Depute Head Teacher

East Lothian Council; Musselburgh; On-site; GBP 72,000; Full time

Job summary

A local education authority in Musselburgh seeks a dynamic Depute Head Teacher for temporary maternity cover. The role involves leading strategic initiatives and fostering partnerships to enhance student achievement. Candidates must have full GTCS registration and proven leadership experience, along with a passion for education. The position starts as soon as possible and offers a competitive salary of £71,649 per annum. Interview date is set for 10 February 2026.

Qualifications

• Proven impactful leadership experience within a secondary school.
• Evidence of continued professional development.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the strategic leadership and management of the school.
• Lead and track BGE Attainment target setting, analysis and interventions.
• Fostering strong partnerships with pupils, staff, parents, and the wider community.

Skills

Impactful leadership experience

Strong communication skills

Education

Full GTCS registration

Job description

Vacancy Information

DHT/HT Salary Scale Point 4 (£71,649 per annum)

Temporary maternity cover until 3rd January 2027.

Days And Hours Of Work

Monday - Friday

To start asap.

About Musselburgh Grammar School

Musselburgh Grammar School is a vibrant and ambitious secondary, serving the town of Musselburgh and the nearby village of Whitecraig. The Musselburgh community is strong, lively and loyal and our school sits proudly at the heart of it. Musselburgh is the largest town in East Lothian with easy access to the City Bypass and is only 5 miles east of Edinburgh city centre with excellent bus and train links.

We are a fully comprehensive school with approximately 800 pupils ranging in age from 12 to 18, and over 60 staff in total. We are determined to ensure that every young person receives the very best at MGS, so we're constantly innovating and looking for new ideas to improve our young people's experience.

Our pupil-centred approach and ambition for young people is also reflected in our school values of Honesty, Determination and Respect. Continuing to improve attainment and achievement is our key objective, along with ensuring that our young people develop all the skills required for a positive and successful life after school, and we continue to record excellent exam results year on year.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic, highly motivated and forward-thinking member of promoted teaching staff with a passion for education and working with young people to join our Senior Leadership Team in a temporary full time DHT role. This fixed term appointment will run from April 2026 until the end of December 2026. Secondments are welcome, but candidates must have the support of their Head Teacher before submitting their application.

Our school is in an exciting period of change, and we are currently refreshing our school's vision and values for 2026, which is our 400th anniversary year. You will play a key role in shaping and driving our ambitious direction of travel, as well as working alongside two other DHTs and the Head Teacher to promote a safe and inclusive environment for all.

The Key Responsibilities Of This Role Are To

• Contribute to the strategic leadership and management of the school to achieve our school improvement priorities.
• Lead and track BGE Attainment target setting, analysis and interventions.
• Lead the strategic development and improvement of Learning, Teaching and Assessment across the school community.
• Lead whole school tracking, monitoring and reporting
• Lead whole school SQA arrangements including verification, prelims and final exams.
• Pastoral Head of House role for 250 pupils, working with a Pupil Support Leader.
• Fostering strong partnerships with pupils, staff, parents, partners and the wider community.

Essential

• Full GTCS registration.
• Proven impactful leadership experience within a secondary school.
• Evidence of continued professional development.

Interviews

Interviews will take place in Musselburgh Grammar School on 10 February 2026.

Job Details

The role of a Depute Head Teacher is to assist and, where necessary, to deputise for the Head Teacher as required. The role of the Head Teacher is, within the resources available, to conduct the affairs of the school to the benefit of the pupils and the community it serves, through pursuing objectives and implementing policies set by East Lothian Council under the overall direction of the Head of Education.

Please download the Job Outline/Person Specification (available under "Job Attachments") for the full range of tasks and duties associated with this job. You will need to refer to these in order to complete the application form. You must ensure you meet every "essential" criteria stated on the Person Specification to be considered for interview.

The ' East Lothian Way' - values and behaviours we expect our employees to demonstrate in their everyday work. Should you be invited to interview, you may be asked questions based on these behaviours. Please refer to the document via the link to familiarise yourself with them.

Job Requirements

Relevant Qualifications

Full GTCS Registration is required.

PVG Membership

This post is considered as a Regulated Role with vulnerable children and/or protected adults, as specified in the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020.

All preferred candidates for posts carrying out regulated work with these groups will be required to become a PVG Scheme member, or undergo a PVG Scheme update if they are already a member, prior to any formal offer of employment being made by East Lothian Council.

Please note: PVG member's records are constantly updated with any new vetting information that arises. Any information that is disclosed on a PVG membership or update check, if relevant to the post being applied for, will be discussed with the applicant and investigated prior to any formal offer being made.

Please Note

If you have spent more than 3 months working or living outwith the UK in the last 5 years then you will be required to present a copy of an overseas criminal record check. Details of how to apply and contact details can be found on the GOV.UK website.

Additional Information

For additional East Lothian Council employment information please click on the following link:

www.eastlothian.gov.uk/teachinginfo

Please Note - Pay arrangements

Pay arrangements for those starting after 1st day of school session: In accordance with Teachers Conditions of Service (SNCT - Appendix 2.19), Teachers who commence employment with East Lothian Council after the first day of the school session will have their salary for the remainder of the school salary year recalculated to reflect how teachers accrue leave and pay. A calculation will be carried out upon commencement of employment and leave and pay will be adjusted. Further information will be provided to the successful candidate should this be applicable.

East Lothian Council Schools

Further details on all East Lothian Council Primary and Secondary Schools, including individual school websites can be found here:

Primary Schools

Secondary Schools

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