Deputy Headteacher

Inspire. Transform. Lead with Purpose. We are seeking an exceptional senior leader to join our team as Deputy Headteacher - Quality of Education, 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. What You'll Be Doing Quality of Education Strategy

• Embedding a whole-school trauma-informed, relational approach into curriculum and pedagogy
• Driving an ambitious, inclusive, evidence-informed vision for teaching, learning, and assessment
Teaching, Learning & Curriculum
• Leading curriculum design, sequencing, and assessment to ensure high-quality learning
• Coaching staff and monitoring classroom practice to secure consistently excellent teaching
Behaviour, Inclusion & Culture
• Championing a restorative, relational behaviour ethos that supports calm, purposeful learning
• Leading proactive strategies to prevent bullying, discrimination, and barriers to inclusion
Pupil Support & Wellbeing
• Overseeing SEMH tracking, interventions, and multi-agency support to remove barriers to learning
• Amplifying pupil voice to shape curriculum, culture, and school improvement
Safeguarding & Multi-Agency Work
• Working closely with the DSL to ensure safeguarding is robust, responsive, and pupil-centred
• Chairing MDT meetings and coordinating effective multi-agency collaboration
Operational Leadership
• Overseeing key operational systems such as daily cover, transport, and examinations
• Contributing to whole-school strategic planning and modelling high-impact leadership
  
  Essential
• QTS with proven senior leadership experience
• Strong knowledge of SEMH, trauma-informed practice, and inclusive pedagogy
• Experience leading behaviour, pastoral, or curriculum systems
• Skilled in multi-agency working and safeguarding
• Analytical, organised, and driven by values
• A leader who inspires trust, builds relationships, and raises standards
• Driving licence required
Desirable
• NPQSL / NPQH (or working towards)
• Experience in specialist or alternative provision
• Experience chairing MDTs
• Knowledge of behaviour or curriculum tracking systems
  
  Meadowcroft School is an independent specialist day school across four sites in Wakefield, supporting pupils with complex SEMH needs and additional learning difficulties. We provide a safe, nurturing environment with personalised support, small classes, and a broad, balanced curriculum. Our dedicated team works with families, therapists, and external professionals to remove barriers and celebrate progress. We prepare every pupil to build confidence, essential life skills, and a pathway to future success.
Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people's lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact. 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.

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