Deputy Principal

We are seeking an experienced, inspirational and values-driven Deputy Principal to join our Senior Leadership Team. Working in close partnership with the Principal, School Advisory Board and leadership colleagues, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the school and ensuring the highest standards of teaching, learning and pupil wellbeing.

Job details

Location

Dawn House School, Rainworth, Nottinghamshire

Salary

Leadership Pay Scale L12–L16 (£67,898 – £75,049)

Hours of work

Full time, term time

Contract

Permanent

Closing date

February 23, 2026

Role: Deputy Principal

Contract Type: Permanent, Full Time

Annual salary: Leadership Pay Scale L12–L16 (£67,898 – £75,049)

Required for April 2026

Role Overview

Dawn House School is an Ofsted Outstanding non-maintained day and residential school for children and young people with complex speech, language and communication needs.

Set in beautiful grounds near Sherwood Forest, Dawn House is part of Speech and Language UK, the leading children’s communication charity. We provide a highly specialist, integrated approach to education, therapy and care, enabling our pupils to thrive and achieve ambitious outcomes.

We are seeking to appoint well-qualified professionals of proven experience who, in close collaboration with the Principal, will:

• Provide high-quality professional leadership to ensure outstanding teaching, learning and pupil outcomes
• Deputise for the Principal and contribute to the strategic leadership and development of the school
• Lead and support the Education Team, promoting a shared vision, high expectations and continuous improvement
• Ensure the curriculum is ambitious, inclusive, needs-led and meets all statutory requirements
• Oversee monitoring, evaluation and improvement of teaching and learning across the school
• Lead on performance management, staff development, recruitment and induction within education
• Chair annual reviews and work closely with parents, local authorities and external professionals
• Promote a positive, inclusive and safe school culture where pupils and staff can thrive
• Contribute to Speech and Language UK’s wider strategic vision and values

The school provides a very rewarding working environment where employees are valued and there is a focus on staff welfare.

How to Apply

To apply please send the completed Application Form to School Business Administrator catherine.ingram@dawnhouse.org.uk

The closing date for this vacancy is 9am on Monday, 23 February 2026 with interviews taking place on Thursday, 26 February 2026

Please note that we will not close applications before this time and date as we recognise that candidates put in a lot of time and effort into making an application.

Informal enquiries about this post can be made to Jenny McConnell, Principal on
01623 795361, jenny.mcconnell@dawnhouse.org.uk Prospective candidates are warmly encouraged to visit the school prior to application. Please contact catherine.ingram@dawnhouse.org.uk for further details and to arrange convenient date and time.

Safeguarding

Speech and Language UK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We carry out appropriate vetting and verifications on all staff. Please find details of our safeguarding information and policy details Safeguarding – Dawn House

In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education the successful candidate’s employment is subject to an enhanced DBS and barred list check.

All shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online search covering content that is in the public domain.

Accessibility Support

We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. If you require any adjustments or need to apply in a different format, please contact our People Team at hr@speechandlanguage.org.uk and we will be happy to assist you. We are a Disability Confident Committed Employer.