Deputy Headteacher

Deputy Headteacher with Curriculum and Safeguarding Responsibility

Contract: Full-time, term time only
Salary: From £45,000 depending on experience
Benefits: Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme
Location: Teynham, Kent
Start Date: September 2026

About the School

ISP School Teynham is an independent specialist provision serving children and young people (CYP) in Kent and Medway who live with their families, foster parents, or in residential children’s homes.

Our school supports CYP with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

We provide high-quality education, adopting a holistic and tailored approach, complemented by a range of support services for each and every one of our children.

For more information and an informal discussion, please contact Carole Cox, Headteacher, on 01795 523 900.

About Us

We are part of the Polaris Community and have been passionately improving the lives of children for over 30 years. Within the Polaris Community, we have over 15 SEN schools across the UK that work together to provide each child with a tailored, diverse, and appropriate education in a safe, supportive environment that promotes engagement, inspires learning, and encourages achievement.

We’re also incredibly proud that 100% of our inspected services have been rated as Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.

Role Responsibilities

We are seeking a caring, forward-thinking leader to join our team as Deputy Headteacher. In this role, you will:

• Ensure high-quality teaching and learning across the school, with a focus on inclusion and differentiated instruction for SEND students
• Assess, monitor, record and report on the learning needs, progress and achievements of pupils
• Participate in arrangements for preparing pupils for external examinations
• Lead on whole-school organisation, strategy and curriculum development
• Contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of the school’s policies, practices and procedures in such a way as to support the school’s values and vision
• Work with others on curriculum and/or pupil development to secure co-ordinated outcomes
• Use your expertise to promote a therapeutic approach to behaviour and emotional wellbeing
• Collaborate with staff, parents and external professionals to ensure the best outcomes for students
• Manage and support staff teams, fostering a culture of cooperation, flexibility and continuous improvement
• Work closely with other leaders within the Polaris Community to share best practice and ensure alignment with our ethos

Requirements

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with experience in SEND
• Experience of delivering a high-quality curriculum with a focus on supporting young people with SEND
• Experience in leading and managing teams with a compassionate, therapeutic approach
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work inclusively with staff, students and families
• A proactive, adaptable attitude, able to set up new systems and processes aligned with the school’s values and ethos
• Previous senior or middle leadership experience

What We Offer

• A workplace that values the emotional health and wellbeing of everybody (you included!)
• A commitment to support your development in acquiring new skills through a wide range of professional opportunities
• An opportunity to make a huge contribution to the lives and lifelong learning of vulnerable children who deserve high quality teaching in a safe educational provision
• A friendly and inclusive team who are passionate about improving pupil outcomes
• A unique opportunity to shape the curriculum development and SEND provision
• A supportive and collaborative leadership team
• Professional development opportunities within the Polaris Community
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of children with complex needs

The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, the cost of which will be met by ISP School Teynham.

ISP School Teynham is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.

ISP School Teynham is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.