Deputy Headteacher

Deputy Headteacher with Curriculum and Safeguarding Responsibility

Contract: Full-time, term time only
Salary: From £45,000 depending on experience
Location: Whitstable, Kent
Start Date: September 2026
Benefits: Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme

About the School

ISP School Whitstable is an independent specialist provision serving children and young people (CYP) in Kent and Medway who live with their families, foster parents or in residential children’s homes.

Our school supports CYP with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

We provide high-quality education, adopting a holistic and tailored approach, complemented by a range of support services for each and every one of our children. To find out more about our school, please visit our website.

We are looking for an inspirational leader with SEN experience. This role would suit someone looking to step into senior leadership from a middle leadership position, or an experienced Deputy Headteacher seeking a new opportunity.

ISP Schools pride themselves on employing people who are passionate, dedicated and innovative, while embracing our holistic, therapeutic approach.

Our ethos promotes positive relationships, self-discipline, self-esteem and resilience, enabling both staff and children to thrive and progress.

This is an exciting opportunity to join an established organisation working with vulnerable children with a wide range of behavioural and emotional needs. Our team is welcoming, supportive and collaborative.

Are you ready to join a supportive and nurturing community that works together to achieve the very best outcomes for its children? If so, we could be the perfect place for you to develop your career and make a real difference.

For more information and an informal discussion, please contact Carole Cox, Headteacher, on 01795 523900.

About Us

ISP School Whitstable provides specialist education for Key Stage 2 children aged 7–11 with social, emotional and mental health difficulties (SEMH), as well as communication and interaction, cognition and learning needs.

This is a small provision with a maximum of 24 children with complex needs who often present with challenging behaviours. We offer a safe and nurturing environment, with well-trained, supportive staff. Combined with our therapeutic approach, this enables our children to develop the tools and skills they need to achieve their potential.

We are part of the Polaris Community and have been passionately improving the lives of children for over 30 years. Within the Polaris Community, we now have over 15 SEN schools across the UK, all working together to provide each child with a tailored, diverse and appropriate education in a safe and supportive environment that promotes engagement, inspires learning and encourages achievement.

We are incredibly proud that 100% of our inspected services are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.

The Role

We are seeking a caring and forward-thinking leader to join our team as Deputy Headteacher with curriculum responsibility.

• Ensure high-quality teaching and learning across the school, with a focus on inclusion and differentiated instruction for SEND students
• Assess, monitor, record and report on the learning needs, progress and achievements of pupils, working alongside the SENCo
• Take a lead on whole-school strategic planning and the continued development of the curriculum
• Provide curriculum training for staff during training sessions and INSET, valuing your own and others’ CPD
• Deputise for the Headteacher in their absence
• Line manage a range of new and existing staff, including recruitment and onboarding
• Contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of the school’s policies, practices and procedures
• Work with others on curriculum and/or children’s development to secure co-ordinated outcomes
• Promote a therapeutic approach to behaviour and emotional wellbeing
• Collaborate with staff, parents and external professionals to ensure the best outcomes for children
• Manage and support staff teams, fostering a culture of cooperation, flexibility and continuous improvement
• Work closely with other leaders within the Polaris Community to share best practice and ensure alignment with our ethos
• Act as a DSL and oversee the safeguarding team

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with experience in SEND
• Experience of delivering a high-quality curriculum with a focus on supporting young people with SEND
• Experience of leading and managing teams with a compassionate and therapeutic approach
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work inclusively with staff, students and families
• A proactive and adaptable attitude, able to develop systems and processes aligned with the school’s values and ethos

What We Offer

• A unique opportunity to shape curriculum development and SEND provision
• A supportive and collaborative leadership team
• Professional development opportunities within the Polaris Community
• An opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children with complex needs