Deputy Headteacher - Inclusion (Chailey School)

Hours of work: 32.5 hours per week

Working pattern: Full-time, term-time only (working for 39 weeks per year plus 13 weeks annual leave, which will increase after 5 years' continuous service)

(As the position is term-time only, the above salary will be pro rata)

Closing date: 25 February 2026

For more information and to apply for the above post, please contact:

Chailey School

Mill Ln, South Chailey, Lewes BN8 4PU

Phone: 01273 890407

Email: srodd@chaileyschool.org

Website: Chailey School

Please note, we do not accept CVs.

Chailey School is seeking to appoint a Deputy Headteacher for Inclusion for September 2026. Chailey School is a very kind school. We model this in our day-to-day interactions with one another in our school community. We have a strong track record of academic achievement, as well as considerate pastoral care. This post is new, and focuses on the overall leadership of inclusion. The successful candidate will be responsible for all things inclusion, and directly line manage Assistant Headteachers with roles including safeguarding, behaviour, attendance, SEND, pupil premium, interventions, and inclusion by design.

The Headteacher will be hosting two tours on the following dates for any prospective candidates:

1) Friday 06 February 09:00am

2) Friday 13 February 09:00am

Experience and Key Qualities:

We welcome applications from experienced leaders or those looking for their first deputy headship.

Our ideal candidate will:

• Have experience of senior leadership within a school.

• Hold an NPQH or be open to obtaining the qualification.

• Have experience of working in a secondary school setting.

• Be an excellent communicator

• Be experienced in leading school improvement and strategy.

• Be able to lead on delivering an outstanding learning environment.

The Headteacher welcomes any informal conversations beforehand which can be arranged by contacting Mrs Serena Rodd via email.

Interview date: Wednesday 04 March 2026

East Sussex County Council is committed to equality of opportunity. We positively welcome applications from all sections of the community. This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will need to undertake, or currently hold, a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) clearance for this authority.

This post is covered by the Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018.

The school will need to ensure that they are not knowingly employing a person who is disqualified under the 2018 Regulations in connection with relevant childcare provision. Accordingly, the successful candidate will be required to demonstrate to the school, by completing a self-declaration form as part of the pre-employment checks process, that they have not been disqualified under the 2018 Regulations.

If the preferred candidate is found to be disqualified under the 2018 Regulations, the offer of employment will be subject to the application by the preferred candidate to Ofsted for a waiver and the receipt of a waiver from Ofsted.

Additional Information

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record.

All school based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children. All school staff should be aware of the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.