Deputy Headteacher

We are seeking to appoint a forward-thinking and talented Deputy Headteacher from January 2027.

As Whaplode moves to a dedicated Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher leadership model, this is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping the next phase of the school’s journey, building on its existing strengths and supporting continued improvement.

At Whaplode, you will play an instrumental role in creating an environment where both pupils and colleagues can thrive. We are looking for an outstanding candidate with a strong track record of teaching and leadership, who is keen to continue developing as a leader while supporting the educational vision of both the school and the Trust. Your strong leadership and effective support will be crucial in ensuring that everyone at Whaplode meets their full potential.

This role is being advertised at an exciting and important time in the school’s journey. As Deputy Headteacher, you will work closely alongside the newly appointed Headteacher, the wider School Leadership Team and Trust Central Team to shape a strong leadership team and drive forward the school’s plans for continued improvement and growth.

The role carries a teaching commitment, providing the opportunity to demonstrate inspirational classroom practice while setting high expectations for others. This balance will ensure you remain closely connected to teaching and learning and have a direct impact on standards and outcomes for pupils.

This is a fantastic opportunity to help shape the next chapter for Whaplode and make a significant and lasting difference to pupils, colleagues and the wider school community.

Job Description

To be a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

To support the development and implementation of rich curriculum that has breadth, depth and balance whilst taking into account the local school context.

To secure high quality teaching and learning that allows pupils to build their knowledge and to apply that knowledge as skills.

Develop systems to measure outcomes that pupils achieve because of teaching and learning, ensuring they are fully implemented across the academy.

Support the development of an ethos of integrity, compassion and excellence throughout the Academy and community which it serves in order to value self-esteem alongside respect for others.

To maintain high morale and set an example of professionalism, high quality performance and leadership.

Develop in all pupils the skills, attitudes and stamina required for life-long learning and success in a rapidly changing world.

Enhance opportunities through partnerships between parents / carers, pupils, staff, other trust schools and the local community to maximise the benefits of being a Trust school.

Support the distinctively Christian ethos of the Academy and build on these foundations.

Key Priorities

Make a significant contribution to the continued development and success of the Academy.

Support the Headteacher in the leading of Teaching and Learning to ensure learners achieve the best possible results academically and with regard to the school values.

Alongside the SLT, ensure that the strengths of the school and the improvements in standards are well understood in the local community.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Work alongside the Headteacher to devise and implement the Strategic Direction of the School, with focus on teaching and learning.

Work alongside the Headteacher, Trust and other key stakeholders to ensure that the school’s and Trust’s vision are clearly articulated, shared, and understood.

Work within the school community to translate the school’s vision into agreed objectives that promote and sustain school improvement.

Motivate and work with others to create a shared culture and positive environment.

Support the implementation of the School Development Plan ensuring that pupils achieve high standards, make good progress and that teaching is effective.

Ensure that the day to day running of the Academy supports Trust policies, vision and aims.

Leading Teaching and Learning

Support the Headteacher in the monitoring and leading of an appropriate, comprehensive, high quality and cost-effective curriculum in the Academy.

Actively monitor and respond to the curriculum development and initiatives at national, regional and local levels.

Monitor, evaluate and review classroom practice, ensuring accountability of staff for the progress of their pupils.

Maintain a consistent and continuous focus on students’ achievement, ensuring resources are deployed to enhance progress.

With the Headteacher, organise and monitor the curriculum in line with Trust priorities, vision and ethos, evaluating its effectiveness and reporting findings to the Headteacher.

With the Headteacher, monitor the quality of teaching and pupils’ achievements including the analysis of performance data, to ensure enhanced progress

Managing the Organisation

With the Headteacher, develop and implement organisational structures and procedures to enable management processes to work effectively in line with legal requirements.

With the Headteacher, produce and implement clear, evidence-based School Development Plans for the improvement of the Academy.

Assist the Headteacher in recruiting, retaining and deploying staff appropriately and assist in managing the staff’s workload to achieve the vision and goals, linked to the Development Plan.

Support effective Growth and Development processes within the school as aligned with Trust policy.

Ensure that the range, quality and use of all available resources is monitored, evaluated and reviewed to improve the quality of education for all students and provide value for money.

Developing Self and Working with Others

Regularly review own practice and take responsibility for own personal development.

Implement and maintain effective strategies and procedures for teaching staff induction, professional development and performance reviews.

Treat people equitably and with dignity and respect to create and maintain a positive Academy culture in line with the Trust’s ethos and values.

Ensure clear delegation of tasks and responsibilities, so that teams and individuals undertake effective planning, allocation, support and evaluation of work.

Acknowledge responsibilities and celebrate achievements of teams and individuals to promote a positive successful culture across the whole Academy.

Build a collaborative learning culture within the school and actively engage with other schools/stakeholders to build effective learning communities.

Manage own workload and that of others to allow an appropriate work/life balance.

Securing Accountability

Fulfil commitments of contractual accountability to the Headteacher.

Work with the Headteacher, providing information, objective advice and support to enable the Trust to meet its responsibilities.

Support the Headteacher in developing and strengthening the Academy ethos that enables everyone to work collaboratively, share knowledge and understanding, celebrate success and accept responsibility for outcomes.

With the Headteacher, ensure individual teaching staff accountabilities are clearly defined, understood, agreed and subject to rigorous review.

Strengthening Community

Support the Headteacher in building a school culture and curriculum which consider the richness and diversity of the school’s communities.

Ensure learning experiences for students are integrated with the wider community, and that some of