Courtlands School, Reach South Academy Trust is seeking to appoint an experienced Assistant Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead to join the school in September 2026.
Post: Assistant Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead
Location: Courtlands School, Widney Lane, Plymouth, PL6 5JS
FTE Salary Range: L5 - L10
Contract Type: Permanent
Contract Hours: 32.5 per week, Monday to Friday
About the role
We are seeking an inspiring and committed Assistant Headteacher to join our leadership team at Courtlands. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced leader to play a pivotal role in driving whole‑school improvement, with a particular focus on safeguarding, attendance, behaviour, and pupil outcomes.
As the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), you will lead a strong safeguarding culture across the school while supporting high‑quality teaching and learning. You will work closely with the Head of School and leadership team to ensure every child thrives in a safe, inclusive, and ambitious environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead safeguarding across the school as the named DSL, ensuring compliance with statutory guidance
- Drive improvements in attendance, behaviour, and pupil engagement
- Support and challenge teaching to improve standards and pupil outcomes
- Lead on pupil performance data, monitoring progress and raising attainment
- Line‑manage and develop staff, supporting professional growth and appraisal
- Contribute to the school improvement plan and strategic leadership of the school
- Promote a positive, safe, and inclusive learning environment for all pupils
About the successful candidate
We are looking for a motivated and resilient leader who:
- Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS/QTLS) or is able to achieve it within 12 months
- Has a proven track record of successful teaching and leadership in a primary setting
- Has experience of leading curriculum areas or whole‑school initiatives
- Demonstrates strong knowledge of safeguarding policy and practice
- Has high expectations of behaviour, achievement and inclusion for all pupils
Is an excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills
Can inspire and develop staff while working collaboratively across the school
Opportunities and Benefits
We offer a competitive salary plus TPS pension, great career progression and development opportunities, access to our Employee Assistance Programme with many other benefits. There are regular opportunities for professional development and training, and a wider community of staff to network with within Reach South Multi Academy Trust. You will have the chance to visit other local schools, work alongside a range of outside professionals and take part in a variety of e‑learning and face‑to‑face training.
Equal Opportunities
Reach South Academy Trust has an Equal Opportunities Policy for selection and recruitment. Applicants are requested to complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring section of the application form before submitting.
