Deputy Headteacher - Carisbrooke College

HISP Multi Academy Trust is inviting applications for the role of Deputy Headteacher at Carisbrooke College. We are seeking to appoint a dedicated and forward‑thinking professional who is an innovative, resilient and inspirational leader, with a strong commitment to excellence and high aspirations for every pupil.

About HISP: We are a medium‑sized, values‑led Trust united by a shared moral purpose: to transform lives through education. Originally founded in 2020, we have expanded to include eight schools across the South of England and the Isle of Wight. We believe in building excellent educational environments that inspire and unlock potential in all our school communities. Our schools retain their unique identities but collaborate closely through Trust‑wide networks spanning teaching, safeguarding, inclusion and leadership. We believe in stewardship—taking collective responsibility for the long‑term success of our people, schools and communities.

The Role: The Deputy Head Teacher role at Carisbrooke College offers a unique leadership opportunity within a dynamic school serving students aged 11 to 16. This position is pivotal in supporting the Head Teacher in implementing the vision for the school. The role‑holder will be expected to fulfil the professional responsibilities of a headteacher; when the headteacher is absent, the post‑holder will deputise as the operational figurehead. In relation to curriculum and teaching, the successful candidate will ensure consistent implementation of the school’s vision and strategy for high quality, inclusive education, with a particular focus on driving school improvement and managing the complexities of a diverse student body, including those with significant special educational needs and disabilities. The role‑holder will navigate the challenges of a school undergoing transformation, working closely with governors, staff, and external stakeholders. They will also play a key role in developing emerging leaders within the school and will have the opportunity to teach, maintaining credibility and direct engagement with students.

The Candidate Profile: This role is ideal for an ambitious and experienced leader who aspires to progress to headship in the next few years, supported by a strong trust infrastructure and a clear pathway for professional growth. The position offers the choice of embracing island life on the Isle of Wight or commuting from nearby mainland locations, with flexible support for relocation and travel.

• Have a proven track record of leading whole school initiatives, managing change and creating a caring environment that promotes achievement.
• Have clear strategic direction and vision, with an absolute focus on raising educational standards through strong leadership.
• Have an infectious passion for learning, inclusion and success.
• Be an ambitious, inspirational and enthusiastic leader who has the ability to motivate others.
• Mentor and develop staff to enhance their teaching practices, particularly in curriculum development and the use of pedagogical technology.
• Be instrumental in setting high expectations for oneself and others with the ability to create, develop and lead high performing teams.
• Have a consistent drive to improve on the quality of outcomes for all pupils, including those with SEND.
• Be an outstanding classroom practitioner with excellent communication skills and the ability to inspire and motivate students, staff and other stakeholders.
• Be well informed and solution focused, using initiative and a flexible, creative and good‑humoured approach to leadership and teamwork.
• Be an aspiring Headteacher and be able to deputise for the Headteacher.
• Be NPQH qualified or already studying for NPQH.
• Support the Headteacher and Trust to support the Trust’s values of Courage, Ambition, Excellence, Sustainability, Equity and Pupil’s First.

What we offer: Generous annual leave and flexible working opportunities. Teachers Pension Scheme. Employee Assistance Programme. Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities. Relocation and time‑limited travel support package.

Next Steps: The closing date for applications is Tuesday 5th May 2026. Shortlisting will take place on Wednesday 6th May. Interviews will take place on Tuesday 12th May 2026.

To apply: Complete the Teaching Staff Application Form and submit to: hr@iow.hispmat.org. We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy sooner if sufficient applications are received. We will not be accepting applications from agencies, and CVs or incomplete application forms will not be considered.

Our commitment to Safer and Inclusive Recruitment: HISP MAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its pupils and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We want our recruitment and selection practices to reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences; we are committed to providing equality of opportunity at all stages of the recruitment and selection process and ensuring that candidates are treated fairly and lawfully throughout the process. Shortlisting, interviewing and selection will always be carried out without regard to protected characteristics, political affiliation or trade union membership. Reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process will be made to ensure that no applicant is disadvantaged because of a declared disability. As part of our commitment to flexible working, we will consider requests in line with operational requirements.