Deputy Headteacher

The Role

Opened in September 2023, Gilbert Ward Academy is a purpose built, brand new, state of the art Academy, catering for children with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) as their primary area of need. At full capacity, Gilbert Ward Academy will provide education to 80 pupils aged 11-16 working between lower key stage two and key stage four.

Many of the pupils who attend Gilbert Ward Academy will have additional special educational needs, such as, autistic spectrum condition (ASC), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and speech and language communication difficulties. Pupils attending Gilbert Ward Academy may have, at some point, not had success or positive experiences in their education elsewhere. As a result – along with other factors – pupils will more than likely be working at a lower-than-expected key stage, relative to their age. Most pupils will be working at lower and upper key stage two and will be transitioning from primary schools.

Gilbert Ward Academy is delighted to announce an exciting opportunity for a Deputy Head Teacher to join our team. As a brand-new, state-of-the-art secondary age special school that opened its doors in September 2023, we are at the forefront of providing exceptional education for pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

Located in Blyth, Northumberland, our academy currently serves 30 pupils, with plans to expand our capacity to 80 pupils over the next two years. This expansion represents a unique chance for the successful candidate to play a crucial role in shaping our school’s provision and establishing a lasting legacy in the field of special education.

We are seeking an innovative, passionate, and dedicated individual to fill this pivotal role. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of leadership in a special school setting, a deep understanding of SEMH needs, and a commitment to creating an inclusive, nurturing, and dynamic learning environment for all pupils.

Joining us at this time offers the rare opportunity to contribute significantly to the development and success of our academy. You will be instrumental in finalising our school’s provision and establishing its reputation as a leading institution for SEMH education.

If you are ready to make a significant impact in the lives of our pupils and be part of a vibrant, forward-thinking community, we would love to hear from you.

This is a chance to be at the heart of something truly special. Be part of our journey at Gilbert Ward Academy, where together, we can create a brighter future for our pupils.

We can offer:

• A friendly and supportive team of staff across the Trust who are willing to share expertise and learn from one another
• Opportunities for career development and support with development through Trust wide CPD programmes
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and support from the Trust's Wellbeing Network Group
• Access to either Teacher's Pension or Local Government Pension Scheme
• An exciting and diverse learning environment where hard work and achievement are appreciated, acknowledged and celebrated
• A curriculum that is relevant to the needs of our pupils
• A well-resourced learning environment
• A supportive Trust, Trustees and Local Advisory Committee members
• Further professional development appropriate to the role

Full details can be found on our website https://www.prosperlearningtrust.co.uk/121/why-work-for-us

To learn more about this unique opportunity, Gilbert Ward Academy and Prosper Learning Trust, please visit https://www.prosperlearningtrust.co.uk/123/vacancies

Visits are encouraged so we can share our vision and principles, and discuss this post. Alternatively, you can request a confidential conversation with Barry Reed, Headteacher.

Visiting dates by appointment (to arrange a visit or a phone call please email admin@prosperlearningtrust.co.uk )

Please note: We can only accept CVs when accompanied by a fully completed application form

Closing date:  Noon, Friday 19 April 2024

Interview Dates: w/c 29 April 2024

To learn more about Gilbert Ward Academy and Prosper Learning Trust, please visit https://www.prosperlearningtrust.co.uk

Prosper Learning Trust was established in January 2018 with Newcastle Bridges School and Mary Astell Academy. Thomas Bewick School joined in 2019, Harry Watts opened in September 2020 and Gilbert Ward Academy opened in September 2023. We are striving to further build collaboration across the schools and grow as a Multi Academy Trust, whilst continuing to strengthen our relationships with schools outside the MAT for the benefit of our pupils.

The successful candidate will be deployed initially at Gilbert Ward Academy but will be expected to work at any Prosper Learning Trust site should the need arise.

Please note that all successful candidates will be required to complete an online pre-employment medical questionnaire.

Skills