Deputy Headteacher in Rotherham

The Governing Body is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and committed Deputy Head Teacher to join our team from 13th April 2026. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced leader who is passionate about driving high-quality teaching and learning. Thornhill Primary School is an inclusive, friendly and vibrant multicultural school at the heart of our community. Our ethos is built on safety, inclusion and the well-being of every member of our school family. We are proud to have been judged ‘Good’ by Ofsted in our most recent inspection (October 2022). We are looking for an inspirational Deputy Head Teacher who will help the headteacher lead teaching and learning across the school, champion high expectations and contribute to the development of a creative, broad and balanced curriculum.

Deputy Head Teacher responsibilities

• Teaching part-time and fulfilling all duties of a LKS2 class teacher, while also undertaking selected responsibilities in coordinating the LKS2 phase.
• Taking a leading role in the day-to-day management of the school.
• Attending and contributing to all staff meetings, INSET days and SLT meetings.
• Planning and chairing meetings where necessary.
• Building and sustaining effective positive relationships with all staff, pupils, parents, governors and stakeholders.
• Being proactive in supporting the families in our local community.
• Undertaking duties as delegated by the headteacher.
• Implementing, enforcing and exhibiting model adherence to all school policies and procedures.

Strategic direction and school development

• Contributing to the development of the school’s vision, ethos, values and strategic direction.
• Contributing to the formulation, monitoring and implementation of the school Developing Excellence Plan (DEP).
• Supporting staff members to understand and adhere to the school’s strategic direction.
• Keeping up-to-date with Education policy, including relevant legislation, statutory guidance and good practice recommendations within the sector.
• Contributing to decisions on all aspects of policy in the school.
• Providing advice and support to the governing board to support it in conducting its strategic responsibility.

Leadership and management

• Assisting and supporting the headteacher in all functions of their role and deputising in their absence.
• Working with the headteacher to ensure and uphold a clear system of task delegation and devolution of responsibilities for all staff.
• Working with the headteacher to set targets, aims and objectives on a termly basis.
• Supporting staff to understand and meet the school’s targets, aims and objectives.
• Evaluating the school’s performance in relation to its targets, aims and objectives and working with the headteacher to adjust the school’s practice in line with findings.
• Line managing staff as identified by the headteacher.
• Participating in the recruitment process for new staff members.
• Motivating staff in their roles and supporting them in aspects of their roles as necessary.
• Contributing to the performance management process of staff as necessary, including evaluating performance and challenging underperformance.
• Working with the headteacher to ensure staff access CPD opportunities, and supporting staff to access such opportunities.
• Contributing to audits of staff skills and training needs.
• Working with the governing board and headteacher to secure and provide effective training for staff members, e.g. through INSET days.
• Undergoing training as necessary and working to consistently meet the ‘Headteachers’ standards’.

Teaching and learning

• Monitoring standards of teaching and learning in the school to ensure the highest quality of education for all pupils.
• Coordinating the wider curriculum alongside the headteacher to ensure breadth, balance and progression across year groups.
• Overseeing strategic staff deployment to ensure high-quality teaching and learning, while managing and maintaining the whole-school cover timetable.
• Contributing to creating a culture of high attainment and performance where high standards are held for all pupils from all backgrounds, abilities and needs.
• Working with the headteacher and SENCO to ensure that the curriculum effectively supports all pupils with SEND to thrive academically.
• Working with the headteacher to monitor, evaluate and review classroom practice and promote improvement strategies.
• Working with the headteacher to implement systems for recording pupils’ progress.
• Contributing to the establishment and monitoring of systems to keep parents informed about the curriculum and their children’s performance.

Pupil wellbeing and safeguarding

• Taking a lead role in managing pupil behaviour across the school.
• Taking responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of pupils, and supporting the DSL in conducting their duties.
• Contributing to a school culture which prioritises pupil wellbeing and mental and physical health.
• Being an approachable and professional authority figure for pupils to come to with any issues they may have.
• Contributing to the creation of an enriching and positive culture which impacts school life and ensures a positive and respectful attitude amongst pupils and staff in the school.