Deputy Principal - Academic - Full-time - Special Needs Position

Helen Allison School, Meopham

• Ref:KCC886-6046-203L
• Posted:11/03/2026
• Pay:L15 - L18
• Start Date:TBC
• App Close Date:20/03/2026 at 23:45
• Interviews:TBC

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To protect our autistic pupils and young adults within the National Autistic Society, all employees will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks which will include additional references and criminal background checks. 

Join Us as Deputy Principal - Academic

At the National Autistic Society, we offer many services to support autistic children and young people. We work to improve education, care, and experiences so they can reach their full potential. 

About the School
The purpose of our school is to help prepare young people to make a successful transition into adulthood with the confidence and the necessary skills to live as independently as possible and participate in their local community. Our aim is to enable pupils to be the best version of themselves by providing timely support within a safe and engaging learning environment whilst conveying our core values.

About the Role 

As Deputy Principal – Academic, you will support the Principal in leading the strategic direction of the school. You will hold full accountability for Inclusion and provide leadership for curriculum quality, teaching and learning, assessment, and pupil outcomes across the whole school.

What You’ll Do 

• Lead the strategic oversight of Curriculum, Teaching & Learning (including Post‑16).
• Drive inclusive practice across the school in line with the Ofsted framework.
• Lead assessment and progress‑monitoring systems and ensure high standards for pupil outcomes.

What We’re Looking For 

• Strong leadership and school‑improvement experience, including coaching and developing staff.
• Excellent understanding of the English National Curriculum and SEND, ideally with strength in primary English.
• QTS/QTLS (and a driving licence).

Click here for the Job Description

This role is a permanent, full-time contract for 35 hours per week.

What we can offer you 

• Pension– Auto-enrolled pension scheme. 
• Training– Great induction and training, including autism training. 
• Discounts– Online staff discount scheme for shopping, cycling, tech, and more (e.g., Asda, Tesco, Nike, Apple). 
• Healthcare– Cash plan for permanent staff. 
• Life Assurance– 2x your base salary. 
• Flexible Benefits– Options like private health, dental insurance, holiday trading, enhanced pension. 
• Support– 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme and counselling. 
• Mindfulness– Free Headspace app for you and up to 3 family/friends. 
• Blue Light Card– Eligibility for discounts. 

Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from autistic people.  

The National Autistic Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks. 

We are an equal opportunities employer and part of the Disability Confident Employer scheme.  

Please click here to view the safeguarding policy and please click here to view the policy and procedure for employment of ex-offenders.  

Important Information 

Please note the National Autistic Society are unable to provide sponsorship for Visas. 

Information about the school

Who we are:

The National Autistic Society is the UK’s leading charity for autistic people. Since 1962, we’ve been transforming lives, changing attitudes and helping to create a society that works for autistic adults and children.

We transform lives by providing support, guidance and practical advice for the 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK, as well as their three million family members and carers. Autistic people turn to us at key moments or challenging times in their lives, be it getting a diagnosis, going to school or finding work.

We change attitudes by improving public understanding of autism and the difficulties many autistic people face. We also work closely with businesses, local authorities and government to help them provide more autism-friendly spaces, deliver better services and improve laws.

We have come a long way but it is not good enough. There is still so much to do to increase opportunities, reduce social isolation and build a brighter future for people on the spectrum. With your help, we can make it happen.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Amelia Branch
• Address:Helen Allison School, Longfield Road, Meopham, Kent, DA13 0EW
• Telephone: 01474 814878
• Email: HRHub@nas.org.uk

Fax: 01474 812033