Deputy Headteacher and Curriculum Lead

Full Job Description

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Job Title:   Deputy Headteacher and Curriculum Lead
Location:  Castle Garden School, Pewley Hill, Guildford, GU1 3SQ
Hours:        40 hours per week | Monday–Friday
Salary:       Up to £60,000.00 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Contract:   Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:          May 2026 
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

We’re looking for enthusiastic Teaching Assistants to join our team and help pupils thrive at Castle Gate School.

About the Role

As Deputy Headteacher and Curriculum Lead, you will play a pivotal role in establishing and leading an exceptional learning environment. Working closely with the Headteacher, you’ll co-create the school’s ethos, strategic direction, and educational excellence.

You’ll take the lead in designing and delivering a forward-thinking, inclusive curriculum that reflects our pupils’ diverse needs and interests — ensuring that every learning experience is meaningful, aspirational, and empowering.

This is a role that calls for vision, collaboration, and genuine passion for transforming lives.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Lead on the design, development, and implementation of an innovative, inclusive curriculum
• Champion high-quality teaching, learning, and assessment across the school
• Coach, mentor, and inspire teachers to deliver outstanding, pupil-centred lessons
• Monitor, evaluate, and continually improve the quality of education provision
• Promote a culture of care, ambition, and belonging through trauma-informed practice
• Ensure all pupils have personalised learning pathways tailored to their strengths and needs
• Act as a senior leader, deputising for the Headteacher where required
• Build strong partnerships with parents, carers, external professionals, and the wider community

Who We’re Looking For

You’re a proven school senior leader with a deep understanding of SEN and a passion for transforming the lives of young people with autism and complex needs.

Essential:

• UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent
• Educated to Degree Level
• A successful track record of senior leadership in a school setting
• In-depth understanding of curriculum development and quality assurance in education
• Experience supporting children and young people with autism, learning difficulties and/or complex needs
• A commitment to inclusive, person-centred education
• Excellent communication, collaboration and leadership skills
• Experience as a Senior Leader,  e.g.: Deputy Headteacher,  Assistant Headteacher, Head of Six Form, Whole School etc.

Desirable:

• Experience working within a specialist or SEN setting
• Knowledge of trauma-informed, therapeutic or neurodiversity-affirming approaches
• Open to working in Primary and Secondary se
• Familiarity with inspection frameworks and school improvement planning
• A flexible, creative and emotionally intelligent leadership style
• We are open to considering experience gained in any education setting

This is an incredible opportunity to help build a school where every child is understood, supported, and celebrated for who they are. If you’re ready to lead with purpose, inspire excellence, and make your mark on a brand-new chapter in specialist education — we’d love to hear from you.

About Us

Opening in September 2026, this brand-new school in Guildford is part of the Options Autism group, a leading provider of specialist education individuals with complex needs. The school will support up to 40 pupils aged 11–18, offering a safe, structured, and inclusive environment tailored to meet a wide range of needs.

Our schools are unique environments, each one having its own special atmosphere and range of opportunities and resources. Our teachers enjoy becoming part of their school’s ‘family’, exploring the potential of the building and environment and getting to know the brilliant pupils in our care.

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.

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.

Why Join Us?

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

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

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