Deputy Headteacher – Specialist SEMH School
East London | September 2026 | Up to £80,000
As an experienced leader within mainstream or SEND, you want to create meaningful change for young people. However, sometimes your ability to lead with purpose and make lasting impact can be limited by the environment around you, this is an opportunity to change that.
This specialist SEMH school in East London has worked hard to build a culture that supports not only its students, but every member of staff within it. The leadership team are approachable, hands-on, and genuinely invested in creating an environment where staff feel valued, listened to, and supported to grow.
The students within this school may have experienced significant barriers in education, including SEMH needs, Autism, ADHD, and trauma-related challenges. The school’s therapeutic and nurturing approach allows young people to feel safe enough to rebuild trust in education and themselves.
As Deputy Headteacher, you will play a key role in shaping that journey.
You will work closely with the Headteacher and wider leadership team to drive teaching and learning, support staff development, oversee pastoral care, and ensure students receive the consistent and compassionate support they need to thrive.
This is a school where relationships matter. Staff work collaboratively, support one another, and share a genuine passion for helping young people succeed. The result is a strong sense of community throughout the school.
Experienced leaders joining this setting are supported fully. Whether your background is mainstream, SEND, or alternative provision, your ability to lead with empathy, resilience, and high expectations will be valued here.
The school is looking for someone who:
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Holds QTS and senior leadership experience
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Has strong knowledge of SEMH, SEND, and therapeutic practice
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Can inspire and support staff teams
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Believes in inclusive education and relationship-based approaches
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Wants to create long-term positive outcomes for vulnerable young people
This role offers:
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A supportive and forward-thinking leadership team
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Extensive CPD and career development opportunities
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A therapeutic and child-centred environment
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The opportunity to genuinely shape lives through education
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Salary up to £80,000
Working within SEMH education requires patience, compassion, and consistency. But the rewards are unlike anything else in education.
Understanding the challenges young people face and becoming part of the solution is a role that deserves enormous respect.
At Parker Smith Inclusion, we take pride in matching passionate SEND professionals with schools where they can truly make a difference and feel valued while doing so.
If you are interested in this position, please contact Luke Conner today.