Deputy Head Teacher / SEN / SEMH / Alternative Therapeutic Education

AWD online; Guildford; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job description

Deputy Head Teacher with experience of teaching and leading within SEN, SEMH, or alternative education settings is required for an alternative therapeutic education provider.

The organisation provides therapeutic education where animals, nature and outdoor learning play a key role in helping children and young people engage with education. The role will require working outside at times in a farm-based environment and will be great fun for the right person, and not so fun for someone who likes to be based in a classroom or office every day. So, if you prefer the warmth of being indoors then this role wouldn’t be a great fit.

However, if you are passionate about getting it right for young people, have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with experience in teaching and leading cross-curricular activities and are inspired by the way animals can support learning and personal development, then this role could be the perfect opportunity for you!

SALARY: £41,333 - £48,870 per annum (based on a 41 Week Term Time Salary)

BENEFITS: Casual Dress, Company Events, Pension and the chance to work in a great learning environment

LOCATION: Successful candidates can work from 1 of 3 sites, preferably in West Horsley (Surrey). Other sites include Shamley Green (Surrey), and Liss (Hampshire)

JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Permanent

JOB OVERVIEW

Due to expansion, we have a fantastic new job opportunity for a Deputy Head Teacher with experience of teaching and leading within SEN, SEMH, or alternative education settings.

This leadership role provides a unique opportunity for a Deputy Head Teacher to oversee curriculum development and implementation while working closely with a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team.

Working as a Deputy Head Teacher you will be responsible for designing and delivering a bespoke, adaptive, and engaging curriculum that meets the diverse needs of young people with SEN and SEMH.

If you believe in creativity, innovation, and providing meaningful opportunities for children and young people within an educational setting, we encourage you to apply.

Why Join?

• A leadership role with real influence over curriculum design and education strategy
• The opportunity to work across multiple sites, helping to shape the school's evolving provisions
• A creative, flexible, and hands-on role in a fast-moving environment where no two days are the same
• The chance to work with passionate teams in a setting that blends education, therapy, and outdoor learning
• Future progression opportunities, including pathways towards Headship in expanding provisions

DUTIES

Your duties as the Deputy Head Teacher include:

• Curriculum Leadership: Co-designing and overseeing an innovative therapeutic curriculum, incorporating cross-curricular learning, animal-assisted interventions, and personalised education pathways
• Quality Assurance & Development: Ensuring high standards of teaching and learning, working with teams to create progression pathways, accreditation options, and clear learning outcomes
• Staff Mentoring & CPD: Supporting and developing teaching staff, TAs, and wider team members, ensuring a culture of ongoing learning and professional development
• Compliance & Regulation: Helping to maintain and exceed Independent School Regulations, ensuring all policies and safeguarding procedures are upheld
• Data & Targeted Interventions: Using data-driven insights to ensure students make progress, particularly those with additional learning needs
• Collaboration & Leadership: Working closely with the Head of Education and Learning, deputising when required, and helping shape the strategic vision of Elysian’s education offer
• Hands-On Support: Getting involved in all aspects of the day programme, ensuring learning is embedded across activities, and that staff and students are fully supported in achieving their goals.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) – with experience of teaching and leading within SEN, SEMH, or alternative education settings
• A resilient, adaptable, and tenacious leader who is passionate about working with children and young people with complex needs
• A proactive problem-solver who thrives in a fast-moving and evolving environment
• Someone who is not afraid to roll up their sleeves—this role is hands-on, and every day brings new challenges and opportunities
• A strong communicator and mentor who can engage, inspire, and support both young people and staff teams
• A leader who understands compliance, safeguarding, and the requirements of independent education settings
• Must have previous experience for safeguarding, preferably as DSL or DDSL

Why This Role?

• A leadership opportunity within a growing and ambitious organisation
• The chance to work outdoors, with animals, and in a hands-on therapeutic learning environment
• Opportunities for career progression, including future Headship roles as the school continues to expand
• A supportive team culture where everyone works together to make a real difference in young people’s lives

The organisation is committed to Safeguarding Children and Young People. All roles are subject to Safeguarding scrutiny, including references and DBS Checks, prior to commencing employment.

APPLY TODAY…

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JOB REF: AWDO-P13212