Job Description
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Main Purpose of the Role
- Play a major role, under the overall direction of the Headteacher, in formulating the school's aims and objectives, establishing the policies through which they are achieved, managing staff and resources, and monitoring progress.
- Deputise for the Headteacher as required and undertake any professional duties reasonably delegated by the Headteacher.
- Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for provision across Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 (14-19), ensuring high-quality, personalised pathways and meaningful outcomes for learners.
Post Details
Post title: Deputy Headteacher
School: Glenwood School
Pay range: Leadership Pay Spine points 14-18
Line manager: Headteacher
Supervisory responsibility: Assistant Headteachers, Corridor Teachers and HLTAs
Strategic Leadership and Oversight of 14-19 (including Sixth Form)
- Shape and implement an aspirational vision, with clear aims, objectives and policies across Key Stage 4 and 5, aligned to the School Improvement Plan.
- Provide leadership and management to oversee the set-up of the new Sixth-Form Block, ensuring a smooth transition into the building and the establishment of effective operational systems.
- Ensure the most up-to-date educational developments in curriculum, assessment and approaches for older pupils are implemented, driving high standards and positive post-16/post-19 outcomes and destinations.
- Oversee the day-to-day management of the secondary provision including tracking academic progress, the quality of teaching and learning, behaviour, attendance and safeguarding.
- Co-ordinate and enhance enrichment and intervention, including access to learning in the local community and maximising opportunities for work-related learning, work experience and employability.
- Oversee and lead next-destination planning, working in partnership with pupils and their families and liaising with appropriate external professionals.
Leading Teaching and Learning
- Model excellent, inspirational teaching and promote high expectations for all members of the school community.
- Support teachers to be confident leaders of curious and effective class teams and enable staff to work in a creative, solution‑focused way.
- Ensure highly individualised planning that responds to priorities for each learner-including creating new strategies and resources where needed.
- Ensure Annual Review meetings have significant impact on the learner's experience and outcomes; chair sensitively and inclusively so all voices are heard.
- Champion listening to the 'voices around the learner' and incorporate what is learned into curriculum and support strategies.
- Work closely with Curriculum Leaders on curriculum development and review (planning, recording, reporting and assessment).
- Lead and quality‑assure teaching and learning through monitoring, evaluation and lesson observations to secure consistently high standards.
- Ensure robust evaluation of school performance, articulating the progress journey and identifying priorities for further development.
Developing Self and Others
- Adapt leadership approaches to the needs of situations and colleagues; lead by example to motivate and develop others.
- Support induction of staff and trainees; participate in selection and appointment of staff as appropriate.
- Lead the annual appraisal process for identified staff and ensure a coherent professional development programme informed by need.
- Take responsibility and accountability for identified areas of leadership, collating a whole‑school perspective with other Leaders of Learning.
- Be an excellent role model for reflective practice and continuous improvement; participate in appraisal and ongoing professional development.
Safeguarding
- Ensure the wellbeing and safeguarding of learners is a priority for everyone and act as a Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- Ensure all safeguarding procedures are followed, including maintenance of records, information‑sharing, and attendance at key meetings.
- Support the Headteacher with safeguarding duties and work collaboratively with other agencies to protect children and young people.
- Ensure safeguarding practice reflects current statutory guidance (e.g. Keeping Children Safe in Education) and Glenwood's specific learner profile.
Managing the Organisation
- Contribute to regular reviews of systems to ensure statutory requirements are met and information is effectively disseminated.
- Undertake activities related to professional and HR issues as appropriate and support the day‑to‑day organisation and running of the school.
Securing Accountability
- Contribute to reporting on the school's performance to the school community and governing body.
- Promote and protect the health, safety and welfare of learners and staff and ensure compliance with policies including GDPR.
Strengthening Community & Partnerships
- Ensure respectful, compassionate partnerships with families so that we share a common understanding of each learner throughout their Glenwood journey.
- Develop and maintain contact with specialist support partners and external agencies; organise and conduct meetings with parents/carers to secure positive outcomes.
- Promote positive working relationships with other schools, colleges, employers and community organisations to broaden opportunities for learners, including meaningful work experience and progression routes.
About Glenwood
Glenwood is a highly respected local special school for pupils aged 3-19. Our mission is to help every learner become as independent and fulfilled as possible. We strive to understand each pupil's unique needs, no matter how complex, and ensure they feel happy, safe, and valued. Working closely with families and professionals, we aim to support our pupils in achieving their goals, enjoying life, and preparing for life beyond Glenwood.
Visits can be arranged by contacting HR Manager, Hannah Bryant (hannah.bryant@glenwood.essex.sch.uk) or calling 01268 792575
Glenwood School can offer the right candidate:
truly amazing learners
a lively, enthusiastic and caring ethos
friendly, supportive and professional staff team
strong and collaborative support of the Governing Body
staff wellbeing support package
opportunity to have a positive impact on learner progress
the opportunity to develop and grow professionally within the school and beyond