At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead pastoral care, behaviour, and personal development to shape school culture.
- Company: Join a dynamic Church of England school committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, wellbeing support, and discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and lead meaningful improvements.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership with a passion for pastoral care and inclusion.
- Other info: Opportunity for an 18-month secondment or fixed-term contract with career growth.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 66000 £ per year.
Salary: L7 - 11 £60,145 - £66,368
Contractual hours: 32.5
Basis: Full Time
Job type: Leadership
Job category: Leadership
Date posted: 15/01/2026
Job reference: LSP-S042
Deputy Headteacher – Hours: Full-time; Contract: 18 months fixed-term contract or secondment; Salary: Leadership Scale, Range 7-11 £60,145 - £66,368; Actual Salary: £60,145 - £66,368; Start Date: As soon as possible
Are you an ambitious leader ready to make a real difference? We are seeking an exceptional Deputy Headteacher to lead pastoral care including behaviour, attendance and personal development at a crucial and exciting stage in our school's journey.
This role offers a unique opportunity for an experienced or aspiring senior leader who has high expectations, believes deeply in the potential of every child and is motivated by the challenge of improving outcomes in a diverse inner-city context.
The Role
As Deputy Headteacher Pastoral Care, Behaviour and Personal Development, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the culture and climate of the school. You will lead whole-school improvement in behaviour for learning, attendance, safeguarding and personal development, ensuring pupils feel safe, valued and inspired to succeed.
This is a strategic leadership role with real scope to influence change. You will work closely with the Headteacher and senior leadership team to raise expectations, strengthen consistency and embed systems that enable both pupils and staff to thrive.
We are open to applications from candidates seeking an 18-month secondment or fixed-term contract, making this an ideal opportunity for a leader ready to step up, broaden their experience or contribute their expertise at a key moment of development.
We Are Looking For a Leader Who
- Has high expectations of pupils and staff and the determination to see them met
- Is passionate about pastoral care, behaviour for learning and inclusion
- Can inspire and support staff to improve practice through strong relationships and clear systems
- Understands the challenges and opportunities of a diverse inner-city context
- Is committed to the Christian ethos of a Church of England school, while being inclusive of all faiths and none
- Is ambitious, reflective and motivated by making a tangible difference to pupils' lives
You may be an experienced Deputy Headteacher or an ambitious Assistant Headteacher ready for the next step.
We Can Offer
- A significant leadership role with real scope to shape school culture and practice
- The opportunity to lead meaningful improvement in behaviour, attendance and personal development
- A supportive Headteacher and leadership team who value collaboration and professional growth
- A committed staff team who care deeply about the pupils and community they serve
- An opportunity to develop leadership experience through an 18-month secondment or fixed-term contract, with potential future opportunities
- Excellent CPD opportunities
- Access to wellbeing support
- 24-hour confidential helpline and counselling
- Healthcare cash plan
- Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle Scheme
- Discount retail platform with access to hundreds of discounts.
The School
We are a Church of England school rooted in our Christian vision and values, serving a richly diverse community in the heart of the city. Our pupils bring a wide range of experiences, cultures and strengths, and we are committed to equity, inclusion and excellence for all.
We are on a clear improvement journey, with a strong focus on behaviour, attitudes, personal development and consistency of practice. This role is central to that work.
The Trust
The Lighthouse Schools Partnership (LSP) is a Multi-Academy Trust which has experienced rapid growth since it started in 2016. There are currently 34 schools in the Trust. The Lighthouse Schools Partnership is cross-phase and includes Infant, Junior, Primary and Secondary schools. The Trust is a mixed MAT and includes both non-denominational and Church of England schools.
If you are a leader who believes that every child deserves high expectations, strong relationships and the chance to flourish, we would love to hear from you. Visits to the school are strongly encouraged.
Closing Date: Friday 6 February 2026 at 9am. Interview Date: Thursday 12 February 2026. Early applications are encouraged. The school reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date of the advertisement, should the school be able to identify an appropriate candidate.
Safeguarding Statement: The Lighthouse Schools Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all in its community to share this commitment. Suitability to work with children and young people will form part of the selection process. All appointments will be subject to vetting, including an enhanced DBS check. A copy of our Safeguarding Policy can be found on the Trust website. We are also committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Deputy Headteacher in Bristol employer: Lighthouse Schools Partnership
Contact Detail:
Lighthouse Schools Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Headteacher in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education, attend local events, and engage with online communities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its values. Understand their approach to pastoral care and behaviour management. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you've made an impact in previous roles. This will help you demonstrate your skills and experiences effectively during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Headteacher in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for education and pastoral care shine through. We want to see how you can inspire and support staff and pupils alike, so share your experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Deputy Headteacher. Highlight your leadership experience and how it aligns with our school’s vision and values. We love seeing candidates who understand the unique challenges of a diverse inner-city context.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate well-organised applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, you can find more info about our school and the Trust there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lighthouse Schools Partnership
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the school’s ethos and values, especially since it’s a Church of England school. Familiarise yourself with their approach to pastoral care and behaviour management, as this will show your genuine interest and alignment with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences and how you’ve successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific examples where you’ve improved behaviour or attendance, and be ready to explain your strategies for fostering strong relationships with both staff and students.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity
Given the diverse inner-city context, highlight your understanding and experience in promoting equity and inclusion. Share examples of how you’ve supported students from various backgrounds and how you plan to continue this work in the new role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the school’s current challenges in behaviour management or how they envision the role of Deputy Headteacher evolving. It shows you’re engaged and thinking critically about the position.