Deputy Head of Academy

Tees Valley Education is an inclusive learning community that educates 1,243 pupils, from two-year-olds through to secondary. Discovery Special Academy, part of Tees Valley Education Trust (TVEd), is seeking an ambitious and forward-thinking Deputy Head of Academy to drive excellence in teaching, curriculum development, and assessment in our secondary phase.

In this key leadership role, you will play a pivotal part in raising standards by enhancing the quality of teaching and learning. Through best practices, coaching, and mentoring, you will empower staff to deliver high-impact lessons while ensuring that assessment methods accurately reflect pupil progress.

Curriculum development, including development of our careers programme and accreditation offer, is central to this role, requiring innovation and strategic thinking. Discovery Special Academy’s broad and balanced curriculum supports not only academic achievement but also the social, emotional, and physical development of all pupils.

As Deputy Head of Academy, you will collaborate with subject leaders across the academy and Trust to refine and adapt learning strategies, tailoring them to meet the needs of all pupils. Furthermore, the Deputy Head will be instrumental in data-driven decision making at academy and trust level, using assessment data to identify areas where children may be underperforming and developing interventions to address these gaps.

A focus on continual professional development (CPD) is also key to this role, providing staff with the necessary tools and training to meet ambitious performance targets, and equipping them with the skills to deliver a curriculum that fosters deep learning and sustained improvement.

At the heart of this position is TVEd’s commitment to raising aspirations and creating an environment where all pupils strive to be their best. By promoting evidence-based strategies and ongoing reflection on teaching practices, the Deputy Head of Academy will not only drive improvements in educational outcomes but also contribute to the academies and Trust’s broader vision.

With children’s learning and well-being at the centre of all decision-making, you will play a crucial role in shaping a future where every pupil has the opportunity to succeed. Applications are invited from prospective candidates who demonstrate that they are able to meet the essential criteria set out in the person specification and who have the vision, values and tenacity to join an outstanding team and help continue the journey towards excellence.