Deputy Headteacher - Full-time - Special Needs Position

Danecourt School, Gillingham

• Ref:MED887-7031-205L
• Posted:28/04/2026
• Pay:Medway L18 - L23
• Start Date:September 2026
• App Close Date:13/05/2026 at 10:00
• Interviews:18th May 2026

Advert

Join Danecout School as a Deputy Headteacher! Lead with purpose. Shape the future. Transform lives through inclusive education. 

This is a rare and exciting opportunity for an experienced senior leader to join Danecourt School at a pivotal point in its development.

Danecourt is a large, well-established primary special school supporting almost 300 pupils with complex needs across three sites. We are preparing for a significant expansion, extending our age range from 11–19 with a new secondary provision opening in 2028.

We are seeking a dynamic Deputy Headteacher to join our senior leadership team and play a key role in shaping this next phase. This is both a strategic and operational role, offering the opportunity to influence whole-school improvement and future growth.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the Headteacher with school improvement, strategy and governance
• Leading pastoral provision and whole-school wellbeing
• Contributing to curriculum development, assessment and personalised learning
• Providing operational leadership across multiple sites
• Leading, coaching and developing staff
• Supporting the development of the new secondary provision
• Building strong partnerships with families and external professionals

You will be a visible and inspiring leader, committed to inclusive practice and achieving the very best outcomes for pupils with complex needs.

• Who You Are

  We are looking for a leader who:

  • Has proven senior leadership experience in special education
  • Has experience within a secondary setting
  • Understands curriculum, assessment and personalised learning for complex needs
  • Can lead and inspire teams with clarity, empathy and high expectations
  • Is committed to safeguarding, inclusion and improving life chances
  • Has strong organisational and strategic leadership skills
  • Is resilient, reflective and values-driven

What We Offer

Danecourt offers an ambitious, inclusive environment where leaders can make a genuine difference.

• A supportive and experienced leadership team
• A unique opportunity to shape a growing school and new secondary provision
• The chance to make meaningful impact at scale for pupils with complex needs
• Access to Trust-wide leadership development and networks
• Opportunities to lead innovation in SEND education
• Strong multi-disciplinary working with therapists and external partners
• Access to specialist facilities and resources
• High-quality CPD and leadership development
• A strong sense of purpose, influencing outcomes, culture and staff development

Ready to Make a Difference?

We welcome visits to the school — please contact 01634 232589 to arrange.

For full details, see the Candidate Information Pack. Apply via My New Term. Early applications are encouraged and we may appoint before the closing date.

Danecourt School and the Maritime Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to an Enhanced DBS check and online checks in line with safeguarding guidance.

Information about the school

Danecourt School is part of the Maritime Academy Trust, an innovative partnership of schools in Greenwich, Bexley, Kent, and Medway. Across the Trust, we believe in transforming education through collaboration, creativity, and an entrepreneurial curriculum that equips children with essential life skills.

At Danecourt, we are proud to be a specialist primary school for pupils with a wide range of needs — including complex learning difficulties and autism. Every child here is valued, supported, and challenged to achieve their personal best.

Our mission is to help all pupils become “STARS” -

S - Self reliant T - Team Players A - Aspirational R - Resilient S - Successful

We achieve this through a personalised curriculum tailored to each child’s individual needs. Our highly trained and dedicated staff have the highest expectations for every pupil — celebrating difference, encouraging curiosity, and unlocking potential in every lesson.

Collaboration sits at the heart of all we do. We work closely with families, carers, and specialist agencies to ensure every child thrives academically, emotionally, and socially. Pupil progress and achievement are celebrated in meaningful ways that reflect the uniqueness of each learner.

If you’re interested in joining our community, we warmly welcome you to visit us — meet our pupils and staff, see our approach in action, and experience the truly special atmosphere that defines Danecourt School.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Maritime Academy Trust
• Address:50 John Harrison Way, Greenwich, London, SE10 0BG
• Telephone: 020 8858 0394
• Email: recruitment@maritimeacademytrust.org

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Application Pack