At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire students while shaping the future of our vibrant school community.
- Company: Forest Hill School, a thriving comprehensive school in south-east London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, personalised CPD, and modern facilities for excellent teaching.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to safeguarding and promoting student welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives and help establish a culture of excellence.
- Qualifications: Outstanding classroom practitioner with proven leadership experience and passion for student achievement.
The predicted salary is between 96594 - 105521 £ per year.
Deputy Headteacher
Permanent / Full time contract
Start Date: September 2026
Salary Range: L22 – L26 - £96,594 to £105,521 pa. (inner London)
Forest Hill School is a thriving and aspirational comprehensive school in south-east London, rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted in January 2024. We provide high-quality education to boys aged 11-18 and we are a community that is wholly reflective of this district of London, teaching pupils from all backgrounds and of all abilities. We also have a highly successful joint Sixth Form provision (SFH6) with Sydenham School for male and female students.
Forest Hill School is seeking to appoint an exceptional Deputy Headteacher to help shape our journey to excellence. It is an exciting time in the development of our school, and we are looking for a colleague committed to improving the life chances of our young people. A vibrant and truly comprehensive school, we have a wide-ranging curriculum to inspire our students and broaden their horizons. The post represents an exceptional opportunity for an ambitious leader to make their mark and help establish a culture of sustained excellence in a truly unique school.
The responsibilities of the post will be decided depending on the strengths of the successful candidate in the context of the senior team.
The successful candidate must:
- be an outstanding classroom practitioner
- be passionate about raising student achievement and aspirations
- be able to inspire and get the best from others
- show commitment to the school’s vision and ethos
- be creative, innovative and energetic
- have proven leadership experience and the potential to develop further
We offer:
- The opportunity to work in a high achieving and truly comprehensive community school which challenges the stereotypes of underachieving boys
- A personalised CPD programme that offers a range of opportunities which seeks to support your future development
- Modern, state of the art facilities, including the technology and resources to support excellent teaching
We are actively working to create an inclusive and diverse Senior Leadership Team. Outstanding learning and teaching lie at the heart of every successful school and we place a high premium on this. You will be required to teach as part of your role and at interview.
Please visit our website at https://foresthill.lewisham.sch.uk/ to make direct online applications, which must be returned to vacancies@foresthillschool.co.uk. Note: we do not accept CVs and all applications must be submitted on the Lewisham Teachers Application Form which is available on the School Website. Informal visits are welcome and should be arranged directly with the Heads PA, Vicky Brown.
Closing date for applications is 5pm on Tuesday 12th May with interviews scheduled over two days on Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st 2026.
Safeguarding Statement: Forest Hill School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and is subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure.
Equal Opportunities Statement: Forest Hill School is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all members of the community, regardless of gender, age, marital status, disability, ethnicity, religion, belief or sexual orientation.
Forest Hill School - Deputy Headteacher employer: Borough of Lewisham
Contact Detail:
Borough of Lewisham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Forest Hill School - Deputy Headteacher
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Forest Hill School's ethos and values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or at local education events. They can provide insider info about the school culture and what they’re really looking for in a Deputy Headteacher.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how your leadership style aligns with the school's vision. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've raised student achievement and inspired others in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Forest Hill team.
We think you need these skills to ace Forest Hill School - Deputy Headteacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the School: Before you start writing, take a good look at Forest Hill School's ethos and values. We want to see how your vision aligns with ours, so make sure to highlight your commitment to improving student achievement and aspirations.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We’re looking for someone who can inspire and lead, so be specific about your experiences and how they relate to the role of Deputy Headteacher. Show us what makes you the perfect fit!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the Lewisham Teachers Application Form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences.
Follow the Application Process: Make sure to apply through our website and use the correct application form. We don’t accept CVs, so stick to the guidelines provided. This shows us you can follow instructions and are serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Lewisham
✨Know the School's Vision
Before your interview, take some time to really understand Forest Hill School's vision and ethos. Familiarise yourself with their recent Ofsted report and think about how your values align with theirs. This will help you articulate why you're a great fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Deputy Headteacher, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've inspired and motivated others in previous roles. Think about specific situations where you've raised student achievement or improved teaching practices, and be ready to discuss these in detail.
✨Engage with the Curriculum
Since the role involves teaching, brush up on the curriculum offered at Forest Hill School. Be prepared to discuss how you would contribute to it and any innovative ideas you have for engaging students. Showing that you’re proactive about enhancing the learning experience will set you apart.
✨Prepare for Practical Demonstrations
Expect to demonstrate your teaching skills during the interview. Plan a short lesson or activity that showcases your ability to engage students and deliver content effectively. Practising this beforehand will help you feel more confident and make a lasting impression.