Deputy Headteacher

Start Date: September

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

Salary: £40,000–£45,000 per annum, depending on experience

Location: Northumberland

About the Role

We are working with an independent school who are seeking an experienced and dynamic Deputy Headteacher to join their Senior Leadership Team. Reporting to the Executive Board and working closely with the Director and Executive Headteacher, this is a key leadership role with responsibility for teaching (minimum 3 days per week or equivalent), line management, safeguarding, and strategic support.

As a senior figure within the school, the successful candidate will represent the organisation professionally across all stakeholders, ensuring high standards of education, pastoral care, and operational excellence are consistently met. A subject specialism is preferred, and a strong commitment to school values, staff development, and student wellbeing is essential.

What They are Looking For

The school is looking for an ambitious, forward-thinking leader with strong organisational and administrative abilities. You will be a confident teacher with proven classroom success, as well as a capable line manager with a passion for supporting team development and promoting a positive school culture. This is an exciting opportunity for someone eager to further their leadership career while making a meaningful impact in a nurturing and high-expectation environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership and Management

• Serve as a senior representative of the school, maintaining strong professional relationships with staff, students, families, and external partners.
• Support the Executive Headteacher in managing the Senior Leadership Team.
• Provide line management and mentoring to allocated staff members (approx. 5–10), including performance reviews and supervision.
• Contribute to school development planning, strategic implementation, and quality assurance.
• Represent the school at professional meetings and events.

• Deliver high-quality teaching across a minimum of three days per week across school sites.
• Support curriculum development and serve as a Subject Champion where required.
• Promote consistent standards of teaching, behaviour, and wellbeing aligned with school ethos.

• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, supporting the Executive Headteacher in all safeguarding duties.
• Make and support referrals to appropriate agencies and ensure accurate, confidential record keeping (CPOMS, SCR).
• Champion a culture of safeguarding through staff training, policy enforcement, and pupil support.
• Collaborate with mental health leads and external partners to support students’ wellbeing.

• Visit each school site weekly to oversee teaching, staff support, and operational needs.
• Respond to and manage safeguarding and behavioural incidents requiring senior leadership intervention.
• Ensure compliance with Independent School Standards, Ofsted expectations, and Alternative Provision regulations.

• Participate in staff recruitment, interviews, and induction.
• Refer HR matters appropriately and support the Executive Headteacher with personnel issues.
• Engage with Safer Recruitment training where required.

Requirements

Essential:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS/QTLS) with successful NQT year
• Minimum 5 years' teaching experience
• Minimum 5 years' leadership experience in an education setting
• At least 2 years of line management experience
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, school compliance, and quality standards

Desirable:

• NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship)
• SENCO qualification
• Experience in alternative provision or independent settings

If you are interested in this role please email rachael.chapman @(url removed) with an up to date copy of your CV, or give us a call on (phone number removed) for an informal chat about opportunities.

The Education Network Offer:

Our specialist team boasts extensive combined experience and an unrivalled reputation within the education sector. We take great pride in delivering consistently high service levels to both schools and candidates. Our approach is honest, efficient, and designed to offer a recruitment solution tailored to your needs. Additionally, we provide opportunities for further training and development to enhance your career. You will work in a friendly, caring, and supportive environment where every child matters. Our highly committed and hardworking consultants will strive to find roles that suit your professional aspirations. We also offer excellent rates of pay and ongoing opportunities for professional growth.

The Education Network is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to our comprehensive vetting procedures, including enhanced DBS checks and references. We adhere to Safer Recruitment practices and maintain the highest standards of compliance. We are an equal opportunities employer, and The Education Network operates as a recruitment agency for this role. Due to the high volume of applications, we will contact shortlisted candidates within three days.

Data Privacy and Processing

By applying for this role, you are agreeing for The Education Network to process and store your personal data, including your CV and application form, for the purposes of recruitment. The Education Network is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your data in accordance with GDPR. Your information will be kept securely and will not be shared with third parties without your consent. We will retain your data for up to 24 months unless you request us to delete it earlier. You have the right to request access to, amend, or delete your data at any time by contacting Neville Wood at The Education Network.