Head of Centre

Head of Centre

Dysart School is an Outstanding special school for 150 pupils aged 4 to 19 who have a range of severe and complex learning difficulties. The School has high expectations for its pupils and believe there is no limit to their potential. In addition, Dysart School runs two satellite sites next to mainstream schools in the local area to help meet the need for high-quality SEN places in the borough of Kingston. Dysart School is a progressive and innovative place to work and staff are offered opportunities through regular training and support to develop their own practice. To find out more about us visit our school website.

We are looking for a compassionate, visionary and experienced leader to take on the exciting role of Head of Centre at Discovery House. As Head of Centre, you will be responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the site, driving high-quality teaching and learning, embedding a nurturing culture, and ensuring exceptional outcomes for every student.

Key Responsibilities:

• To be responsible for the day-to-day running of the Dysart satellite provision

• To be responsible for ensuring that the vision and ethos at the satellite provision is aligned with the vision and ethos of Dysart school and of OHCAT

• To play a full and active role in supporting and promoting every aspect of the life of the satellite provision as well as the wider school, having due regard to the school’s aims, objectives and schemes of work, and school policies

• To accept the collective responsibility of the SLT and respect its confidentiality as required

• To keep abreast of developments within education and the special sector at local, national and international level

Key Requirements:

• Qualified Teacher Status (or QTS anticipated or GTP place secured)

• Additional qualification and/or training in relevant fields of SEN

• Recent experience of (minimum of 3 years) teaching pupils with special educational needs within a school setting.

• Recent leadership experience (minimum of 2 years)

Rewards & Benefits:

• Enhanced parental leave schemes

• Cycle to work scheme

• Season ticket loans

• Employee referral scheme

• Membership to Discounts for Teachers

• Discounted gym membership subscription including digital fitness

• Comprehensive training and development

• Access to counselling advice and support via Health Assured

• Commitment to wellbeing supported by our occupational health service and mental-health first aiders

• Scope for career progression across eight college centres, 14 academy schools and shared services team

• Pension scheme - the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or Teachers Pension Scheme (TPS) both of which have life cover and financial protection for your family.

Dysart School is part of Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust, an established family of specialist academies and college centres that provide for over 1500 pupils and students with a wide range of learning abilities and additional needs. To find out more about us, and what makes us a special place to work please visit our website

Closing Date: 11th May 2025

Interviews will take place on: 21st May 2025

Safeguarding Statement

Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all.