Deputy Headteacher (SEN / SEMH / Alternative Provision)

Deputy Headteacher (SEN / SEMH / Alternative Provision)

Location: South East London
Salary: From £60,000 per annum (DOE)
Contract: Full-Time | Permanent
Start Date: September 2026 (or sooner by agreement)
Closing Date: 30th July 2026

Luma Education Recruitment is supporting an ambitious and growing specialist school in South East London to appoint an experienced Deputy Headteacher. This is an exciting opportunity to join a developing provision supporting secondary-aged pupils with SEMH needs, SEND, and barriers to mainstream education.

The school is part of an expanding organisation with a strong vision for specialist education, offering excellent opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and long-term career progression.

Key Responsibilities:

Support the Headteacher with the strategic and operational leadership of the school

Drive high standards of teaching, learning, behaviour, and pupil outcomes

Lead and develop staff through coaching, mentoring, and performance management

Promote a positive, nurturing, and inclusive culture across the school

Work closely with families, local authorities, and external professionals

Contribute to curriculum development and quality assurance processes

Ensure safeguarding, compliance, and SEND provision remain at the highest standard

Requirements:

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Proven leadership experience within SEN, SEMH, Alternative Provision, or specialist education settings

Strong understanding of SEND legislation and inclusive educational practice

Experience supporting pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs

Excellent communication, organisational, and people management skills

A passion for improving outcomes for vulnerable young people

Benefits:

Salary from £60,000 per annum

Teachers' Pension Scheme

Comprehensive CPD and leadership development opportunities

Regular specialist training and professional learning

Supportive and collaborative senior leadership team

Genuine long-term progression opportunities within a growing organisation

Opportunity to shape and influence an expanding specialist provision

Wellbeing-focused culture and employee support initiatives

About Luma Education Recruitment

Luma Education Recruitment specialises in connecting talented education professionals with schools and specialist provisions across the UK. We recruit for a wide range of positions, including Teachers, SEN Specialists, Middle Leaders, Deputy Headteachers, Headteachers, and Executive Leadership roles.

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.

To discuss this opportunity or apply, please send your CV to or call (phone number removed).

Looking for a different leadership opportunity? Get in touch to discuss our current vacancies across SEN schools, Alternative Provision settings, independent schools, and specialist education providers nationwide
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed