Deputy Headteacher

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Job Title:  Deputy Headteacher
Location:  Ashley Park School, Epsom, Surrey KT18 7LR
Hours:      37.5 hours per week | Monday–Friday | 8.45am - 4.30pm
Salary:      Up to £65,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Contract:  Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:         September 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

Inspire. Transform. Lead with Purpose.

We are seeking an exceptional senior leader to join our team as Deputy Headteacher, driving excellence in teaching, learning, curriculum, and outcomes across the school. This is a pivotal role for a values‑driven leader who believes in the power of inclusive, trauma‑informed education to change lives.

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will shape the strategic direction of our curriculum, champion high‑quality teaching, and ensure every pupil—particularly those with SEMH needs—experiences an ambitious, engaging, and supportive education that enables them to thrive.

If you are passionate about equity, relentless about standards, and committed to nurturing a culture where every learner feels safe, valued, and able to succeed, we want to hear from you.

Ashley Park School is registered as one school for pupils aged 5-19 and operates over two sites. This role will be based at the Epsom, working closely with leaders across the school.

What you will be doing 

• Embedding a whole‑school trauma‑informed, relational approach to teaching, learning, and culture
• Driving an ambitious, inclusive, evidence‑informed Quality of Education strategy
• Leading curriculum design, sequencing, assessment, and high‑impact teaching practice
• Coaching and developing staff to secure consistently excellent classroom provision
• Championing restorative behaviour, inclusion, and proactive approaches to bullying and discrimination
• Overseeing SEMH tracking, interventions, and multi‑agency support to remove barriers to learning
• Working closely with the DSL to ensure safeguarding is robust, responsive, and pupil‑centred
• Leading key operational systems (cover, transport, examinations) and contributing to whole‑school improvement

What you will bring

Essential

• QTS required
• Strong knowledge of SEMH, trauma‑informed practice, and inclusive pedagogy
• Experience leading behaviour, pastoral, or curriculum systems
• Analytical, organised, and driven by values
• A leader who inspires trust, builds relationships, and raises standards

Desirable

• NPQSL / NPQH (or working towards)
• Experience in specialist or alternative provision
• Knowledge of behaviour or curriculum tracking system

About Us

Ashley Park School is a brand-new independent specialist school in Epsom, Surrey, for autistic young people aged 5–19, with a capacity for 60 pupils.

We provide a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment where every pupil can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Personalised teaching, differentiated lessons, and tailored therapeutic support ensure each pupil’s unique needs and abilities are met.

Our curriculum combines academic study, vocational pathways, and life skills, preparing young people to achieve their full potential and future aspirations.

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.

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