Please e-mail office@oakley.kent.sch.uk if you would like any of the information on our website in a different format.
Our children and young people are at the heart of everything we do.
A very warm welcome to Oakley School. We are the district Special School for children and young people from 3 to 19 years with a wide range of special educational needs located in our Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge (post-16) sites
Our Mission: Children and Young People at the heart of all we do.
Our Ethos: Work Hard, Be Kind, Have Fun & Stay Safe
Our Vision: To give all our children and young people opportunities to engage, explore, discover and develop their independence – to become confident, resilient, happy and well prepared for a positive and meaningful future.
At Oakley School we are ambitious for our pupils and offer a rich Creative Curriculum that is personalised and offers learning in school as well as in the community. Our skilled and dedicated staff team work very hard to make learning motivating, interactive, challenging and fun, whilst ensuring that all our children and young people feel safe, valued and self-confident. We promote “Skills for Life and Independence” so that when pupil leave Oakley School they are prepared for the next phase in their lives and have the best opportunities.
Pupils' wellbeing and engagement is central to all our decision making and how we structure our school and the interventions we use.
Our Wider Curriculum offers excellent enrichment activities including: lunch and after school clubs, curriculum trips and residential experiences in the United Kingdom and abroad. These opportunities provide pupils time and experiences to develop their life skills in new places and with different people in preparation for their next steps.
We work collaboratively across our school community with our Families, Therapists, NHS Colleagues and other professionals and external organisations to support and meet the needs of our pupils.
We hope that you enjoy your visit to our website, and that you find the information you are looking for. Please feel free to contact the school directly with any queries you may have. If you would like a paper copy of any of the information on our website, we would be happy to provide it, free of charge. Email office@oakley.kent.sch.uk
or call us on 01892 823096.
It is my privilege to be the Headteacher at Oakley School and we welcome you to visit the school so you can meet pupils and staff to experience our very special school.
Sam Perryman
Headteacher

Assistant Headteacher - Post 16
Maternity Cover
Leadership Range: L9-L14
This is an opportunity to join a highly effective leadership team.
The Assistant Headteacher will be based with Phase 4 (Post-16) and provide strategic and operational leadership for the achievement, curriculum and teaching across the Phase.
The candidate will ensure every pupil accesses an ambitious and personalised curriculum that builds on their Education, Health and Care Plan and prepares them for their Futures and Destinations. The role combines high expectations for learning with a strong focus on independence, employability, community participation, health and wellbeing, and successful transition beyond school.
Oakley School is an ambitious school that continually strives to develop excellent outcomes for pupils and their families.
We have an opportunity for a dynamic, enthusiastic and hardworking Assistant Headteacher to join our friendly, positive and collaborative team from, as we continue our journey.
The successful candidate will play an integral part in the Leadership Team, working with and supporting the school’s vision by leading, managing, supporting and developing pupils, staff and our school community. In addition to the duties expected from a member of the school’s Leadership Team the successful candidate will have specific responsibilities for:
Strategic Lead for Phase 4 (Post 16)
Phase 4 Lead for Achievement, Curriculum and Teaching
Futures & Destinations (Careers)
Designated Safeguarding Lead
to demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusive principles, support our ethos of providing a safe and positive environment for all our children and young people, enabling them to reach their full potential and develop their skills for life and independence
have excellent knowledge, expertise and experience of working with children and young people with SEND
be an excellent teacher and role model with a proven track record of supporting pupils’ progress
have outstanding interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to adapt to different situations
have strong leadership experience with the confidence and ability to hold others to account
have the ability to build and develop excellent working relationships with all stakeholders
have personal drive, resilience and be able to demonstrate enthusiasm and a positive attitude
to lead by example in setting a strong commitment to raising a culture where pupils experience a positive and enriching school life
deliver whole school and specific training as required
to work with and support the Governing Body
from time to time any other task that may be required by the Head Teacher
Visits to meet us are both encouraged and welcomed, please contact Zoey Hatch, School Business Leader zhatch@oakley.kent.sch.uk to arrange a visit.
As well as membership of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme, benefits include access to the Kent Rewards scheme.
If you are interested in the role, please look at our website for further information and how to apply: www.oakleyschool.co.uk or email recruitment@oakley.kent.sch.uk.
Please note that we are unable to accept CVs.
Closing date: 12pm on 2nd November 2026
Selection Process/Interviews will take place on: 9th November 2026