Deputy Headteacher at Holy Trinity CE Primary Academy (Handsworth)

At Holy Trinity, we believe every child deserves to be known, valued and cared for. Rooted in our Christian ethos and guided by our Latin motto ‘cura personalis’—care for the whole person—we are seeking an exceptional Deputy Headteacher to play a central role in the strategic leadership, operational management and continued improvement of the school as well as being the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) who will lead our provision for pupils with additional needs. Situated on the northern fringe of Handsworth, our school is a place of ambition and refuge. We serve a vibrant community with pride, celebrating the unique stories and strengths of every child and family. Our values—Community, Aspiration, Respect, and Excellence—shape every lesson, every interaction, and every decision.

The Role

Working in close partnership with the Headteacher, this is a key senior leadership position with whole-school responsibility for driving standards, shaping culture and ensuring that the school’s vision, values and strategic priorities are realised consistently across every aspect of school life. The successful candidate will act as a deputy to the Headteacher, providing professional leadership, operational oversight and day-to-day management of the school. This will include leading on school improvement priorities, contributing to strategic planning, supporting and holding staff to account, and deputising for the Headteacher when required. A key element of this role is the leadership of The DEN (Delivering Education through Nurture) — a cornerstone of Holy Trinity’s inclusive provision. The DEN provides targeted academic and SEMH interventions for pupils identified through classroom practice, pastoral insight or parental voice. The DEN enables staff to deliver personalised academic and SEMH curriculums in a safe, nurturing environment. The programmes offered aim to remove barriers to learning and make education accessible to all, particularly those with SEND or Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs. This is a non-class-based leadership role, enabling the postholder to focus fully on strategic leadership, SEND provision and the effective running of the school. As an exceptional practitioner, there will be potential opportunities to influence SEND practice beyond Holy Trinity within the wider collaboration of BDMAT schools.

Why This Role Is Different

This is not a SENCo role with a leadership title attached. This is a Deputy Headteacher role with SEND leadership as a central strategic portfolio.

You Will

• Shape the direction of the school.
• Influence teaching, culture and systems.
• Lead people, not just provision.
• Be part of a values-driven leadership team committed to transformation, excellence and care.

Whole-School Leadership

• Work alongside the Headteacher to articulate, embed and deliver the school’s vision, values and strategic direction.
• Provide professional operational leadership and contribute to the day-to-day management of the school.
• Deputise for the Headteacher as required, including leading the school in their absence.
• Lead and contribute to the School Development Plan, ensuring priorities are translated into sustained improvement.
• Monitor standards of teaching, learning, behaviour and inclusion across the school.
• Analyse school performance data and use it to inform leadership decisions and improvement strategies.
• Model the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and leadership presence.

Staff Leadership and Development

• Support, challenge and develop staff to ensure consistently high expectations and practice.
• Lead and contribute to staff CPD, coaching and professional development.
• Support middle leaders and subject leaders to develop their leadership capacity and impact.
• Contribute to performance management and appraisal processes.
• Foster a positive, ambitious and inclusive staff culture grounded in trust and accountability.

Culture, Behaviour and Safeguarding

• Help establish and sustain a strong culture of behaviour, belonging and aspiration.
• Ensure safeguarding is central to all aspects of school leadership and practice.
• Act as a senior safeguarding leader and uphold a strong culture of vigilance and care.

The SENCO Will

• Lead the strategic development of SEN provision across the school.
• Oversee and coordinate all interventions delivered through The DEN.
• Identify, assess, and support pupils with a variety of learning needs.
• Collaborate with teachers, pastoral staff, and families to create and implement individualised support plans.
• Provide training, resources, and guidance to staff to strengthen inclusive teaching practices.
• Liaise with external agencies, specialists, and exam boards to secure the best outcomes for pupils.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of SEN support and interventions.

We Are Looking For Someone Who

• Has a recognised SENCO qualification/ equivalent experience or is/wants to work towards it.
• Demonstrates a deep understanding of inclusive education and SEND legislation.
• Aligns with the values and ethos of a Church school.
• Is a skilled communicator, able to build trust with pupils, families, and professionals.
• Is committed to nurturing the whole child—intellectually, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
• Is reflective, resilient, and ready to lead with compassion and clarity.

We Can Offer

• A new, supportive and visionary leadership team.
• A school community grounded in Christian values and inclusive practice.
• A supportive and collaborative staff team.
• Pupils who are enthusiastic, confident, and full of potential.
• Opportunities for professional growth and meaningful impact.
• An opportunity to make a lasting impact in a school committed to transformation and care.

Holy Trinity CE Primary Academy is committed to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. This post is subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) enhanced disclosure certificate. Holy Trinity CE Primary Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) and therefore the ability to speak fluent spoken English is an essential requirement for this role.