At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire as Deputy Headteacher, driving school improvement and supporting staff.
- Company: Join Shaw Education Trust, a dynamic family of schools dedicated to transforming lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, health plans, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong support for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while shaping the future of education.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for educational excellence required.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 55000 € per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly dedicated and ambitious leader to take on the role as Deputy Headteacher while the current post holder is on Maternity Leave. This position is initially fixed term for 1 year, however, may become permanent due to the school's continued expansion.
As Deputy Headteacher, you will uphold and actively promote the school’s vision, values, and core purpose. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring that all staff are equipped and supported to meet the current and future needs of our pupils.
The successful candidate will:
- Deputise for the Headteacher in their absence.
- Provide strategic and professional leadership, in consultation with the Academy Council and Shaw Education Trust Leadership Team, to secure school improvement and high-quality education and care for all pupils.
- Work closely with the Academy Council, attending meetings as required.
- Support the Headteacher in presenting the school’s performance to a range of audiences, including Academy Councillors, parents/carers, the local community, Ofsted, Education Services, and other external agencies.
- Monitor, evaluate, and review the effectiveness of school policies, practices, and priorities.
- Ensure the school is prepared and ready for Ofsted and Local Authority inspections.
- Support the coordination and evaluation of the curriculum, identifying areas for development and setting targets for teacher professional development.
- Lead by example, modelling effective leadership and fostering a culture of inclusion and high expectations at every level.
- Bring experience from working in an outstanding school setting.
- Have a proven track record of driving whole-school improvement initiatives with measurable impact on pupil outcomes over the past 2 years.
- Have directly overseen whole-school safeguarding, behaviour, curriculum or assessment development.
- Demonstrate extensive knowledge of the unique context, ethos, and operational practices of Ivy House School.
If this opportunity inspires you, we warmly encourage you to arrange an informal discussion with George Turner to learn more about the role. At Shaw Education Trust, we believe every role has the power to transform a life. Whether you’re supporting behind the scenes, inspiring in the classroom, or leading with vision, you will be part of something truly meaningful.
Our values—opportunity, integrity, collaboration, and equity—guide everything we do. Our vision is “Opening doors to the world through the power of learning.” We bring this to life through our mission: working together to inspire communities where every school is valued, every voice matters, and every learner thrives.
We are a dynamic and growing family of primary, secondary, and special schools, proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury. Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their development through high-quality training, apprenticeships, talent development programmes, and research opportunities, we empower our staff to thrive as skilled, confident professionals.
We champion wellbeing, value every voice, and foster a culture where you feel supported, motivated, and inspired to make a real difference. You will join a collaborative network of schools where shared expertise and a strong professional community drive success. Every academy within our Trust has an equal voice, and every colleague plays a vital role in shaping tailored learning experiences that raise aspirations and build brighter futures.
If you have the passion, dedication, and drive to help shape lives and create futures filled with promise, we would love you to join our team. Together, let’s make the remarkable happen. We believe every child has the potential to be extraordinary.
Our Special Schools are dedicated to supporting children and young people with a broad spectrum of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. From those with profound medical conditions and life-limiting illnesses, to individuals with severe, moderate, or sensory needs, and those experiencing social, emotional, or mental health challenges, our settings are designed to provide the care, understanding, and expertise each young person needs to thrive.
Whether you're a teacher, teaching assistant, healthcare professional, or part of our facilities, administration, or operations teams, you will find a welcoming, family-like environment where every role is valued. At the heart of each school is a shared commitment to putting children, young people, and their families first. Each pupil receives a personalised education and learns in small groups or classes, supported by dedicated staff who tailor their approach to meet individual needs.
Working in our Special Schools is more than a job; it’s an opportunity to be part of a compassionate team that empowers children and young people to live their best life and build a bright future. The difference you make will be life-changing, not only for them but for their families too.
Shaw Education Trust offer the following employee benefits with your Teaching or Support Staff employment:
- An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff).
- Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years’ service including Bank Holidays).
- Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan: Enjoy health services designed to support your well-being.
- Free DiscountForTeachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching), Exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands.
- Free Eye Tests.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.
We know our people are the key to our success and so we’re committed to ensuring the employment experience at Shaw Education Trust is a rewarding one. Colleagues within the Trust benefit from:
- Access to a full range of courses both in-house and professionally accredited.
- Guidance from former HMIs and serving Ofsted Inspectors within the Trust.
- Opportunities to work with different schools within the Trust as a Professional Advocate.
- Participating in peer reviews.
- Access to a suite of online courses.
- Placement projects within our family of schools.
Interviews: Week beginning: Monday 18th May 2026 (exact date to be confirmed).
Deputy Headteacher in Derby employer: Ivy House School
Shaw Education Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its staff, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture. With access to extensive professional development opportunities, including high-quality training and leadership support, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact on the lives of students. Located in a dynamic educational environment, the Trust fosters a family-like atmosphere where every voice is valued, ensuring that all staff can contribute to shaping a brighter future for the communities they serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Headteacher in Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at the school, and connect with them on LinkedIn. They can give you insider info about the school culture and what they’re really looking for in a Deputy Headteacher.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview by knowing your stuff! Familiarise yourself with the school's vision and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. We want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just talk the talk—walk the walk! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven school improvement and supported staff development. Show us how you’ve made a real impact in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and being part of something meaningful.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Headteacher in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how your values align with ours and how you can contribute to our mission of transforming lives through education.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate a proven track record in driving school improvement, so be specific about your achievements!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points if necessary to make your key points stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ivy House School
✨Know the School's Vision and Values
Before your interview, take some time to really understand the school's vision, values, and core purpose. This will not only help you align your answers with what they stand for but also show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Prepare for Leadership Scenarios
As a Deputy Headteacher, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership skills. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led initiatives or improved outcomes. Be ready to discuss how you can apply those experiences to support the school’s strategic goals.
✨Engage with the Academy Council
Familiarise yourself with the role of the Academy Council and be prepared to discuss how you would work collaboratively with them. Show that you understand the importance of their input in school improvement and how you can effectively communicate with them.
✨Showcase Your Safeguarding Knowledge
Given the emphasis on safeguarding in the job description, be prepared to discuss your experience in this area. Highlight any policies or practices you've implemented in the past and how they positively impacted student safety and wellbeing.
