Deputy Headteacher
Hazel Oak School, Solihull, West Midlands, B90 2AZ28 days remaining to apply
Start date details
Summer or Autumn Term 2026
Closing date
10 February 2026 at 9am
Date listed
13 January 2026
Job details
Job role
- Deputy headteacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Early years, Key stage 1, Key stage 2, Key stage 3, Key stage 4, Key stage 5
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- L18 - L22
What skills and experience we're looking for
Extensive leadership experience at senior level, AHT or DHT, or executive leader.
Leadership and management skills to improve the school’s outcomes
Outstanding classroom practitioner who can lead by example, supporting current evidence-based research.
Ability to motivate pupils and staff with a growth mindset and high expectations.
Ability to implement and manage positive change sustainably, inspiring and motivating all.
Working collaboratively with wider professionals and settings.
Experience of managing teams effectively to achieve a shared vision.
Ability to manage and deliver impact for school improvement.
Experience of supporting pupils with social, emotional and mental health challenges through a trauma informed approach.
Experience deploying evidence based strategies and best practice.
Detailed knowledge of current and contextual safeguarding legislation and practices.
Excellent organisational skills
Excellent time management skills
Ability to distribute leadership and delegate effectively, whilst addressing accountability and challenging underperformance.
Excellent abilities to work collaboratively with other school leaders in other settings and contexts.
Ability to use a range of communication systems with pupils and families of different abilities.
Ability to support staff whilst focused on high expectations of accountability.
Thorough understanding of SEND code of practice, including practical application of EHCPs.
Knowledge of assessment processes and data analysis as a key performance indicator for school self-evaluation.
Understand how theory of learning and the National Curriculum can be applied to meet the needs of all learners.
Practical understanding of a range of communication strategies.
Ability to liaise effectively with parents, staff, Governors and the local community
Excellent written, verbal, presentation and listening skills.
Ability to communicate effectively under pressure, modelling resilience and a solution focused approach.
Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with all stakeholders.
Fully embrace diversity and equity, promoting full inclusion, celebration of difference and representation of all stakeholders.
Knowledge of protected characteristics and how intersectionality can impact on individuals
What the school offers its staff
Supportive leadership team
Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and additional wellbeing support including GP access 24/7, physiotherapy, counselling and a wide range of other services
Further information about the job
We are seeking to appoint a Deputy Head Teacher to join our dynamic and experienced leadership team, to lead and develop our vibrant and inclusive special school, supporting a broad range of moderate to complex neurodiverse learners. We welcome applications from a broad range of backgrounds and experience leading within education. We celebrate belonging and the diversity of our population, celebrating difference as one of our strengths.
Hazel Oak supports a broad range of pupils with learning difficulties which include Autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, social, emotional and mental health, speech, language and communication difficulties, plus more complex and medical needs. Communication, wellbeing, life skills and the functional use of core skills are central to our curriculum, which brings real life experience into learning.
The successful applicant will have substantial leadership experience in senior roles within schools, managing teams of people effectively, and supporting staff to deliver high quality curriculum content and outcomes.
As an inspiring and creative teacher and leader, you will be able to support staff to deliver an adapted national curriculum to meet the diverse needs of our learners, developing staff pedagogy through collaborative team working, creating inspired experiences and cultural capital for all.
Alongside the Head Teacher, and three Assistant Head Teachers, you will be instrumental in driving the school’s development through research-based, aspirational and innovative training, coaching, peer and wellbeing support. You will also have a commitment to trauma informed, restorative practice, championing individual pupil needs, modelling high expectations to staff and pupils.
Hazel Oak is a supportive family team with a passion for progress, both in our pupils and our staff. Come and see what we can do to support your next challenge, pre visits are welcome.
Leadership structure:
Head Teacher & Deputy Head Teacher
3 x Assistant Head Teachers
Our vision: Having fun, discovering our place in the world, building relationships and overcoming challenges. Learning about life beyond the classroom to shape a successful future.
This is your chance to be a part of something special.
Contact Maisie Franklin, Headteacher’s PA via email:
s501mfranklin@hazel-oak.solihull.sch.uk for further details, or to arrange a visit.
Further information about the school can be found on our website:
www.hazel-oak.co.uk “Reaching for the Stars”
Closing date for applications is 9am on Tuesday 10th February 2026.
Hazel Oak School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure and Safer Recruitment checks, including on an online search.
Hazel Oak strives to be a fully inclusive school, supporting a diverse workforce with equity as a key priority. In supporting applications from neuro diverse applicants, we adapt recruitment processes to include all candidates.
We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender assignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
The post falls under the requirements of the Fluency Duty (part of the Immigration Act 2016) which makes it a requirement for all public sector workers operating in ‘customer facing’ role to be able to speak fluent English.
Commitment to safeguarding
Hazel Oak School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure and Safer Recruitment checks. Online checks will be undertaken for all candidates shortlisted for vacancies.
Applying for the job
Please complete the online application.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
Apply for this jobUpload additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Hazel Oak School
- School type
- Special school, ages 4 to 19
- School size
- 200 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 4 to 19
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Hazel Oak School website
- Email address
- s501egauntlett@hazel-oak.solihull.sch.uk
- Phone number
- 01217444162
Hazel Oak is an Outstanding learning environment, for pupils aged 4-19 years, who have a broad range of needs including Autism, ADHD, Downs Syndrome, social, emotional and behavioural challenges and a range of personal care and medical needs. We also support a growing number of pupils with mental health challenges.
Arranging a visit to Hazel Oak School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email s501egauntlett@hazel-oak.solihull.sch.uk.
School location
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