Deputy Head of Inclusion

Some young people arrive at school ready to conquer the world. Others arrive carrying a world of their own challenges. Some need a different route, a different voice, a different approach — and someone who refuses to give up on them.

At Woodstock House School, we understand that inclusion is not a department. It is a promise.

We are looking for an exceptional Deputy Head of Inclusion to help us turn that promise into everyday practice for our pupils, including those with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs.

This is not a role for someone who simply wants to keep the paperwork in order (although, naturally, the paperwork matters!). We need a strategic thinker, a confident leader and a genuinely people-centred professional who can bring together the right expertise, the right provision and the right people to help every pupil move forward.

Quite a lot, actually — and that’s what makes it exciting!

Working closely with the Headteacher, you will provide strategic leadership across inclusion and SEND, therapies, admissions, transitions, vulnerable pupils and alternative provision. You will help ensure that every young person has the right support, at the right time, in the right environment.

You will lead and develop our SENCOs, therapy teams and Learning Support Assistants/Teaching Assistants, building a culture in which people collaborate, share expertise and continually improve what they do.

You will also:

• Make inclusion strategic. Lead the development of high-quality SEND provision, ensuring that individual needs, strengths, aspirations and EHCP outcomes genuinely shape pupils’ experiences.
• Bring teams together. Make sure teachers, SENCOs, therapists and support staff work as one team, translating professional recommendations into practical, effective support.
• Get admissions right. Work with families, local authorities and professionals to understand pupils’ needs and ensure placements are carefully considered and properly prepared.
• Make transitions work. Whether a pupil is moving between classes, key stages, provisions or towards their next chapter beyond school, you will help make that journey planned, purposeful and positive.
• Champion vulnerable pupils. Oversee provision for Looked After and Previously Looked After Children, ensuring their voices, wellbeing and aspirations remain central.
• Think beyond the usual. Oversee alternative and bespoke provision where needed, ensuring arrangements are safe, purposeful, appropriately monitored and focused on positive outcomes.
• Know what makes a difference. Evaluate provision, use evidence intelligently and turn insight into meaningful improvements in engagement, progress, independence and wellbeing.

In short, you will help us make sure that the support we provide is not just well intentioned, but genuinely effective.

Someone who understands that working with young people with SEND and SEMH needs requires both a big heart and a clear head.

You will bring substantial experience of working in a specialist SEND setting, a strong understanding of SEND legislation, the SEND Code of Practice and EHCP processes, and proven leadership experience. You will know how to lead teams, develop people, work constructively with families and professionals, and make difficult decisions with confidence and care.

You will be comfortable looking at the bigger picture while never losing sight of the individual young person sitting in front of you.

You will also be someone who can challenge constructively, build trust, manage competing priorities and turn a vision for inclusion into consistent practice across a school.

Experienc…