Deputy Principal, Grafham Grange School

Grafham Grange School is a special school for 70 students aged 10 to 16 with social, emotional and mental health as their primary identified need. It is situated in 42 acres of beautiful Surrey countryside in Bramley offering significant opportunities for outdoor learning.

Grafham Grange School is part of Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust (OHC&AT), an established family of specialist academies and college centres that provide for over 1500 pupils and students with a wide range of learning abilities and additional needs.  To find out more about the Trust please visit www.ohcat.org. 

The school curriculum allows our students to find their talents and strengths whilst focusing on the skills and knowledge they need to build strong futures. The bespoke approach to learning means our students grow in self-confidence and are well prepared to take their next steps in their lives after school.  To find out more about us visit www.grafhamgrangeschool.org 

Working closely with the Principal, and the Senior Leadership Team the Deputy Principal will:  

• support the Principal to enact the school’s vision, deputising as required;  
• be an ambitious, proven leader and have significant experience of leading and managing staff;   
• have a full understanding of processes involving children in care, child protection and safeguarding and be committed to working in partnership;  
• have experience of successfully supporting school improvement and impactful change;   
• be an exceptional classroom practitioner, with expertise in SEND and ideally SEMH;  
• have recent and relevant experience of scrutinising data and a strong track record in raising standards;  
• be financially astute and able to demonstrate value for money;  
• be collegiate, responsive, highly approachable and have the ability to inspire colleagues, students and their families.  
• be fully committed to developing effective independence for students beyond school

We can offer:  

• the opportunity to develop professionally and personally within a ‘family’ of specialist providers;  
• opportunities to regularly engage with peers in a highly supportive internal professional networks  
• embedded support from the shared services team of Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust   
• a supportive OHC&AT Executive Team who are highly committed and dedicated to success  
• a supportive, proactive and organised Local Governing Body that is dedicated to high standards and offering challenge  
• a competitive salary and pension scheme

Please see the attached application pack, which includes the job description and person specification for full details on the role and the skills, experience, and knowledge we are looking for.  To find out more about us, and what makes us a special place to work please visit https://www.ohcat.org/work-for-us/

For an informal discussion about the role and to arrange a visit, candidates are invited to contact the school office via email schooloffice@grafham-grange.co.uk to arrange a time to speak with Robin Bertrand, Principal.  Visits to the school prior to application are strongly recommended.  

To apply for the role please use the quick apply option to submit an application. If you have any queries, please contact jobs@orchardhill.ac.uk.

Your application form will be scored according to each of the requirements laid out in the person specification for this role. Please demonstrate in your statement how your experience, skills and knowledge match the criteria that are required for the role. Failure to show evidence will result in your application not being shortlisted for interview.

Please note that CV applications will not be considered.

Closing Date: 11:59pm on Monday 2nd May 2022

Interviews will take place on: Friday 6th May 2022

Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.