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Job Title: Deputy Headteacher
Location: Mountfield Heath School, Robertsbridge, TN32 5FA
Hours: 37.5 per week Monday to Friday
Salary: Up to £60,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent Term Time Only
Start: January 2027
UK applicants only - no sponsorship available
About the Role
Mountfield Heath School is seeking a dynamic and committed Deputy Headteacher to join our dedicated team in January 2027. An earlier start is desirable but will not disadvantage applicants.
The Deputy Headteacher plays a central role in providing strong leadership and direction to ensure the highest standards of education, care and safeguarding across the school. Working in close partnership with the Headteacher and senior leadership team, the postholder supports the strategic development of the school while maintaining a strong operational focus. The role is integral to promoting positive outcomes for pupils through effective curriculum leadership, behaviour support, multi-disciplinary working and robust staff management.
Key Responsibilities
- Comply fully with safeguarding procedures and principles as set out by the local safeguarding board, including participation in the assessment of referrals.
- Act as overall curriculum coordinator and manager across the school.
- Lead on the positive support of behaviour that may challenge, promoting consistent and effective practice.
- Work as a key member of the multi-disciplinary team, collaborating with education, pastoral and clinical colleagues.
- Monitor pupil progress and targets to ensure each individual is able to achieve planned outcomes.
- Work with clinical and pastoral teams to oversee Behaviour Support Plans, providing advice, support and consultation, and ensuring plans are reviewed and updated regularly.
- Maintain effective links with external colleagues, both within the Outcomes First Group and with partner organisations.
Staff Leadership and Management
- Support the recruitment, training and ongoing professional development of staff.
- Undertake delegated management responsibilities, including supervision, annual appraisals, probation reviews, return-to-work meetings, and attendance management.
- Contribute to disciplinary, capability, grievance and other people management processes in accordance with company policy.
- Support the Headteacher through deputising and representing the school as required.
- Raise staff awareness of company policies, procedures and regulatory standards.
Essential Criteria
- Relevant experience of teaching children and young people with autistic spectrum conditions and/or behaviours that challenge.
- Degree qualification, QTS, and relevant sector-specific qualifications.
- Experience of teaching children and young people with complex needs.
- Experience of managing and leading staff effectively.
About Us
At Mountfield Heath School, every day brings new challenges, opportunities, and rewards. Every member of our team plays a crucial role in shaping brighter futures for our pupils.
We support autistic boys and girls aged 5-11, many of whom have additional needs. Our independent special educational needs provision currently educates 45 pupils, across a spacious site with large classrooms and dedicated outdoor learning areas.
Our mission is simple: to equip every child with the skills, confidence, and knowledge they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. We aim to prepare pupils not only for school but for life beyond, encouraging them to achieve high standards in all areas of development.
Located in Robertsbridge, East Sussex, the school is easily accessible from Hastings, Royal Tunbridge Wells, and surrounding areas, making this an exciting opportunity to join a supportive and forward-thinking school community.
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.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
- "Your Wellbeing Matters" - mental health support and physical health checks
- Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
- Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
- Hundreds of UK and international discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
