About The Role
Are you a Life Changer? Do you want to lean in and transform the life of a child?
Compass Community puts children first through our therapeutic, innovative approach. Integrity, Courage and Care shape how we work. We listen deeply, challenge each other and fix what needs fixing, together.
This is the work. And we'd like you to be part of it.
Who We Are
Compass Community School Victoria Park is an Independent Specialist SEMH School that prides itself on having a "big heart" and consistently high standards for all. Based in Tipton, Sandwell, we are seeking a Deputy Headteacher with a strong understanding of Primary teaching and learning, including reading, phonics and foundational knowledge.
Our children come from a wide range of backgrounds, but all have Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH). Many also have additional Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including Autism, ADHD and communication difficulties.
The work we do is varied, rewarding and challenging. As a trauma and attachment informed organisation, all staff benefit from extensive therapeutic training and ongoing support.
Our child-centred approach ensures education and therapy professionals, parents and carers, local authority teams and students work together to secure outstanding outcomes for every child.
The Role
As a small specialist school, the Deputy Headteacher plays a key role in shaping outcomes, driving improvement and influencing the culture of the school. We are looking for a leader who shares our vision and embodies our values in every decision, interaction and relationship.
You will be supported by an experienced team, including the Deputy Director of Education, Executive Headteacher, administration and compliance teams, and a dedicated Head of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum. You will also work alongside school leaders from across the region and nationally, as well as a specialist Regional SENCO.
Compass leaders understand that schools do not operate in isolation. Building positive relationships with families, local authorities and external professionals is essential in creating lasting change for children and young people.
This role requires energy, resilience, sound judgement and a commitment to doing the right thing for every child. There will also be a teaching element to the role.
The Right Person
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- Proven record of consistently good or outstanding teaching
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability or willingness to teach a subject specialism to GCSE or vocational level
- Strong understanding of Primary education, including reading, phonics and foundational knowledge
- Commitment to inclusive practice within an emotionally literate environment
- Understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their impact on learning
- Experience managing challenging behaviour and supporting children with SEMH needs
- Proven experience delivering a creative and engaging curriculum that maintains high educational standards
- Experience working successfully with hard-to-reach or disengaged families
- A resilient, compassionate and solution-focused approach to leadership
Benefits and Rewards
- Staff laptop and mobile phone
- Competitive salary
- Extensive training and professional qualification opportunities
- Small class sizes with specialist TA support
- Opportunity to join a growing national organisation that develops and promotes its own leaders
- Enhanced occupational sickness scheme
- Flexible pension scheme
- Regular therapeutic and supportive supervision
- Employee benefits package including wellbeing services, salary sacrifice schemes, high street discounts and savings on eating out and takeaways
We regularly review applications and reserve the right to close this vacancy early should suitable candidates be identified.
Safeguarding
Compass Community Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.
Successful applicants will be required to obtain an Enhanced DBS check, or Enhanced DBS with Barred List check where appropriate, and complete all relevant safer recruitment and due diligence procedures, including social media screening.
All school-based staff have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people and must work in accordance with the school's Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy at all times.
Compass is an equal opportunities employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures and experiences, recognising that diversity strengthens our ability to support children and young people effectively.