At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire to raise standards and develop a thriving sixth form.
- Company: Join St Clere's School, a GOOD Ofsted-rated institution with a collaborative ethos.
- Benefits: Enjoy a permanent full-time role with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' futures in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a senior leader with a focus on school improvement.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to excellence and student wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Position Start Date: 01/09/2026
Contract Type: Full-time
Contract Term: Permanent
Application Close: 23/02/2026 Midnight
Date of Interviews: 03/03/2026
St Clere's School, part of the Osborne Co-operative Academy Trust, is seeking to appoint an exceptional Deputy Headteacher to play a pivotal role in the next phase of their improvement journey. This is a rare opportunity to join a GOOD Ofsted-rated 11-18 school with a thriving and growing sixth form, working closely with the Executive Headteacher and Head of School to shape the provision for students and staff alike.
The Role
- Provide strategic leadership to further improve outcomes and achievement across the school
- Take overall responsibility for the leadership, development and performance of the sixth form, ensuring high-quality academic and vocational pathways
- Build on the school's recent GOOD Ofsted inspection, embedding effective school improvement strategies
- Support the Head of School with the day-to-day operational leadership of a large and complex school
- Lead a culture of high expectations, inclusion and accountability for all learners
- Contribute to trust-wide improvement work, including peer review through the School Partnership Programme
- Deputise for the Head of School as required.
About the Sixth Form
Opened in September 2023, St Clere's Sixth Form is already well-established and growing in both size and reputation. The successful candidate will lead the next stage of development, ensuring strong outcomes and progression to higher education, apprenticeships and employment, and continued growth.
About St Clere's School
St Clere's is a popular, oversubscribed secondary school serving the Stanford-le-Hope community. The school is currently benefiting from a significant DfE-funded rebuild and remodelling programme and is recognised for its inclusive ethos, ambitious curriculum and exceptional specialist provision for deaf and visually impaired students. The school motto, Persequi Optima - The Pursuit of Excellence, underpins all aspects of school life.
About Osborne Co-operative Academy Trust
Osborne is a well-established and ambitious trust built on co-operative values of self-responsibility, equity, democracy, solidarity and equality. All trust schools are rated GOOD, and collaboration, professional development and staff wellbeing are central to the trust's culture. Leaders benefit from strong support, clear career pathways and trust-wide development opportunities.
We Are Looking For
- An experienced senior leader (Very experienced Assistant Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher) with a proven record of school improvement.
- Highly credible in leading sixth form provision, including curriculum, outcomes, funding and progression.
- An inspirational leader who motivates, supports and challenges others.
- Strategically minded, with the ability to manage change and deliver impact.
- Committed to safeguarding, inclusion and the highest standards of student wellbeing.
- Aligned with co-operative values and collaborative leadership.
How to Apply
For an informal discussion, the candidate pack or to arrange a visit, please contact our recruitment partner:
Cressida Johns at Academiciscjohns@academicis.co.uk
07733 628155 / 01223 907979
Please see the attached candidate pack.
Closing Date: Tuesday 23rd February
Shortlist Date: Thursday 26th February
Interview Date: Tuesday 3rd March
Information about the School
St Clere's School is a secondary school and Co-operative Academy with an ethos that promotes excellence for all. Everything we do is underpinned by Co-operative values that guide and develop our students through their education to become successful, responsible and confident adults. We work in partnership with a family of schools including East Tilbury Primary School, Stanford-le-Hope Primary School, Thameside Primary School, Arthur Bugler Primary School and Brentwood County High School. Due to our excellent Science facilities and results, we were awarded Specialist Science College status in 2010. We have since been awarded a second specialism in Sport because of our outstanding amenities and standards.
We have over 1100 students here, who are busy finding out that learning can be enjoyable and will bring them greater opportunities in life. Our well-qualified staff teach with great energy and expertise in an environment that has exceptional standards.
St Clere's School is located on the edge of Stanford-le-Hope, a short distance from the A13, and is surrounded by a large expanse of playing fields, which enable us to enjoy a vast array of sports. We have a range of facilities including a state of the art Drama studio, an Apple Mac suite, fully refurbished Science labs, Sports Pavilion, 3G all weather floodlit pitch, tennis courts and an exceptionally well-stocked Library with research and quiet study space. In addition, we have classrooms with up-to-date ICT resources, which enhance the teaching for all students and provide a comfortable environment in which to learn.
Our reputation is one of very high academic standards and outstanding pupil conduct. St Clere's School has gone from strength to strength and the past few years, St. Clere's School pupils have achieved significantly above national results. The Maths department have continued their trend of results, high in the 80s where one third of pupils left with a top grade of 7 to 9. The English department has also mirrored that success with results high in the 80s and significantly above national. Additionally, our progress score continues to be a solid positive and our Ebacc results are above national. Both ICT and separate sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) were 100% A* to C. These results are significantly above national figures and some of the best results in the history of our school, demonstrating: high quality teaching and learning; continuous dedication of staff and the engagement for learning of our pupils. All of this is evident on a daily basis at St Clere's School.
All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.
Deputy Headteacher - Raising Standards & Sixth Form in Stanford employer: St Clere's School, Stanford Le Hope
Contact Detail:
St Clere's School, Stanford Le Hope Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Headteacher - Raising Standards & Sixth Form in Stanford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, attend local events, and connect with other professionals on LinkedIn. 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. Familiarise yourself with their recent Ofsted report and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly understands their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable discussing your leadership style and how you've driven improvement in previous roles. The more you rehearse, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our process.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Headteacher - Raising Standards & Sixth Form in Stanford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for education and leadership shine through. We want to see how much you care about raising standards and supporting students in their journey.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in school improvement and sixth form leadership. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your strategic mindset and ability to drive change.
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to show your personality! We value authenticity and want to know what makes you unique as a leader. Share your vision for the future of our sixth form and how you plan to inspire others.
Apply Through Our Website: For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Clere's School, Stanford Le Hope
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the school’s ethos, recent Ofsted reports, and the specific challenges they face. Familiarise yourself with their strategic goals, especially around raising standards and sixth form development. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, particularly in improving student outcomes and managing change. Be ready to discuss how you’ve inspired and motivated teams in previous roles, as this is crucial for a Deputy Headteacher position.
✨Engage with Their Values
Align your responses with the co-operative values of the Osborne Academy Trust. Discuss how you’ve fostered inclusion, equity, and collaboration in your past roles. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the culture of the trust.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions about the school’s future plans, particularly regarding the sixth form and academic pathways. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the school aligns with your vision for education.