Vice Principal

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; Its main site, located in Surbiton, is bright and well equipped to support the development of its pupils including Early Years classrooms with outdoor learning spaces, a dedicated post-16 hub, accessible swimming pool, sensory room, soft play and adventure play areas and generous grounds equipped for play and outdoor learning.

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.

We are seeking to appoint a Vice Principal, the successful applicant will have significant experience of working at senior leadership level, drive, creativity and a passion for teaching and learning to be able to support the school to continue to develop and evolve, ensuring that our learners remain at the heart of everything we do. Experience of working with pupils with SEN is essential. It is imperative that you have high expectations, a sense of humour, a love of challenge and a determination to make a difference to the lives of our fantastic children.

Key Responsibilities:

• To create, develop and maintain a high-quality educational environment for pupils with severe and complex learning disabilities, including Autistic Spectrum Disorder

• To ensure the continued development of the school and make a significant contribution to high quality organisation, leadership and management

• To play a full and active role in supporting and promoting every aspect of the life of the school

• Accept the collective responsibility of the SLT and respect its confidentiality when this is agreed to be necessary

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

Key Requirements:

• Qualified Teacher Status

• Substantial and recent experience of teaching pupils with severe & profound learning disabilities, including those on the autistic spectrum

• Experience of supporting pupils with SLD across the full age-range.

• Experience of working effectively with young people who present with challenging behaviour

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.

Closing Date: 11th May 2025

Interviews will take place on: 22nd 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.