At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire as Deputy Headteacher, shaping our school's vision and supporting staff and students.
- Company: Join the welcoming community at West Monkton Church of England Primary School.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development, a supportive team, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Fixed-term role covering maternity leave with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a nurturing environment that values inclusion and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status and strong leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 48785 - 53349 £ per year.
An exciting leadership opportunity at West Monkton Church of England Primary School is seeking to appoint an exceptional Deputy Headteacher to join our senior leadership team on a fixed‑term basis to cover maternity leave. This is an exciting opportunity for an inspirational, compassionate and ambitious leader to work closely with the Headteacher and play a significant role in shaping the strategic direction of our school, while upholding our strong Christian ethos and nurturing, inclusive culture.
About the role
- Deputise for the Headteacher in their absence and support them in the strategic leadership of the school
- Help formulate and drive the school’s vision, aims and objectives
- Lead strategically on areas of the School Improvement Plan and contribute to self‑evaluation
- Be the Deputy / Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring the highest standards of safeguarding and child welfare
- Lead and have oversight of attendance, behaviour, wellbeing and vulnerable pupils
- Strategically lead the Quality of Education, including curriculum design, teaching, learning and assessment
- Lead and manage staff performance, professional development and induction
- Line manage staff and curriculum/domain leaders, building strong distributed leadership
- Monitor and evaluate standards across the school, using data to drive improvement
- Undertake class teaching responsibilities where required
- Support and represent the Headteacher at meetings with governors, trust leaders and external partners
This role offers the opportunity to make a significant whole‑school impact while remaining connected to classroom practice and the daily life of a caring primary school.
About you
- Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- Is an outstanding classroom practitioner with extensive teaching experience
- Has a strong leadership track record and a clear understanding of school improvement
- Is passionate about teaching and learning and committed to the ‘whole child’
- Can inspire, motivate and support staff through kindness, clarity and high expectations
- Is confident in leading curriculum development and ensuring high-quality teaching across all subjects
- Demonstrates a strong commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and equality
- Is approachable, visible and values strong relationships with children, families and the community
- Understands the importance of collaboration, both within school and across the Trust
What we offer
- A welcoming, supportive and values‑driven school community
- Enthusiastic, caring pupils who are proud of their school
- A committed staff team with a strong sense of collaboration
- Professional development and leadership support through The Oak Partnership Trust
- The opportunity to play a significant role in shaping the future of our school
Salary: Leadership L4 - L8
Hours of work: Full time
Contract: Fixed Term/Secondment Maternity Cover. From 01/09/2026 to 31/09/2027
Application Closing: 14.05.2026
Shortlisting: 14.05.2026
Interview Date: 19 May 2026
Please note: All positions at The Oak Partnership Trust and within our schools require appropriate references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance due to direct access to children. The Oak Partnership Trust reserves the right to close an advertisement to applications ahead of the advertised closure date.
Safeguarding Statement
West Monkton Church of England Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
Deputy Headteacher in Taunton employer: West Monkton Church of England Primary School
Contact Detail:
West Monkton Church of England Primary School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Headteacher in Taunton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take some time to research West Monkton Church of England Primary School. Understand their values, ethos, and recent achievements. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership stories! Think about specific examples from your teaching career where you've demonstrated strong leadership, improved school processes, or supported staff development. We want to hear how you've made a difference, so be ready to share those impactful moments.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for safeguarding! As a Deputy Headteacher, you'll play a crucial role in ensuring child welfare. Be prepared to discuss your approach to safeguarding and how you would create a safe, inclusive environment for all pupils. This is key to making a great impression!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you're proactive and keen to join our team at West Monkton!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Headteacher in Taunton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for education and leadership shine through. We want to see how you can inspire and motivate others, so share specific examples of your experiences that highlight your commitment to teaching and learning.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role of Deputy Headteacher at West Monkton. We’re looking for someone who aligns with our values and ethos, so reference our strong Christian culture and how you can contribute to it in your application.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the key responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job description. This helps us see how you fit into our vision for the school.
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, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Monkton Church of England Primary School
✨Know the School's Ethos
Before your interview, take some time to understand West Monkton Church of England Primary School's values and ethos. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to safeguarding and inclusion, as well as their Christian principles. This will help you align your answers with their vision and demonstrate that you're a good fit for their community.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of your leadership experience, especially in areas like school improvement and curriculum development. Think about times when you've successfully led a team or implemented changes that positively impacted student outcomes. This will show them that you have the skills and experience needed for the Deputy Headteacher role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and approach to challenges. For instance, they might ask how you would handle a safeguarding issue or improve attendance rates. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies, as this will highlight your capability to manage real-life situations effectively.
✨Engage with the Interview Panel
During the interview, make sure to engage with the panel by asking insightful questions about the school's future plans and how you can contribute. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you. Remember, interviews are a two-way street!