Deputy Head - Culture and Engagement

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Join a Leading Trust in Education

Are you an experienced and strategic school leader with a passion for shaping positive culture and driving student engagement?

Thomas Bennett Community College is seeking a dynamic Deputy Head – Culture and Engagement to play a pivotal role in leading

behaviour, attendance, and the overall student experience. As part of The Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT), you will benefit from

strong leadership support, high-quality professional development, and collaboration across a network of schools committed to

excellence.

About Thomas Bennett Community College

Thomas Bennett Community College is a welcoming and inclusive secondary school in West Sussex, dedicated to delivering

high-quality education for all students. The school places equal importance on academic success, personal development, and strong

community values. Staff work within a supportive and ambitious environment where every student is encouraged to achieve their full

potential. As a member of TKAT, the college benefits from shared expertise, access to trust-wide initiatives, and a collective

commitment to continuous improvement.

The Role

Deputy Head – Culture and Engagement

* Provide strategic leadership for whole-school culture, behaviour, and student engagement, ensuring a safe, respectful, and

inclusive learning environment

* Drive high expectations across the school, leading improvements in attendance, behaviour, and student outcomes through clear

systems and consistent practice

* Use data effectively to monitor trends, evaluate impact, and inform decision-making, strengthening pastoral systems and

targeted interventions

* Work in partnership with staff, families, and external agencies to support student wellbeing, inclusion, and engagement

* Play a key role in whole-school improvement planning and contribute to the development of a rich extracurricular programme that

enhances student experience

What We’re Looking For

* A highly effective and experienced senior leader with a proven track record of impact at whole-school level

* Strong expertise in behaviour management, safeguarding, inclusion, and pastoral care, with a clear understanding of best

practice

* An excellent communicator who can inspire, influence, and build strong relationships with students, staff, and the wider

community

* A values-driven leader with a genuine commitment to equity, diversity, and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to

succeed

Why Join TKAT?

* Access to high-quality, trust-wide CPD and clear opportunities for career progression

* A supportive leadership environment with a strong focus on collaboration and continuous improvement

* A generous pension scheme and a range of wellbeing support initiatives

* Family-friendly policies designed to support a positive work-life balance

To find out more, visit our website or contact the school office on 01293 526255 or admin@tbcc-tkat.org [admin@tbcc-tkat.org]

Our Commitment

Safeguarding

We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are

expected to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to a rigorous safer recruitment process, including an

enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Flexible Working

We recognise the importance of supporting staff to balance their professional responsibilities with personal commitments. We

actively promote flexible working practices and aim to create an environment that supports wellbeing and sustainable work-life

balance.

Our Commitment – Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging

At Kemnal, we are committed to fostering a culture of Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging. We value and celebrate

differences, recognising the unique experiences and perspectives that each individual brings. We are dedicated to continuous

learning and growth as a community and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

Access to Interview

Be Who You Are at Kemnal – if you are invited to interview, please let us know if you require any adjustments to the recruitment

process. We are committed to ensuring all candidates can fully participate and present themselves authentically, and we will make

reasonable adjustments both during recruitment and within the workplace where possible.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Disability Confident

About Disability Confident

A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.