Deputy Headteacher - Chiltern Wood School

Overview

Are you an ambitious and experienced leader with a passion for transforming the lives of pupils with complex special educational needs?
Chiltern Wood School, a multi-site special school in High Wycombe, is seeking a dynamic Deputy Headteacher (Teaching & Learning) to join our supportive senior leadership team.

Hours: Full time

Contract type: Permanent

Salary: Leadership Salary Range 12 - 16

Closing date: 20th March 2026

Interview date: 24th March 2026

 

About us

Chiltern Wood School is a Special School supporting students ranging from ages 3 to 19 years, located across three sites in Cressex, Downley and Studley Green.

We provide high-quality education for 239 pupils with ASC, SLD and Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) and Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) across three sites. Our dedicated staff team is committed to delivering personalised learning and outstanding care in a nurturing environment.

We offer the opportunity to become part of a team of caring professionals, contributing purposefully to meeting the special educational needs of children in the High Wycombe area. You will be well supported by welcoming and knowledgeable staff within a well-run, hard-working school which holds as its core value the wellbeing of its pupils, parents and staff.

Website: Chiltern Wood School

About the role

You will:

• Lead teaching and learning across all sites, ensuring outstanding outcomes for every pupil
• Line-manage Assistant Heads with curriculum leadership roles
• Oversee curriculum development, assessment, teaching and learning CPD, and quality assurance
• Liaise closely with all members of the Senior Leadership Team
• Support staff deployment, wellbeing, and contribute to recruitment and induction
• Oversee transitions as part of the Senior Leadership Team

What We Offer:

• Supportive SLT and governing body
• Competitive pension scheme
• Continuous professional development opportunities
• On-site parking
• Flexible working options across sites where operationally possible

As a school, we strive to continually improve our teaching and learning offer, and aim to secure only the very best outcomes for our pupils through high quality provision and practice. 

About you

Qualifications and Training

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Evidence of sustained professional development relevant to special education and school leadership

Experience

• Substantial teaching experience, ideally within special education (ASC/SLD/PMLD/ context)
• Experience of leading curriculum development and assessment across key stages
• Proven track record in managing, supporting, and developing staff teams
• Experience of working in a multi-site or complex organisational structure is desirable

Skills and Knowledge

• Deep understanding of effective teaching and learning strategies for pupils with ASC, SLD and PMLD
• Up-to-date knowledge of curriculum, assessment, and statutory requirements in special schools
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to use data effectively to drive school improvement
• Knowledge of safeguarding and behaviour management in a special school context
• Strong organisational and time management skills

Personal Qualities

• High expectations for all pupils and a commitment to inclusive education
• Ability to motivate, inspire, and empower others
• Collaborative and flexible approach to leadership
• Resilience, integrity, and a commitment to ongoing professional development
• Commitment to upholding the ethos and values of Chiltern Wood School

Other information

Visits to the school are keenly encouraged. Please visit our school website to take a virtual tour of our departments or contact the school to arrange a tour.

For more information about the role please visit our website Vacancies — Chiltern Wood School

All applications to be made via My New Term Chiltern Wood School, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire | Teaching Jobs & Education Jobs | MyNewTerm

Chiltern Wood School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its pupils and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to full vetting checks, including a disclosure of criminal records at an enhanced level.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:
• All unspent convictions and conditional cautions
• All spent convictions and adult cautions that are not protected (i.e. that are not filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020).
For further information on filtering please refer to Nacro guidance and the guidance issued by the Ministry of Justice (see, in particular, the section titled ‘Exceptions Order’).

It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. All shortlisted applicants will be required to complete self-disclosure form and return prior to interview.