outstanding performance and a strong reputation for the high quality of provision for all its students?

Ravenshall School is seeking to appoint 2 colleagues who are ambitious, enthusiastic and innovative senior leaders to take this “Exceptional Special School” (Ofsted 2019) into its next phase of excellence.

These two Deputy Headteacher posts are as a result of the school’s mission to nurture and develop leaders of the future, as the current post holders move into Headship and other positions. It is an exciting time to join our outward facing and highly collaborative special school, developing this inclusive learning environment into a Centre for Excellence.

Ravenshall School is an all-age special school for children, young people and P16 learners with complex learning difficulties. All pupils have an EHCP and most have additional speech, language and communication difficulties. Many pupils have additional needs such as Autism, Down Syndrome, Visual & Hearing impairments, SEMH needs, physical disabilities and/or medical conditions.

Our new Deputies will be experienced SEND practitioners who know and understand the complex nature of our students. The successful candidates will have a proven track record in school improvement; they will lead outstanding staff teams to engage and enthuse pupils to achieve their full potential - and beyond.

The two posts have very different roles and responsibilities.

Post 1- Requires a comprehensive understanding of teaching, learning & assessment in a special school setting, alongside the skills to lead, monitor & evaluate the improvement of learning and teaching across all phases of the school. This will incorporate the ability to demonstrate effective curriculum leadership and innovation.

Post 2 - Will require the skills and thorough understanding to lead all aspects of highly effective safeguarding across the school and beyond, contributing to a focused, safe and inclusive learning environment. In addition, they will have a track record of working with parents, carers and external agencies to support the EHCP process and evaluate and monitor outcomes. This will incorporate the school’s Behaviour for Learning priorities and the development of personalised learning and curriculum enrichment opportunities.

Both posts require excellent communication skills to support all stakeholders of the school alongside a strategic yet flexible approach to school leadership. Successful candidates should expect to fulfil wide and varied roles and responsibilities whilst working in partnership with the Headteacher. Post holders will work closely with other leaders to see the development of new ideas and initiatives put into practice and shape the future of the school as a Centre of Excellence.

Visits to the school are essential, with appointments available most days. 
Please contact Mrs Rachel Thackray, School Business Manager to arrange an appointment.

How to Apply

To apply for this job, please download and complete the application form attached. A CV is not required. Completed application forms should be returned by email to Rachel Thackray – recruitment@ravenshall.org or by post to the school address, by 29 April at 12 noon.

Ravenshall School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  All staff are subject to an enhanced DBS check.  A conviction may not exclude candidates from appointment but will be considered as part of the recruitment process.


Ravensall School
Ravensthorpe Road
Thornhill Lees
Dewsbury
WF12 9EE