Deputy Headteacher and Curriculum Lead

Job Title:
Deputy Headteacher and Curriculum Lead

Location:
Castle Garden School, Pewley Hill, Guildford, GU1 3SQ

Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday-Friday

Salary:
Up to £60,000.00 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)

Contract:
Permanent | Term Time Only

Start:
May 2026

UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

As Deputy Headteacher and Curriculum Lead, you will play a pivotal role in establishing and leading an exceptional learning environment. Working closely with the Headteacher, you’ll co‑create the school's ethos, strategic direction and educational excellence.

You’ll take the lead in designing and delivering a forward‑thinking, inclusive curriculum that reflects our pupils' diverse needs and interests, ensuring that every learning experience is meaningful, aspirational and empowering.

This is a role that calls for vision, collaboration and genuine passion for transforming lives.

• Lead on the design, development and implementation of an innovative, inclusive curriculum
• Champion high‑quality teaching, learning and assessment across the school
• Coach, mentor and inspire teachers to deliver outstanding, pupil‑centred lessons
• Monitor, evaluate and continually improve the quality of education provision
• Promote a culture of care, ambition and belonging through trauma‑informed practice
• Ensure all pupils have personalised learning pathways tailored to their strengths and needs
• Act as a senior leader, deputising for the Headteacher where required
• Build strong partnerships with parents, carers, external professionals and the wider community

You’re a proven school senior leader with a deep understanding of SEN and a passion for transforming the lives of young people with autism and complex needs.

• UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent
• Educated to Degree Level
• A successful track record of senior leadership in a school setting
• In‑depth understanding of curriculum development and quality assurance in education
• Experience supporting children and young people with autism, learning difficulties and/or complex needs
• A commitment to inclusive, person‑centred education
• Excellent communication, collaboration and leadership skills
• Experience as a Senior Leader, e.g.:
  Deputy Headteacher, Assistant Headteacher, Head of Sixth Form, Whole School etc.

• Experience working within a specialist or SEN setting
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed, therapeutic or neurodiversity‑affirming approaches
• Open to working in Primary and Secondary settings
• Familiarity with inspection frameworks and school improvement planning
• A flexible, creative and emotionally intelligent leadership style
• We are open to considering experience gained in any education setting

This is an incredible opportunity to help build a school where every child is understood, supported and celebrated for who they are. If you’re ready to lead with purpose, inspire excellence and make your mark on a brand‑new chapter in specialist education, we’d love to hear from you.

Opening in September 2026, this brand‑new school in Guildford is part of the Options Autism group, a leading provider of specialist education for individuals with complex needs. The school will support up to 40 pupils aged 11‑18, offering a safe, structured and inclusive environment tailored to meet a wide range of needs.

Our school is a unique environment, each with its own special atmosphere and range of opportunities and resources. Our teachers enjoy becoming part of their school family, exploring the potential of the building and environment and getting to know the brilliant pupils in our care.

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence‑based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a Great Place to Work for the sixth year running.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase…