Key Role Information

Salary
64,691.00 - 71,330.00
Job type
Permanent
Contract type
Permanent
Closing
09/01/2026 09:00
Interview
To be held between 19-22nd January 2026
Start
13 April 2026
Contract term
TTO - Term time only
Pay grade
Leadership | L10 - L14
Department
Bishopswood School
Key stage
Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4
Hours per week
32.50
Weeks per year
52.000
Visa sponsorship
No

Your Role

‘...Empowered and engaged learners....’

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Deputy Headteacher to join our leadership team.

Bishopswood School is a vibrant community special school for children aged 4–16 with severe or profound and multiple learning difficulties (SLD/PMLD), complex needs, and autism (ASD). Part of the Propeller Academy Trust, we pride ourselves on delivering innovative, inclusive education across two co-located sites with mainstream partners.

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary
  • Fully funded CPD, mentoring & coaching
  • A trust-wide commitment to wellbeing, including paid wellbeing days, and free on-site parking
  • Access to an employee assistance programme
  • Teachers’ Pension Scheme
  • Employee referral scheme (earn up to £500 for successful referrals)
  • Highly resourced classrooms, small class sizes and access to multidisciplinary teams
  • A strong safeguarding and therapeutic culture

About the Role

  • Deputise for the Headteacher and lead the school when required.
  • Drive high-quality teaching and learning for pupils with complex SEND.
  • Support curriculum development, assessment, and staff coaching.
  • Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, working with external agencies to keep pupils safe.
  • Contribute to strategic planning, school improvement, and staff wellbeing.
  • Build strong relationships with parents, governors, and the wider community.

Who We’re Looking For

  • Qualified Teacher Status and a degree.
  • Proven leadership experience and a strong teaching track record.
  • Expertise in SEND and inclusive education.
  • Excellent communication, data analysis, and problem-solving skills.
  • Commitment to safeguarding and equality.

How to Apply

To apply for this rewarding opportunity, please apply online via the link provided. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

To arrange a visit or to find out more, please contact the School Business Manager, on 01189 724311 - we would love to show you what makes Bishopswood such a special place.




Qualifications

Degree or equivalent qualificationessential
DfE recognised Qualified Teacher Status/ Qualified Teacher Learning and skills essential

About Us

Bishopswood is a community special school in South Oxfordshire that provides specialist education for children aged 4 – 16 years with severe (SLD) or profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) and complex needs, including those children with ASD. We are a school that prides itself in providing innovative learning techniques to meet the wide-ranging needs of our pupils.  

With an inclusive ethos Bishopswood endeavours to provide specialist provision alongside its co-located mainstream partners on two sites.; our main primary department which is co-located with Sonning Common primary school and Bishopswood’s secondary provision at Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge School, Sonning Common.

As a small but strong community of people we are committed to providing outstanding teaching and learning for our pupils which is achieved by working in close partnership with our families, professionals, governors and the wider community to deliver a tailored and inclusive education for every pupil. 

Bishopswood School

Catherine King

recruitment@bishopswoodschool.co.uk

Grove Road
Denchworth Road
Sonning Common
Reading
RG4 9RH

Safeguarding Information

The Propeller Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

This role involves a high level of contact with children or vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check (including Barred List where applicable) and online searches for publicly available information.

We value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status or pregnancy/maternity.