At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead teaching and learning, support colleagues, and develop an inclusive curriculum.
- Company: Abbey School, a vibrant and community-focused educational institution.
- Benefits: Strong commitment to staff well-being, professional development, and flexible work-life balance.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education and inspire every child to succeed.
- Qualifications: Experienced primary practitioner with strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
The predicted salary is between 47185 - 131056 £ per year.
We are offering a rare opportunity to join our stable, highly successful and forward-thinking leadership team from January 2027. With excellent outcomes, a strong inclusive culture and a well-established curriculum, we are seeking an ambitious and reflective leader to help guide the next phase of Abbey’s development.
The successful candidate will be an experienced and highly effective primary practitioner. You will model excellent classroom practice, support colleagues to continually strengthen their teaching, and play a key role in sustaining and further developing our ambitious, carefully sequenced curriculum.
You will provide leadership for teaching and learning across the school, contributing to school improvement and ensuring that teaching, assessment and professional development continue to secure strong outcomes for pupils. A strong understanding of safeguarding, alongside excellent interpersonal skills, will be essential as you work collaboratively with staff, families and external partners.
Inclusion will sit at the heart of this role, and we are seeking a leader who believes that every child can succeed. You will bring experience of developing inclusive classroom practice, supporting pupils with additional needs and working proactively with colleagues to remove barriers to learning.
If you value teamwork, build strong relationships and inspire others, this is an exciting opportunity to work closely with the Headteacher and wider leadership team to shape the future of our thriving school and build on its exceptional foundations.
What the school offers its staff:
- A warm, community-focused school ethos, where teamwork, kindness and professional support are at the heart of daily life.
- A strong commitment to staff well-being and work-life balance, with flexibility for personal events when needed.
- A personalised programme of professional development, enabling you to deepen your expertise, grow as a leader and progress in your career.
- Access to Trust-wide collaboration and networking, with close links to Glenthorne High School and Aragon Primary School through the Willow Learning Trust.
- Staff benefits including Benenden Healthcare, the Cycle to Work Scheme and the Legacy Childcare Voucher Scheme.
- A culture that values innovation, shared learning and professional trust, ensuring staff feel empowered to make a meaningful contribution.
If you are excited by the opportunity to join our team, we would love to hear from you. Visits to the school are warmly encouraged - come and see for yourself what makes Abbey such a vibrant, rewarding and inspiring place to work. Please email Sylvia Finn, our Office Manager, at office@abbey.sutton.sch.uk to arrange a tour of the school with our Headteacher, Andrea Stirling-Williams.
Deputy Headteacher employer: Abbey Primary School
Abbey School is an exceptional employer, offering a warm, community-focused ethos where teamwork and kindness are paramount. With a strong commitment to staff well-being and professional development, employees benefit from a flexible work-life balance and access to collaborative opportunities within the Willow Learning Trust. Join us in shaping the future of education while being part of a vibrant and inspiring environment that values innovation and inclusivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Headteacher
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school before applying! We recommend visiting Abbey to get a feel for the environment and culture. This will not only help you tailor your approach but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current staff or alumni from Abbey through social media or professional networks. They can provide insights that could give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your leadership style! Think about specific examples where you've made a difference in teaching and learning. We want to see how you can contribute to our ambitious curriculum and inclusive practices.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Abbey.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Headteacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for education and leadership shine through. We want to see how excited you are about the opportunity to make a difference at Abbey!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in primary education and leadership. We’re looking for someone who can model excellent classroom practice, so share specific examples of how you've done this in the past.
Emphasise Inclusion:Since inclusion is at the heart of this role, be sure to discuss your experience with developing inclusive practices. We want to know how you've supported pupils with additional needs and worked to remove barriers to learning.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Abbey Primary School
✨Know the School Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Abbey's ethos, values, and curriculum. Understanding their commitment to inclusion and community will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for. Plus, it shows genuine interest!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your leadership experiences and how you've supported colleagues in improving their teaching practices. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to inspire and guide others, especially in developing inclusive classroom environments.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle various situations, such as supporting pupils with additional needs or fostering collaboration among staff. Think of real-life scenarios where you’ve made a positive impact and be prepared to share those stories.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking insightful questions about the school’s future plans or professional development opportunities. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.