SEN Deputy Headteacher Brand New School

Join Aurora Ravensfield School as Our New Deputy Headteacher

Location: Stratford St Mary

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Annual Salary: £58,569 L6 to £64,691 L10 (depending on skills and experience)

Ideal Start Date:  April 2026  

As part of our growth strategy; we're really pleased to be opening a brand new SEN School in Autumn 2026 – Aurora Ravensfield.  Based in Colchester this brand new school will have a proposed capacity of 82 students aged 5-19.

The "old School House" is situated in the picturesque village of Stratford St Mary and will service Essex and Suffolk local authorities.   The building will have a variety of classrooms and therapy spaces including a specialist Science and Cookery rooms. 

Are you an experienced educational leader with a passion for inclusive learning and student development? Aurora Ravensfield School is seeking a dedicated Deputy Head Teacher to join our Senior Leadership Team and help shape the future of our specialist SEMH provision.

This is a pivotal role for someone who thrives on strategic leadership, curriculum development, and inspiring both staff and students to reach their full potential.

About the Role

As Deputy Head Teacher, you'll work closely with the Head Teacher to lead and manage the school to the highest professional standards. You'll take strategic responsibility for teaching and learning, student assessment, and progress — while also deputising for the Head Teacher when required.

You'll play a key role in:

• Driving school improvement through effective planning and evaluation
• Leading on careers, employability, and work experience
• Supporting staff development, appraisals, and wellbeing
• Maintaining a teaching commitment and modelling best practice
• Building strong partnerships with parents, carers, and external agencies

What We're Looking For

• Qualified Teacher Status with leadership experience
• Proven track record of teaching excellence in a special needs environment (SEMH/ASD)
• Strong understanding of curriculum planning, assessment, and data analysis
• Experience in staff development, appraisal, and team leadership
• Knowledge of OFSTED requirements and current developments in special education
• Ability to inspire, support and lead through example 

It is an exciting time to be part of Aurora and this is a unique career opportunity to make your mark on our growing services.

What's on Offer at Aurora?

We believe in supporting you as much as we support the children and young people in our care. Here's a snapshot of the fantastic benefits waiting for you:

Grow with Us – Training & Development

Learning never stops at Aurora We offer a wide range of training programmes and career development opportunities to help you build your skills and reach your goals.

Save Money on Everyday Essentials

With the rising cost of living, our Perkbox app helps you stretch your money further:

• Discounts on groceries, phone plans, internet, dining out, gym memberships & more
• Access to our Cycle to Work and Car Scheme

Competitive Pay & Reward

We regularly benchmark our pay and benefits to stay ahead of the curve. You'll enjoy:

• Enhanced Annual Leave
• Company Sick Pay
• Pension
• Life Assurance

24/7 GP Access – For You & Your Household

Need a doctor? No problem. Book a phone or video appointment anytime, day or night. This service covers everyone in your household.

UK Health Cash Plan

Cover everyday healthcare costs like dental and optician bills. You and your children are included in the scheme, and you can upgrade to add your partner too

Employee Assistance Programme

Your wellbeing matters. Get confidential support on a wide range of issues, including:

• Freephone counselling (available 24/7)
• Online tools and resources

Refer a Friend – Earn £1,000

Know someone who'd be a great fit? Refer them and get rewarded(*Terms apply)

How to apply?

Please complete a full online application form.  If you need any assistance with completing your application form or for more information on this position please contact Karen in the Recruitment Team via email at karen.-aurora-  

Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks including an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check.1974 and the Aurora Group is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children."

The Aurora Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young adults in our care and is a disability confident and equal opportunities employer

This advert could be taken down at any point in time without prior notice if the position is filled. 

Please note that candidates that are shortlisted might be subject to an online search.