Deputy Headteacher

Thomas Harding Junior School; Chesham; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Thomas Harding Junior School in Chesham, England, is seeking a Deputy Headteacher who will shape the school’s strategic direction, support high‑quality teaching and model the values that define our community.

We are looking for someone visible, approachable and committed to working in true partnership with staff, families and governors, with a passion for inclusion, aspiration and the ongoing development of teachers and pupils.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership skills and drive to lead with passion to raise standards while maintaining excellence.
• Belief that all students can achieve high standards regardless of background.
• Promotes high standards of teaching and learning.
• Excellent communication with pupils, staff, governors, families and the wider community.
• Passion for education, learning and inspiring the school community.
• Commitment to inclusion, equality and high achievement for all.
• Commitment to continual professional development.

Responsibilities

• Shape the school's strategic direction and support high-quality teaching.
• Model and promote the ASPIRE values in daily practice.
• Be visible, approachable and work in genuine partnership with staff, families and governors.

Job description

Thomas Harding is in a positive position, with committed staff, supportive families, a skilled governing body and part of a Trust that is fully invested in the school’s future direction. Our ASPIRE values sit at the heart of our ethos, shaping the attitudes, behaviours and aspirations we want every pupil to carry into their future.

As a junior school serving a diverse and vibrant community, we offer a broad and stimulating curriculum that encourages curiosity, independence and a genuine love of learning. Our pupils enjoy a wide range of enrichment opportunities, and we are proud of the strong relationships we maintain with parents, carers and the wider community.

Our most recent Ofsted inspection recognised the school’s strengths, including pupils’ positive attitudes, the calm and purposeful learning environment, and the commitment of staff to ensuring every child succeeds.

We are seeking a Deputy Headteacher who will build on these foundations with clarity, enthusiasm and a forward‑thinking approach. You will play a central role in shaping the school’s strategic direction, supporting high‑quality teaching, and modelling the values and behaviours that define Thomas Harding. We are looking for someone who is visible, approachable, and committed to working in genuine partnership with staff, families and governors.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has proven, effective leadership skills and the drive to help lead our school with passion, raising standards where required, but recognising and maintaining excellence where it is already in place.
• Has an unrelenting belief and focus that all students can achieve high standards, whatever their background, life experiences or starting point.
• Promotes high standards of teaching and learning through excellent classroom practice.
• Possesses excellent communication skills with a firm commitment to working in partnership with children, staff, governors, families and the wider community.
• Is passionate about education and learning and can inspire and motivate the school community.
• Can demonstrate a commitment to the principles of inclusion, equality and high achievement for all.
• Is committed to the continual development of themselves as practitioners.

We can offer you:

• A passionate, positive and motivated team of professionals who put children at the heart of every decision.
• Working in a supportive partnership within and beyond your school, driven by a moral purpose which isunderpinnedby our ASPIRE values.
• Dedicated leadership time, PPA and a full induction programme.
• Significant support through both the Headteacher and the ODBST, ensuring that you will succeed in this role.
• A commitment to quality CPD as part of the ODBST.
• Engagement with Trust networks to share best practice and learn from others across our partnership.
• A strong network of deputies who support each other and share best practice.
• An SLT who are committed to supporting and enabling the wellbeing of all staff.