Job Introduction
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 (Curriculum, Quality of Education & Outcomes)
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 Robert Ogden School is a truly exceptional place. A large, specialist independent school in South Yorkshire for autistic children and young people aged 5–19, offering a safe, respectful and inspiring environment where every learner is supported to achieve and thrive.
Our mission is simple and powerful: prepare young people for successful, confident and independent lives beyond school through a highly personalised, life shaping educational experience.
About the Role
We are seeking a dynamic, driven and visionary Deputy Principal to lead our whole school curriculum, teaching & learning and quality of education strategy. This is a role for an ambitious, values led senior leader who thrives on making a meaningful difference. Someone who wants their work to matter.
What You’ll Do
As Deputy Principal, you will shape the quality, ambition and impact of our educational offer. You will be the senior strategic lead for curriculum design, teaching and learning, assessment, qualifications, progress and outcomes. You will ensure our curriculum is aspirational, personalised, autism‑informed and coherently sequenced from 5-19.
Your leadership will directly influence pupils’ progress, independence, engagement and life pathways beyond school. You will be supported in this endeavour by Assistant Heads, subject leaders, our therapy team and the wider teaching team.
You will also deputise for the principal and play a central role in steering the school’s strategic direction.
What We’re Looking For
An exceptional leader. Someone with the credibility, drive and heart to help lead one of the UK’s largest specialist autism schools. You will bring:
- Substantial senior leadership experience: ideally as an established Deputy with a proven track record of whole school impact in a special school.
- Extensive expertise in teaching, learning, assessment and curriculum leadership: including designing and embedding ambitious, evidence informed curricula that meet the needs of autistic learners.
- A visionary and inclusive leadership style: a collaborative, compassionate and strategic approach rooted in autism informed practice, with the credibility to inspire, support and challenge staff.
- Professional resilience and creative flair: the confidence to lead within a large, dynamic, diverse and specialist setting.
Click here for the Job Description
This role is a permanent 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.
About our application process
When you write your supporting statement:
- Look at the job description and person specification.
- Tell us how your skills and experience match the role.
- Give examples if you can.
Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from those with a diagnosis of autism.
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
Agencies need not apply.
Please note the National Autistic Society are unable to provide sponsorship for Visas.