About this role
Role Introduction
Willow Wood Community Nursery and Primary School offers an exciting opportunity to a strong leader with experience in delivering effective school improvement - to join us offers an exciting opportunity to shape the next phase in the school’s journey. We are seeking a Deputy Headteacher who is motivated by challenge, has experience of working in a school requiring improvement, and is passionate about applying proven strategies to secure rapid and sustainable change.
We are seeking a leader who believes that all children can succeed, and who brings energy, integrity and excellence to their work. This role offers a significant opportunity to develop as part of a supportive Trust, working closely alongside experienced leaders and benefitting from a strong culture of collaboration across our schools. The successful candidate will be well supported by the Trust’s school improvement team and Governors, with access to high-quality professional development, coaching and opportunities to share and refine best practice.
This role will involve some teaching commitment, likely to be 0.5 teaching and 0.5 leadership, subject to the needs of the school.
Core Purpose
The Deputy Headteacher will play a pivotal role in accelerating school improvement by utilising their experience, leadership skills and pedagogical expertise to strengthen teaching, learning, behaviour and outcomes for all pupils.
The postholder will work closely with the Headteacher and Trust Director of Education to identify priorities, implement evidence-informed strategies, and embed consistent practice across the school.
Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
Contribute to the strategic development and direction of the school in line with its vision, values and improvement prioritiesDeputise for the Headteacher in their absence, ensuring seamless operational leadershipLead on whole-school initiatives, policies and improvement strategies to raise standards of teaching and learningSupport the Headteacher in developing a strong, positive and collaborative school culture.School Improvement
Use prior experience of improvement work to support the delivery of the School Development Plan and Trust prioritiesContribute to school self-evaluation, inspections and external assessmentsModel, coach and challenge staff to secure consistently strong practice within classroomsTake a lead role in implementing sustainable systems.Teaching, Learning and the Curriculum
Champion high-quality teaching and learning across the school, ensuring consistent implementation of best practicesDemonstrate the ability to rapidly improve the quality of teaching through team teaching, feedback and professional developmentSupport staff in translating curriculum intent into strong classroom practiceMonitor and evaluate the impact of teaching and curriculum development on pupil outcomesSupport colleagues with ongoing professional development, coaching and mentoring to enhance learning opportunitiesUse data and assessment effectively to inform planning, interventions and decision-making.Behaviour, Culture and Wellbeing
Contribute to the development of a calm, purposeful learning environment where expectations are consistently appliedSupport staff through change with clarity, empathy and high expectationsSupport pupils to manage behaviour to enhance learning opportunitiesWork alongside the Headteacher to evaluate staff workload and wellbeingWork alongside the Headteacher to maximise opportunities to enhance staff morale.Safeguarding and Pupil Wellbeing
Ensuring a robust safeguarding culture and compliance with statutory requirementsPromote pupil wellbeing, inclusion and positive behaviour management strategiesWork with external agencies, parents and carers to provide appropriate support for pupils.Staff Development and Leadership
Provide leadership and line management to designated staff members, ensuring clarity of expectations and accountabilityModel exemplary practice and introduce peer coaching to support staff to enhance practiceUndertake performance management and pupil progress meetings, identifying strengths and development needsDevelop leadership capacity within the school, identifying future leaders and supporting career progression.School Operations and Management
Support the effective deployment of resources, including staffing, timetabling and budgets, to enhance school effectiveness.Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements, including safeguarding, health and safety and curriculum standards.Please note that this job description is illustrative of the general nature and level of responsibility of the role. It is not a comprehensive list of all tasks, and the post holder may be required to do other duties appropriate to the level of the role, as directed by the Head teacher.
Safeguarding
Concordia Multi Academy Trust is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and safety of pupils. Successful applicants will be subject to rigorous vetting procedures, including but not limited to: An enhanced DBS check; Satisfactory references; and Online/Social Media Check.
Person Specification
Essential
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)An outstanding teacher with exemplary practiceExperience of working in a school requiring improvement or in challenging circumstancesDemonstrable impact in improving teaching, learning, behaviour and outcomesProven ability to lead and influence change at whole-school or phase levelResilience, adaptability and a strong sense of professional accountabilityAbility to drive school improvement and implement strategic initiativesDeep understanding of safeguarding, behaviour management and inclusive practicesExcellent communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with pupils, staff and the wider school communityCommitment to continuous professional development and reflective practice.Desirable
NPQ or further leadership qualificationsExperience of working with pupils in a resource provisionExperience of contributing to a successful improvement journeyExperience of working with external support, Trust teams or improvement partnersAmbition to progress professionally through leading school improvementExperience of working in a school with high levels of SEND and disadvantageExperience of working across key stagesExperience of working in more than one educational settingExperience in budget management and resource allocationKnowledge of emerging trends in education and curriculum developmentExperience and a strong understanding of early years education, including child development and best practices in EYFS.
A tour of the school is encouraged. School tours are available on Friday 12th June at 1.30pm, Friday 19th June at 9.30am and Wednesday 1st July at 2pm. Please call the office on 01606 593896 to book.
Closing date for applications is Friday 3rd July at 12.30pm. Shortlisting will take place on Monday 6th July.
Lesson Observations will be held on Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th July. Interviews for successfully shortlisted candidates will take place on Wednesday 15th July 2026.