Deputy Principal

A ‘once-in-a-career’ opportunity is available to join the brand-new Tiffield Academy as its inaugural Deputy Principal.

Tiffield Academy, an all-through special free school for autistic students who have severe learning difficulties (SLD) and Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SCLN), will open its doors in September 2025 in a purpose-built new building, and you could be at the forefront of its success. You will drive high-quality curriculum practice and lead teaching, learning and assessment across the academy.

We’re looking for an exceptional leader who: 

• Is excited about providing the very best education for students with complex special educational needs and has significant experience of working with autistic students
• Is passionate about developing an aspirational curriculum which is adapted to the needs of individuals and focuses on what’s really important
• Has experience of developing a curriculum for students who are working at the earliest stages of the National Curriculum or are not yet ready for subject-specific learning
• Is able to inspire leaders, teachers and support staff to use a range of evidence-based teaching strategies and is committed to supporting the professional development of their team
• Is able to collaborate with the team of professionals working around the students and engage with stakeholders, including therapists, the Local Authority and care workers
• Can contribute to the vision, organisation and academy improvement to ensure a high level of performance across the Academy 
• Has an effective leadership style that encourages innovation and confidence and builds a positive culture amongst staff 
• Can build positive relationships with staff, students and families alike 
• Is able to demonstrate the values that underpin our approach to supporting students 

About us

Tiffield Academy will be the newest addition to the special academy portfolio within the very successful Greenwood Academies Trust. The academy will open its doors in September 2025, welcoming up to 140 students in its first year and growing to 230 students over subsequent years. 

The purpose-built new building has been designed with the students’ needs at the forefront of everyone’s thoughts, with good-sized classrooms, quiet spaces for group work and calming spaces, as well as sensory rooms. There will be dedicated rooms for Food Technology, Art and Science as well as workspaces for staff. Thought has been put into the exterior design, too, including an outdoor games area, sensory garden and horticulture area planned. 

In return

Joining a successful multi-academy trust, you can expect comprehensive CPD and a future that could take you anywhere. You will have specific support from the Greenwood Academies Trust network of experts working to a Special Academy Improvement, Support and Quality Assurance framework and will have access to a range of informal support and professional development. We believe in looking after the people who make a huge difference to our children, their families and the communities we serve. That’s why we give everyone who joins a Perkbox account – with 24/7 access to perks and discounts, plus curated wellbeing tools to look after your physical and mental health. It’s part of our commitment to look after you.

Here's what you can look forward to:

• Hundreds of global and local perks, available online 24/7
• Shopping discounts from the biggest brands, all year round
• Saving money on everything from the supermarket shop to summer holidays
• A free Employee Assistance Programme from Vivup

Informal conversations about the role and visits to our open special academies are encouraged; please get in touch with Sarah Martin, Education Director: Special Academies, sarah.martin@greenwoodacademies.org for further information. 

For further information, please click here.

Closing date: 13 January 2025.

Interview date: 20 January 2025.

If this post attracts sufficient interest before the closing date, we may decide to close and interview this vacancy at an earlier date, so an early application is advised.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff to share this commitment. All posts will be subject to receipt of satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure, medical and reference checks. All pre-employment checks are in line with "Keeping Children Safe in Education”.

The Trust welcomes applications from all, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, age or sexual orientation.

All applicants must be able to provide evidence of their Right to Work in the UK prior to commencement of employment. As part of our need to comply with UK immigration rules, you will be required to provide Home Office stipulated documentation prior to interview.