Deputy Headteacher

At OFG, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy!

How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four*?

Our colleagues’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at OFG, so we’re always looking for new ways to improve everyone’s work/life balance. We’re taking part in a trial of the 4-Day Working Week, meaning that you could be working one day less a week (or equivalent).

If the trial is a success, we’ll be rolling the 4DWW out across the Group – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join #teamOFG!

Job Title:       Deputy Headteacher  

Location:       Castle Garden School, Pewley Hill, Guildford

Salary:      Up to £55,000.00 per annum

Hours:          40 hours per week, Monday - Friday 

Contract:       Permanent, Term Time only

Start date:  April 2025 or sooner if available

As part of our continued growth, we now have a fantastic opportunity for a Deputy Headteacher to join our close-knit team at Castle Garden School, part of Options Autism.

About the role

To provide a high-quality education service for our students in accordance with Company policies, procedures and practices and the standards set by the Regulatory Body. To work with the Head Teacher, leadership team and other stakeholders to secure high standards throughout the school.

Key Task Areas and Responsibilities

• To comply with good safeguarding procedures and principles as detailed by the local safeguarding board
• To participate in the process of assessment of referrals
• To act as overall curriculum coordinator and manager across the school
• To act as the lead teacher for the positive support of behaviour that may challenge
• To work as a key member of the multi-disciplinary team which encompasses education, residential care and the clinical team
• To monitor progress and targets to ensure that each individual student can achieve planned outcomes

Essential criteria

• Relevant experience of teaching students with Autistic spectrum condition and/or challenging behaviours
• Relevant experience of teaching pupils with complex needs
• Experience of managing staff
• Managing budgets effectively and ensuring cost efficiency
• Degree and QTS

About us

Castle Garden School is a brand-new independent specialist school for pupils with autism between 5 - 11 years of age.

Castle Garden School strives to provide effective, specialist education and support to autistic pupils and their families, which will allow pupils to achieve their full potential in education and life. Located in the town centre of Guildford, the school provides primary education and offers a unique mix of education and support to pupils within a wide spectrum of needs and abilities. Personalised teaching and learning in an autism specific environment allows pupils’ individual needs to be addressed completely and their capabilities fully realised.

Castle Garden School is part of Outcomes First Group. The group is a leading national provider of outcomes-led learning, life skills and therapeutic care for pupils and adults with autism, complex needs and social, emotional and mental health difficulties.

For over 16 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Why join Options Autism?

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support. 

And that’s not all, we place the outcomes of the individuals in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy.