Deputy Headteacher

About The Role

Job Title:

Deputy Headteacher
- Secondary

Job Location:

Haven cross School, Denton, Tameside

Salary: £55,000 based on working 40 hours per week, 39.2 weeks of the year.

Contract Type:
Permanent

Do you want to help create an exceptional new SEND school from the very beginning?

Could you be one of our founding Team Members?

Haven cross School is an exciting new developing independent SEND school being created in Denton, Tameside. Once building works are complete, the school is scheduled to open in early 2027 and as Phoenix Learning & Care's first school in the area, it will join our growing portfolio of specialist SEND schools and our specialist Further Education college across the UK. This is a rare opportunity to join from the beginning and help turn an ambitious vision into an exceptional experience for every Pupil.

Haven cross will provide up to 54 places across Key Stages 2 to 4. Small classes, nurturing environments and a personalised curriculum will help Pupils build confidence, communication, independence and the skills they need for adulthood.

Our Pupils may have Autism, social, emotional and mental health needs, communication differences, learning needs, or experiences of trauma and disrupted education. Education and therapy will work together throughout the school day, helping Pupils feel safe, understood and ready to learn.

We are looking for a motivated, forward-thinking and inspirational leader who wants to co-create something genuinely special. As Deputy Headteacher (Secondary), you will lead the Secondary provision within the vision set by the Headteacher. You will shape an ambitious Key Stage 3 and 4 curriculum, develop consistent practice and support Team Members to deliver high-quality, therapeutic and relationship-centred education.

Haven cross will build on the strengths of Phoenix schools while developing its own identity within the local community. Our values of Honesty, Empathy, Aspiration, Respect and Teamwork will guide how we work with Pupils, families, Team Members and local partners.

Working alongside the Headteacher, Associate Headteacher (SENDCo), Deputy Headteacher (Primary) and the wider team, you will help create one seamless and inclusive school. You will champion smooth transitions, shared expectations and collaborative leadership, keeping the needs, strengths and aspirations of our children at the centre of every decision.

This is more than a leadership vacancy. It is an opportunity to become a founding member of the Haven cross leadership team and help create a school where every Pupil can flourish and grow towards a positive future.

A day in the life of a Deputy Headteacher will involve:

• Shape the school from the start - work with the Headteacher to bring the vision and ethos of Haven cross to life, lead the Secondary phase and contribute to whole-school improvement.
• Lead an ambitious Secondary curriculum - develop engaging Key Stage 3 and 4 pathways, including qualifications, vocational learning, careers and preparation for adulthood.
• Keep safeguarding and wellbeing central - act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and ensure safety, belonging, attendance and emotional wellbeing inform daily decisions.
• Inspire and develop Team Members - recruit, coach colleagues, strengthen specialist SEND practice and create a culture of shared responsibility and continuous improvement.
• Build strong partnerships - work with families, therapists, local authorities, colleges and external professionals to support joined-up provision and successful transitions.

To be a successful Deputy Headteacher you'll need:

• Qualified and experienced - a degree, Qualified Teacher Status or recognised equivalent, and successful leadership experience within a school or specialist educational provision.
• Secondary expertise - a strong understanding of Key Stages 3 and 4, with evidence of improving curriculum, teaching, assessment and outcomes.
• Specialist SEND knowledge - significant experience of supporting Pupils with Autism, SEMH and complex or overlapping needs.
• Strong safeguarding leadership - secure child protection knowledge and the capacity to undertake Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead responsibilities.
• An open and ambitious mindset - the energy to build something new, work collaboratively and keep Pupil voice, dignity and high aspirations at the centre of improvement.

In return for your time, you'll get:

• Holidays
  - You'll only work term time (39.2 weeks), and get paid the additional 12.8 weeks while you're off.
• Pension…