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Deputy Headteacher – September 2026
SEND School
Location: East London
Salary: Leadership Scale L15-L19, Inner-London
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Job Description
A specialist SEND school in London is seeking an Assistant Headteacher to join its Senior Leadership Team.
This role would suit an experienced middle or senior leader with a strong understanding of Autism and complex learning needs, who is looking to take a leading role in improving teaching and learning, developing staff, and supporting whole-school improvement.
The school supports pupils aged 4–18 with Autism and significant learning disabilities. Staff work closely with families and external professionals to provide a consistent and personalised approach that enables pupils to make progress both academically and socially.
Working alongside the Headteacher and senior leaders, you will help shape the school’s strategic direction while maintaining a strong presence in classrooms, supporting staff development, and ensuring high standards across the provision.
The Successful Candidate Will Have:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- Experience in a leadership role within a school setting
- Experience working with pupils with Autism and complex SEND needs
- A strong understanding of teaching, learning, and assessment
- Experience supporting and developing teachers and support staff
- Knowledge of curriculum development and school improvement processes
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with staff, families, and external agencies
- Experience of performance management and coaching colleagues
- A practical and solution-focused approach to leadership
Key Responsibilities
- Lead on teaching and learning across the school
- Support the implementation of the school’s improvement priorities
- Line manage teaching staff and contribute to performance management processes
- Monitor the quality of teaching and support professional development where required
- Work alongside class teams to improve pupil outcomes
- Liaise with parents, carers, therapists, and external agencies
- Contribute to safeguarding leadership within the school
- Support curriculum planning and the development of individual learning programmes
- Promote high expectations for pupils and staff
The School Offers:
- A collaborative leadership team
- Opportunities to influence whole-school practice
- Ongoing professional development and SEND-specific training
- Supportive multidisciplinary working with therapists and external professionals
- The opportunity to make a measurable impact on outcomes for pupils with complex needs
- A well-established specialist setting with a clear vision for improvement
Why Work with Opogo Education?
Opogo is transforming the way schools and educators connect, using technology to create a faster, fairer, and more rewarding experience.
Our benefits include:
• Higher pay rates – our tech-led model reduces overheads and allows us to pay you more
• Easy scheduling – set your availability and preferences through our app
• One-click timesheets – approve hours weekly via your phone
• Smart Match technology – connect with roles that suit your skills and goals
• Hundreds of free CPD-certified courses through our Learn platform
• We’re a social enterprise, reinvesting profits to support educators and schools
Opogo Ltd is accredited by the REC. In accordance with KCSIE 2026 guidelines, all offers are subject to vetting, safeguarding, and reference checks. We are an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of background. Please let us know if you need accommodations during the application process.