Deputy Headteacher

At OFG Education we put wellbeing first by giving our teams more time to recharge

Job Title: Deputy Headteacher
Location: Copper Fields School, Gunnislake, PL18 9EH
Hours: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday
Rota: Monday 8:30-5:00, Tuesday to Friday 8:30-4:30
Salary: Up to £55,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent Term Time Only
Start: January 2027
UK applicants only - no sponsorship available

About the Role

Are you an experienced and passionate school leader looking for your next challenge? Do you believe every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of the barriers they face?

We're seeking an exceptional Deputy Headteacher to join our specialist school and play a pivotal role in shaping outstanding outcomes for students with complex needs, autism, and social, emotional and mental health needs. This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside an experienced leadership team, influence whole-school improvement, and help create an environment where both students and staff can flourish.

As Deputy Headteacher, you will work closely with the Headteacher to provide strategic leadership across the school, ensuring the highest standards of education, safeguarding, behaviour, and student wellbeing.

You will lead on curriculum development, teaching and learning, and positive behaviour support, while helping to drive continuous school improvement. Working collaboratively with education, clinical and care colleagues, you'll ensure every student receives the personalised support they need to achieve meaningful outcomes.

This is a highly rewarding role for a leader who is passionate about inclusion, enjoys developing others, and is committed to transforming lives through education.

What You'll Be Doing

Leadership & School Improvement

• Support the Headteacher in leading and developing all aspects of school life.
• Drive high standards of teaching, learning, assessment and student achievement.
• Lead curriculum development and implementation across the school.
• Monitor student progress and ensure ambitious outcomes for every learner.
• Model outstanding practice and promote a culture of continuous improvement.

Student Support & Safeguarding

• Lead on positive behaviour support and strategies that enable students to succeed.
• Work alongside clinical and multidisciplinary teams to implement effective support plans.
• Ensure safeguarding remains at the heart of all decision-making.
• Build positive relationships with students, families, carers and external professionals.

Staff Leadership

• Lead, motivate and develop staff through coaching, supervision and performance management.
• Support recruitment, induction and ongoing professional development.
• Foster a positive, accountable and collaborative team culture.
• Deputise for the Headteacher when required.

What We're Looking For

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a degree-level qualification
• Significant experience working with children and young people with autism, complex needs and/or behaviours that challenge
• Proven leadership experience within a school environment
• Experience of supporting school improvement and driving high standards
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding, SEND legislation and inclusive practice
• The ability to inspire, motivate and develop others
• Excellent communication, organisational and decision-making skills

Desirable Experience

• Experience of Ofsted or Estyn inspections
• Experience within a specialist or residential school setting
• Budget management experience
• Additional leadership qualifications

About Us

At OFG Education, we believe every student deserves an education designed around who they are. Through high expectations, deep expertise and truly personalised education, we help students realise their potential and prepare for successful futures.

Building on more than 20 years of experience, we are bringing our approach to more students and communities around the world. Across the UK, Iberia and the Gulf, our schools combine the strength, expertise and high standards of an international education group with the individuality of each school and the communities they serve.

Whatever your role, joining OFG Education means contributing to our shared ambition: empowering every student to success through truly personalised education.

About Our School

Copper Fields School is a specialist co-educational school in Gunnislake, Cornwall, supporting students aged 4-16 with autism, communication and language needs, and additional complex needs. In a nurturing and inclusive environment, students receive personalised support to develop academically, socially, and emotionally. Our broad and balanced curriculum, enriched by outdoor learning and local community experiences, fosters independence, confidence, and personal growth. Copper Fields celebrates every individual, empowering students to achieve their best outcomes and prepare for life beyond school.

We are proud to be a part of OFG Education who in 2025 were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place students 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 students 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.

OFG Education 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, OFG Education 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.