Deputy Headteacher

An exciting leadership opportunity to shape the future of our school and make a lasting difference to pupils, staff and the wider community.

Meadowside is a large, two form entry community primary school in Burton Latimer, near Kettering, with approximately 400 pupils and a nursery on site. The school is an important part of its local community, with a strong sense of pride and belonging. The successful candidate will play a central role in driving school improvement and embedding the school values: of Respect, Responsibility, Reflection and Resilience which underpin the aspirations we have for all our pupils, both in their academic achievement and in their development as confident, thoughtful and responsible individuals. Our pupils are at the heart of the school. We are committed to ensuring every pupil feels safe, valued and able to succeed. We now seek an exceptional Deputy Headteacher to help lead the next phase of school improvement journey.

About the role. Working closely with the Headteacher, you will be a senior leader with both strategic and operational responsibilities. This role is central to driving improvement across the school and embedding our vision in day-to-day practice.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and supporting the strategic development of the school to drive high standards of teaching, learning, behaviour and achievement for all pupils.
• Acting as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), ensuring robust safeguarding practice, statutory compliance and a strong culture of pupil welfare.
• Monitoring school performance, implementing improvement priorities and leading targeted actions to secure improved outcomes.
• Coaching, developing and inspiring staff through professional development and performance management, and contributing to a structured pathway for emerging leaders.
• Building strong relationships with pupils, families, multi-agency partners and the wider community to promote inclusion, attendance and wellbeing.

This post combines whole-school leadership with the opportunity to model excellent practice in teaching, curriculum and pastoral care.

About you - the ideal candidate

We are looking for an ambitious, reflective and personable leader who:

• Is a qualified teacher with a strong record of improving pupil outcomes and significant classroom experience (QTS).
• Has proven leadership experience in a school setting and the ability to translate vision into clear plans that secure improvement.
• Holds or is prepared to undertake relevant DSL training and brings sound knowledge of safeguarding legislation and best practice.
• Demonstrates excellent communication and relationship-building skills, able to work collaboratively with pupils, staff, families and external partners.
• Is committed to staff development, coaching others and nurturing a culture of high expectations and wellbeing.
• Shows resilience, strong organisational skills and a data-informed approach to improving provision and outcomes.

We welcome applications from leaders at different stages of their senior leadership journey provided they can demonstrate the experience and impact required for this role.

What we offer

• Opportunities for leadership development, coaching and access to external networks and training.
• The chance to make a tangible, long-term impact on pupil outcomes and school culture as part of a close-knit community.
• A role where safeguarding, wellbeing and school improvement are at the heart of every decision.

The recruitment timetable is as follows:

Closing date: Midnight, Sunday 22 November 2026

Shortlisting: Week commencing 23 November 2026

Interviews: A two day selection process during the week commencing 7 December 2026

We are seeking an exceptional Deputy Headteacher to join the school on its development journey. This role requires a motivated professional who will shape strategic direction, lead safeguarding (DSL), support staff development, and secure improved outcomes for all pupils. Applicants should hold QTS, relevant safeguarding training (or be prepared to undertake DSL training), and have proven leadership experience.

We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Thank you for your interest.

Visits to the School. We welcome you to visit us to see what we are doing. Don't hesitate to contact Mrs Donna Jawo, Executive School Business Manager, at to arrange.

Main Purpose of the Role

• The Deputy Headteacher will support the Headteacher to provide strategic and operational leadership for Meadowside Primary School. Meadowside is a large, two form entry community primary school in Burton Latimer, near Kettering, with approximately 400 pupils and a nursery on site.
• The school is an important part of its local community, with a strong sense of pride and belonging. The successful candidate will play a central role in driving school improvement and embedding the school values: of Respect, Responsibility, Reflection and Resilience which underpin our aspirations for pupils, both in their academic achievement and in their development as confident, thoughtful and responsible pupils.
• This is a pivotal leadership role on the school's development journey. The Deputy Headteacher will help shape the strategic direction of the school, ensure high standards of teaching, learning, behaviour and welfare, and create a culture in which every pupil is safe, valued and empowered to succeed.
• The role combines whole-school strategic responsibility with hands on operational leadership to secure excellent outcomes for all pupils and to develop staff professional capacity.

Key Responsibilities and Duties Strategic Leadership and School Improvement

• Lead and support the strategic development, driving standards of teaching, learning, behaviour and achievement for all pupils in line with the school's vision and values.
• Work closely with the Headteacher, senior leadership team and governing body to develop, implement and monitor the school improvement plan and priorities.
• Monitor school performance data and lead targeted actions to secure sustained improvement in outcomes and progress for all groups of pupils, including disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND.
• Lead projects that contribute to whole-school improvement and the development of teaching and learning across the school.

Teaching, Curriculum and Assessment

• Establish and sustain high-quality teaching and learning across the school based on evidence-informed practice.
• Oversee curriculum implementation and ensure it is broad, coherent and age-appropriate.
• Ensure valid, reliable and proportionate assessment systems are in place to evaluate pupils' knowledge and understanding and to inform teaching.
• Participate in teaching where appropriate and model outstanding classroom practice.

Leadership, Staff Development and Performance Management

• Coach, develop and inspire staff through effective leadership, professional development, and performance management.
• Contribute to the development of a structured leadership pathway and support teachers to embark on and progress through leadership roles.
• Line-manage designated staff, ensuring professional standards, appraisal targets and bespoke development plans are in place and reviewed.
• Promote a culture of staff wellbeing, high professional standards and continuous improvement.

Behaviour, Attendance and Pastoral Leadership

• Promote high standards of behaviour based on clear rules and routines, ensuring consistency across the school.
• Lead approaches to improve attendance, engagement and punctuality, and work with families to reduce persistent absence.
• Ensure pastoral systems support pupils' personal development, resilience and readiness for the next phase of education.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Responsibilities

• Act as the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring robust safeguarding practises, timely referral and liaison with external agencies and statutory partners.
• Ensure compliance with statutory guidance (including Keeping Children Safe in Education) and that safeguarding policies and procedures are understood and implemented by all staff.
• Provide advice, training and support to staff in relation to child protection concerns, and maintain accurate records and oversight of cases.

Community Engagement and External Partnerships

• Build strong relationships with pupils, families, governors, multi agency partners and the wider community to promote inclusion, wellbeing and opportunities for pupils.
• Represent the school in local networks and partnerships to support school improvement, inclusion and community cohesion.

Operational and Organisational Duties

• Lead aspects of day-to-day school management and act on behalf of the Headteacher as required.
• Ensure compliance with statutory duties, school policies and procedures (including health & safety, safeguarding, and statutory reporting).
• Contribute to recruitment, deployment and performance management of staff, and the effective use of resources delegated to the role.

Additional Duties

• Provide cover and leadership presence in unforeseen circumstances when other senior leaders are unavailable.
• Undertake any other duties reasonably delegated by the Headteacher in support of the school's aims.

Skills and Competencies

• Strategic leadership: ability to translate vision into clear plans . click apply for full job details