Deputy Headteacher (Permanent) – Specialist SEND School

Location: Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester
Salary: £42,350–£51,048 per year (Dependent on experience)
Contract: Permanent | Full-time | Term Time
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:15am-4:00pm
Start Date: September 2026 or sooner by agreement
Closing Date: 15 Aug 2026

Luma Education Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a well-established specialist SEND school in Greater Manchester to recruit an experienced Deputy Headteacher on a permanent basis.

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious senior leader with a passion for special educational needs to join a nurturing and inclusive school where pupils with complex SEND are supported to achieve outstanding outcomes. Working alongside the Headteacher, you will help shape the strategic direction of the school while maintaining the highest standards of teaching, learning, safeguarding, behaviour and pupil wellbeing.

If you are an experienced Assistant Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher or senior leader looking for your next permanent leadership role within SEND education, we'd love to hear from you.

• Support the Headteacher in delivering the school's vision and long-term strategic development.
• Deputise for the Headteacher when required.
• Lead whole-school improvement initiatives that raise standards and improve pupil outcomes.
• Drive excellence in teaching, learning and curriculum development.
• Champion inclusive practice for pupils with SEND and complex learning needs.
• Monitor pupil progress and ensure high-quality provision across the school.
• Lead, coach and develop teaching and support staff.
• Promote a positive, therapeutic and trauma-informed behaviour culture.
• Support safeguarding, pupil wellbeing and attendance.
• Work closely with families, Local Authorities and external professionals.
• Contribute to staffing, timetabling, school operations and quality assurance.

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Significant senior leadership experience within a UK specialist SEND or SEN school.
• Proven experience leading school improvement and improving pupil outcomes.
• Strong understanding of SEND legislation, EHCPs and inclusive education.
• Excellent knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Experience leading teaching, learning and staff development.
• Outstanding communication, leadership and organisational skills.
• National Professional Qualification (NPQSL/NPQH) or willingness to work towards one is desirable.
• This role is not suitable for Early Career Teachers (ECTs).

• Permanent leadership opportunity within a highly supportive specialist school.
• Salary of £42,350-£51,048 depending on experience.
• Opportunity to shape the future of a growing SEND provision.
• Ongoing CPD, leadership development and career progression.
• Collaborative leadership team with a strong focus on staff wellbeing.
• A rewarding role where you can make a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people with additional needs.

Luma Education Recruitment specialises in placing exceptional education professionals into permanent, long-term and interim roles across the UK. From Teaching Assistants and Teachers through to Senior Leaders and Headteachers, we connect talented professionals with schools where they can make a genuine impact.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS and satisfactory safeguarding checks.

To apply or find out more, please send your CV to (url removed) or call (phone number removed) for a confidential discussion.