Deputy Head Of Secondary

The role and responsibilities:

Leadership and management

Support and implement the vision, ethos, and strategic priorities of the school

Deputise for the Head of Secondary as required

Line manage Heads of Department and MLT, ensuring consistency in curriculum delivery, teaching quality, and use of data

Contribute to, implement, and evaluate the School Development Plan

Lead and support self-evaluation processes including departmental reviews, SEFs, and inspection preparation

Ensure policies are consistently translated into effective practice

Promote inclusive practice and high expectations across all departments

Develop leadership capacity through coaching, mentoring, and professional development

Act as a proactive and effective member of the Senior Leadership Team

Teaching and learning responsibility

Lead the implementation of the school’s Teaching & Learning framework (e.g. TLAG)

Ensure high-quality, consistent teaching across all subjects

Lead quality assurance activities including: learning walks, book looks, lesson observations

Work with Heads of Department and MLT to improve pedagogy, differentiation, and challenge

Promote cross-curricular approaches and innovation in teaching

Drive continuous improvement in teaching standards (good, very good, outstanding)

Model outstanding classroom practice

Monitoring and assessment

Lead secondary data and assessment systems, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and impact

Oversee internal and external assessment processes (e.g. GL, CAT4, NGRT where applicable)

Ensure data is used effectively to inform planning, intervention, and target setting

Monitor student progress and attainment across departments

Lead Raising Attainment Plans (RAPs) and intervention strategies

Standardise assessment practices across departments

Ensure timely and accurate reporting to students and parents

Staff development

Act as a reviewer within the school’s appraisal process

Identify training needs and support professional development across Secondary

Coach and mentor Heads of Department, MLT, and teaching staff

Promote collaboration, teamwork, and continuous improvement

Ensure staff remain up to date with current educational developments

Parental engagement

Lead Secondary parental engagement systems, including consultation evenings and communication protocols

Ensure timely, transparent, and effective communication with parents

Promote strong partnerships between school and home

Monitor and improve parental engagement and satisfaction

Personal and professional responsibilities

Act as a role model for high standards of professionalism, teaching, and leadership

Initiate and lead change to improve standards and outcomes

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of educational best practice

Support the school’s values and contribute to the wider life of the school

Promote positive relationships with students, staff, and parents

Skills description

Strategic leadership

Strong knowledge of curriculum and teaching and learning

Excellent staff leadership and management

Excellent assessment and data analysis

Strong knowledge of safeguarding and child protection

Excellent British curriculum and inspection knowledge

Strong knowledge of inclusion, SEND, and EAL

Strong knowledge of quality assurance process

Excellent coaching and professional development