Deputy Head Teacher

Please note:
This role is due to commence in January 2027.

Our Deputy Head Teachers are fulfilled by the idea of making even the smallest positive changes in our young people, so we celebrate the little things. There’s lots of ups and downs, and to some of our young people, sitting through a lesson can be a big win. We call these huge small victories and whilst they may seem small on the surface, they add up to make a big difference

You’ll be working with children and young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs. Alongside the Head Teacher, you’ll set the vision for the future of the school, ensuring we have the right people and plans in place to see that our young people leave feeling proud of what they’ve achieved. You will need to be resilient and dedicated, but those huge small victories that you achieve will be something you’re really proud of.

It can be a tough journey, but the positive steps forward will more than make up for it. As a Deputy Head Teacher at Witherslack Group, you’ll get all the support you need to succeed, from the broader management team, to a range of supporting specialists. Your colleagues will be the best at what they do, the school environments will be well‑resourced and we’ll be with you every step of the way, helping you build a rewarding teaching career.

Millcourt School is an independent specialist day school based in Shelf, Yorkshire, providing high‑quality education for pupils with social communication difficulties, including those with autism and its associated needs. Many pupils may also experience challenges with emotional regulation, sensory processing, anxiety and behaviours that arise from difficulties with communication, understanding and social interaction.

Housed within a beautifully refurbished historic mill building, the school offers a thriving, nurturing and engaging learning environment where every pupil is valued as an individual. Many of our pupils have experienced difficulties in previous educational settings and may have had disrupted educational journeys. At Millcourt, they become part of a community that understands their needs, celebrates their strengths and provides the specialist support necessary for them to flourish.

We are committed to fostering a strong sense of belonging, achievement and success, ensuring that every pupil feels safe, respected and included. Through high expectations, positive relationships and personalised support, we help pupils develop the confidence, communication skills and independence needed to thrive in school and beyond. Our aim is to nurture respectful, resilient and responsible young people who are equipped to overcome challenges, build meaningful relationships and make a positive contribution to their communities.

• Training: A full induction and on‑the‑job training
• Holiday:
  You’ll work hard at WG, so you’ll be rewarded with full school holidays
• Progression:
  If career development is your thing, most of our head teachers have been promoted from within our group
• Flexible benefits: meaning you can increase/decrease benefits such as life insurance – check out our benefits here
• Pension: we offer a range of pensions to suit your lifestyle needs including Teachers’ Pension and our very attractive TPS alternative
• Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance
• Medical cover so you can claim back the cost of things like an optician’s or dentist appointment and a host of high‑street discounts
• Beautiful working environments with the very best facilities – check out our schools here
• A recommend a friend scheme that offers a £1,000 bonus every time

Our young people come from all walks of life, with diverse backgrounds and a wide range of needs. Our workforce reflects that diversity, enabling our teams to engage, encourage and inspire every young person to be themselves. You'll be more than a Deputy Head Teacher – you'll be a compassionate, creative and inspiring leader who is committed to achieving the very best outcomes for…