DBS01195/26 - Assistant Headteacher - Valley Gardens Middle School

North East Combined Authority; Whitley Bay; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Leadership pathways

Supportive team

Whitley Bay location

Job summary

Valley Gardens Middle School in Whitley Bay seeks an Assistant Headteacher to join our Senior Leadership Team. The post holder will drive strategic direction, support teaching and learning, and lead in areas across Years 5–8.

The successful candidate will model exemplary practice, analyze data effectively, mentor staff, and contribute to executive decisions to sustain high standards and ambitious pupil outcomes.

Qualifications

• Ambitious for Excellence: Drive to raise standards and inspire staff across the school community.
• Hardworking and Resilient: Demonstrates strong work ethic and emotional intelligence for senior leadership roles.
• Committed to Leadership: Responsible for whole-school improvement and operational management.
• An Exemplary Practitioner: Models outstanding classroom practice and high pupil attainment.
• A Strategic & Collaborative Leader: Analyzes data, manages change, mentors colleagues, supports executive decisions.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Direction: Shape, implement, and evaluate the School Improvement Plan with the Senior Leadership Team.
• Teaching & Learning: Lead on portfolios to maintain high standards of teaching and pupil progress across Years 5–8.
• School Culture: Uphold high behaviour and wellbeing standards to create a safe, valued, and challenging environment.
• Staff Management & Development: Line manage, coach, and develop colleagues to build capacity and wellbeing.
• Community Engagement: Build strong relationships with parents, carers, and local partner schools.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Data analysis

Mentoring

Ambition for excellence

Job description

Shape the Future of Leadership at Valley Gardens Middle School

The Governors and Headteacher of Valley Gardens Middle School wish to appoint an outstanding, highly motivated, and ambitious Assistant Headteacher to join our Senior Leadership Team.

Valley Gardens is a vibrant, highly regarded 9––13 Middle School situated in Whitley Bay. As an established 'Outstanding' school, we pride ourselves on delivering high academic standards, rich curricular opportunities, and a supportive environment where every pupil thrives across Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3.

We are seeking an exceptional professional who possesses the drive, work ethic, and vision to contribute significantly to our ongoing success and strategic growth.

Key Information & Dates

Post Title Assistant Headteacher

Pay Range Leadership Scale - L10 - L14

Contract Permanent, Full-Time

Closing Date 24/11/26

Shortlisting 25/11/26

Interview tasks Thursday 3rd December 2026

*Formal Interview Friday 4th December 2026

*for candidates invited back for day 2

Who We Are Looking For

• Ambitious for Excellence: Driven to continuously raise standards, inspire staff, and foster a culture of achievement and ambition across the whole school community.
• Hardworking and Resilient: Demonstrates an exceptional work ethic, emotional intelligence, and the personal strength required to meet the daily demands of senior leadership in an outstanding school.
• Committed to Leadership: Fully invested in the responsibility of whole-school improvement,operational management, and driving high outcomes for all pupils.
• An Exemplary Practitioner: Models outstanding classroom practice, robust pedagogical knowledge, and high expectations of pupil engagement and attainment.
• A Strategic & Collaborative Leader: Able to analyse data effectively, manage change, mentor colleagues, and contribute dynamically to executive decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

The post is advertised without a specific focus. Whilst the successful candidate will possess areas of particular strength, we are seeking a versatile leader with a rich range of skills and experience, ready to adapt to whichever areas of responsibility are allocated to them as part of a cohesive leadership team.

• Strategic Direction: Collaborate with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team to shape, implement, and evaluate the strategic vision and School Improvement Plan.
• Teaching & Learning: Lead on key operational and pedagogical portfolios to ensure consistently high standards of teaching, assessment, and pupil progress across Years 5 to 8.
• School Culture: Maintain and promote high standards of behaviour, personal development, and pastoral care, ensuring an environment where pupils feel safe, valued, and challenged.
• Staff Management & Development: Line manage, coach, and support colleagues to cultivate talent, build team capacity, and sustain staff wellbeing.
• Community Engagement: Foster strong, positive relationships with parents, carers, governors, local primary schools, and secondary partners across North Tyneside.

What We Offer

• Enthusiastic, courteous, and motivated pupils who take pride in their school community.
• A supportive, experienced, and forward-thinking Senior Leadership Team.
• A dedicated team of teachers and support staff committed to collaboration and mutual growth.
• Tailored professional development opportunities and senior leadership pathways.
• A vibrant educational setting in the beautiful coastal town of Whitley Bay.

Valley Gardens Middle School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check and comprehensive pre-employment checks will be required for the successful applicant.