Deputy Headteacher
Churchward School, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN25 2PP9 days remaining to apply
Job start date
1 September 2026
Closing date
19 April 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
10 April 2026
Job details
Job role
- Deputy headteacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- £71,330 - £78,702 (L14 - L18) per annum
Deputy Headteacher job summary
Brunel Academies Trust is seeking to appoint an exceptional and forward-thinking Deputy Headteacher to join Churchward School—a thriving and expanding special school for students aged 11–19 with Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) and/or Social Communication and Interaction Difficulties (SCID).
This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside our newly appointed Headteacher, contributing to the next phase of the school’s development and helping to shape its future direction.
Churchward School operates across three sites in Swindon (Town Centre, Lydiard Millicent, and William Morris Way, Tadpole) and plays a vital role in delivering high-quality, specialist education within our growing Trust. Founded on the principle of “Recognising strengths, gaining skills, achieving success,” the school is deeply committed to enabling every student to thrive.
Approved by the Department for Education in 2016 and opened in September 2018, the school provides secondary and sixth form places for students with autism and associated social communication difficulties. The team are dedicated to supporting our students to overcome challenges and achieve positive outcomes through a strong focus on social development, alongside academic, nurturing and vocational learning. This is delivered through bespoke curriculum pathways and therapeutic packages tailored to each individual.
As Deputy Headteacher, you will play a pivotal strategic role in leading both the educational and operational success of the school. You will work in close partnership with the Headteacher, supported by a strong and collaborative Senior Leadership Team that includes four specialist Assistant Headteachers, as well as Trust leaders and central support teams, to drive a shared vision of excellence, inclusion and high expectations for every student.
About You:
We are looking for a passionate and experienced leader who:
· Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
· Has proven senior leadership experience within a SEND setting
· Demonstrates a clear vision for inclusive education and school improvement
· Has strong leadership, communication and organisational skills
· Can inspire, challenge and support both employees and students to achieve their best
· Is committed to safeguarding, wellbeing and continuous professional development as an experienced practitioner
About Brunel Academies Trust
Churchward School is proud to be part of Brunel Academies Trust, a growing educational community driven by the belief that there are no barriers, only potential. We are values driven, and we strive to Be Kind, Be Brave, Be Honest, Be Imaginative and Be Inclusive.
Across our SEND, Church of England and mainstream schools, we are committed to significantly improving the life chances and outcomes for all our children and young people.
For full details of the role responsibilities and person specification, please refer to the accompanying job description.
We would highly encourage scheduling a tour at Churchward School, please contact the office at 01793 209198 and schedule a tour with Debra Scholes.
Interview: 29.04.2026
Benefits
Whether through continuous professional development, personal and impartial support, or exciting discounts to enjoy with friends and family, Brunel Academies Trust have a package of excellent benefits which are available to all employees, including:
- Support on continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities
- Brunel Perks – exclusive discounts on a range of products and retailers from cinema tickets, food shopping and holidays
- Carefirst – impartial counselling service in person, by video call or phone as well as a citizen’s advice function for advice and support on personal or professional queries
- Excellent pension scheme
- Free on-site parking
- Annual pay progression opportunities
- Continuous Service date honoured
Brunel existing employees, please contact the Resourcing Office for an internal application.
Safeguarding Statement
Brunel Academies Trust is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people (CYP) and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointment is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check, references and medical clearance. All references will be obtained prior to interview in line with Safer Recruitment and KCSIE, and further references may be sought as deemed necessary.
Brunel Academies Trust is dedicated to the vision of having a diverse workforce and is committed to building a team that reflects diversity from the communities it serves. We value the contributions of all colleagues from a wide range of backgrounds and actively seek to promote an environment which is free from discrimination and harassment; which at the same time supports fair promotion and cultural acceptance.
Under the provision of the Equality Act 2010, Brunel Academies Trust welcomes applications from everyone and operates a recruitment process that is fair and does not discriminate against or disadvantage anyone because of their age, pronouns preference, disability, gender reassignment status, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy, paternity or maternity, race or nationality, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
In order for your application to be formally considered, we require a fully completed application form in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education & Safer Recruitment. This must include your education history, qualifications with dates and an unbroken employment history from leaving full time education to present day (with gaps accounted for). Please make sure all gaps in employment are explained in the box provided.
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
Brunel Academies Trust is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointment is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check, references and medical clearance.
Under the provision of the Equality Act 2010, Brunel Academies Trust welcomes applications from everyone and operates a recruitment process that is fair and does not discriminate against or disadvantage anyone because of their age, pronouns preference, disability, gender reassignment status, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy, paternity or maternity, race or nationality, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
Applying for the job
This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on external website (opens in new tab)About Churchward School
- School type
- Free School, ages 11 to 19
- School size
- 127 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 19
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Churchward School website
Churchward is a special school, rated Good by Ofsted in 2023, for young people aged 11-19 with Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and/or Social Communication Interaction Disorders (SCID).We are an inclusive and aspirational community where, built on absolute integrity, learning for life is holistic and specifically tailored to the needs of young people with social and communication challenges. Through our personalised approach and high expectations, we strive to ensure all students really achieve their potential helping to create positive young people equipped with life and work skills for a sustainable and fulfilled future.
School location
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