At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform a primary school, ensuring high standards in teaching and safeguarding.
- Company: Harper Bell School, a vibrant community-focused primary school in Birmingham.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and shape the future of education.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership, strong track record in improving teaching and outcomes.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead a school through rapid transformation and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join us at a pivotal moment of change and opportunity. Harper Bell is a small, diverse, one-form-entry voluntary-aided primary school at the heart of Birmingham, serving a warm and vibrant community. Guided by a strong Christian ethos and a culture of care, we are proud of the close relationships that make our school truly special.
We are now on a clear journey of change, transformation and rapid improvement. With renewed expectations, strengthened systems and a sharp focus on teaching, learning and safeguarding, we are determined to secure the very best outcomes for every child. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and values-driven leader to play a central role in shaping the next chapter of our school’s development.
As Deputy Headteacher, you will work alongside the Headteacher and Governing Board to accelerate improvement, strengthen provision and make a lasting difference to the lives of children and families in our diverse community.
The role
As Deputy Headteacher, you will be a key strategic and operational leader with whole-school responsibility. You will deputise for the Headteacher and help drive the school’s rapid improvement journey with clarity, resilience and moral purpose.
Your core responsibilities will include:
- Acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring the highest standards of safeguarding, child protection and pastoral care
- Leading Curriculum and Assessment across the school, securing an ambitious, well sequenced and inclusive curriculum that raises achievement for all pupils
- Driving high quality teaching and learning through coaching, monitoring, instructional leadership and robust quality assurance
- Leading assessment systems, pupil progress tracking and data analysis to inform intervention and accelerate outcomes
- Overseeing the day to day logistics and operational running of the school, ensuring systems, staffing and routines enable excellent provision
- Deputising for the Headteacher and providing confident, visible leadership in their absence
- Leading staff development and performance management, including mentoring Early Career Teachers, coaching colleagues and designing high quality professional development that builds expertise and strengthens classroom practice
- Supporting behaviour, attendance and inclusion so that every child is safe, engaged and ready to learn
- Working closely with families, governors, the local authority and the wider community to strengthen partnerships
- Championing our Christian ethos and ensuring it is reflected in daily practice, relationships and decision making
The difference you will make
You will help to:
- Accelerate standards and outcomes across the school
- Embed strong systems and consistency in teaching and assessment
- Create a safe, orderly and purposeful learning environment
- Develop staff confidence and capability
- Ensure every pupil is known, valued and supported to thrive
- Contribute directly to the rapid and sustained improvement of the school
This role offers genuine scope to shape culture, systems and strategy. It is ideal for a leader who wants to move beyond maintenance and truly transform a school community.
About you
We are looking for someone who:
- Has successful experience in senior or middle leadership within a primary school
- Has a strong track record of improving teaching, curriculum and pupil outcomes
- Understands safeguarding deeply and is confident leading as DSL
- Is highly organised and able to manage operational and logistical demands effectively
- Communicates with clarity, warmth and high expectations
- Is resilient, reflective and committed to continuous improvement
- Is passionate about inclusion and equality of opportunity
- Is supportive of and willing to promote the Christian ethos of the school
What we offer
A rare opportunity to help lead a school through rapid improvement and transformation, the chance to make a tangible difference to children’s lives every day, a supportive, values-driven and close-knit community, strong governance and partnership working, access to professional development and leadership support, a meaningful leadership role with real influence and responsibility.
This is more than a deputy headship. It is an opportunity to help transform a school, serve a community and shape futures. If you are ready to lead with purpose and make a lasting difference, we would love to hear from you.
Visits to the school are warmly encouraged and can be arranged through the school office. Please request an application pack via the school website or by contacting the school directly.
Harper Bell is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and safer recruitment procedures.
Deputy Head Teacher in Birmingham employer: WMJobs
Contact Detail:
WMJobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head Teacher in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take some time to visit Harper Bell School. Familiarise yourself with their ethos and community. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your responses to align with their values.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for scenario-based questions. As a Deputy Headteacher, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership skills in real-life situations. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led change or improved outcomes, and be ready to share them.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for safeguarding and inclusion. Given the importance of these areas in the role, be prepared to discuss how you've championed these values in your previous positions. Highlight specific initiatives you've led or been part of.
✨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 that you're proactive and engaged with the process. We’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head Teacher in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for education and leadership shine through in your application. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially in improving teaching and learning.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and ethos of Harper Bell School. Highlight your experience with safeguarding and inclusion, as these are key aspects of the role we're looking to fill.
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences at a glance.
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 to lead at Harper Bell.
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Know the School's Ethos
Before your interview, take some time to understand Harper Bell's Christian ethos and how it shapes their community. Be ready to discuss how you can promote and embody these values in your leadership style.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your successful experience in senior or middle leadership. Highlight instances where you've improved teaching, curriculum, and pupil outcomes, as this will resonate with their focus on rapid improvement.
✨Emphasise Safeguarding Knowledge
As the role includes being the Designated Safeguarding Lead, be prepared to discuss your understanding of safeguarding practices. Share your experiences and strategies for ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all pupils.
✨Engage with the Community
Harper Bell values strong relationships with families and the wider community. Think about how you've successfully engaged stakeholders in the past and be ready to share your ideas on strengthening these partnerships in your new role.