What skills and experience we're looking for
Would you relish the opportunity to be part of the leadership team in a highly inclusive and innovative establishment? Willow Bank School is an LA-maintained SEMH provision for pupils aged 8-16. We have recently moved into a purpose-built new building with outstanding facilities. We believe Willow Bank School is a centre of best practice for personal development, pastoral care and teaching and learning.
The previous Deputy Headteacher has been successful in their recent application for Headship. We are now seeking a talented successor who can help build on the schools’ achievements while bringing their own fresh ideas and distinctive style to Willow Bank School.We are looking for a Deputy Headteacher who has the drive, commitment and ability to support us in our next steps to outstanding.
As the new Deputy Headteacher, you will enjoy working closely with our Headteacher and a talented senior leadership team, benefiting from the support and challenge of an experienced and approachable governing board. The role includes day-to-day responsibility for much of the operational running of the school, helping to provide a great education for all and ensuring the wellbeing of our whole school community. The exact responsibilities will be negotiated with the successful candidate.
If you are a highly effective leader with a natural leaning towards collaborative working, who will help to fulfil the potential of staff and children alike, and you are able to use an adaptive style to best meet the needs of the whole school community, we would love to hear from you. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to be part of the next chapter in the development of Willow Bank School, shaping the lives of young people in St Helens.
In April 2022, Ofsted judged Willow Bank School as “Good”.
What the school offers its staff
- Supportive Governing Body with strong links to LEA agencies
- Support to complete NPQ qualifications
- An experienced and knowledgeable senior leadership team
- In-house Senior Mental Health lead to support staff wellbeing in addition to pupil oversight
Commitment to safeguarding
We follow clear safeguarding policies, which ensure the safety of the pupils within our care. Staff and volunteers at the school are DBS checked and national Safer Recruitment regulations are strictly followed. Health and Safety policies are in place with risk assessments carried out rigorously, both with regard to events and activities within school and those carried out off-site. Within the school, two senior members of staff are designated Child Protection officers and work with families, social services, and Children’s Disability Teams to ensure that our pupils are not at risk. All staff have been trained in child protection procedures.