Deputy Headteacher

Waverley Preparatory School and Nursery; Finchampstead; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free school lunches

Staff discount for children

Job summary

Waverley Prep School & Nursery is seeking a Deputy Headteacher to join our Senior Management Team from September 2027. Working with the incoming Headteacher, you will shape strategic direction, drive school improvement and champion excellence in teaching, pastoral care and staff development.

You will lead with a teaching commitment of approximately 50% and be a visible, approachable leader who inspires colleagues and builds strong relationships with families.

Qualifications

• A QTS holder with ability to lead from the front with high quality teaching.
• Experience leading whole-school initiatives and managing change effectively.
• Strong focus on teaching, learning, safeguarding and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Shape strategic direction and drive school improvement with the incoming Headteacher.
• Champion excellence in teaching, pastoral care and staff development.
• Manage a 50% teaching commitment and act as a visible, collaborative leader.
• Build strong relationships with families and ensure every child flourishes.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Curriculum development

Staff development

Education

QTS holder

Job description

Job Title

Deputy Headteacher

Location

Finchampstead, Wokingham, RG40 4YD

Salary

• Very competitive, with a significant performance related bonus, free school lunches
• a staff discount if your children attend the school or nursery

Job Type

Permanent, Full time

Start Date

September 2027

Waverley Prep School & Nursery is seeking an exceptional Deputy Headteacher to join our Senior Management Team and play a central role in the next chapter of our school's development.

Following the promotion of our current Deputy Head to Headteacher from September 2027, this is an exciting opportunity for an outstanding teacher and aspiring or experienced leader to make a significant impact within a successful and growing school.

Working in close partnership with the incoming Headteacher, you will help shape our strategic direction, drive school improvement and champion excellence in teaching and learning, pastoral care and staff development. With a teaching commitment of approximately 50%, you will be a visible and approachable leader who inspires colleagues, builds strong relationships with families and ensures every child feels known, valued and encouraged to flourish.

At Waverley, we believe that exceptional education begins with knowing every child. Our warm, nurturing community combines high expectations with a commitment to developing confident, compassionate and curious learners. We are looking for a leader who shares these values, brings energy and fresh thinking, and is excited by the opportunity to influence the future of our school.

We offer a supportive professional community, the opportunity to shape school strategy and the chance to make a meaningful and lasting difference to pupils, staff and families.

About you

Essential Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

Teaching & Leadership

• A genuine passion for education and a commitment to providing the very best outcomes for children.
• A QTS holder, with the ability to 'lead from the front' with high quality teaching.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of teaching, learning and curriculum development.
• The ability to inspire and motivate pupils and staff.
• Experience of leading whole-school initiatives and managing change effectively.

Safeguarding and Pastoral Leadership

• A strong understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and the importance of a safeguarding culture.
• A commitment to ensuring every child feels safe, valued and supported.
• Experience of developing positive behaviour, wellbeing and pastoral systems.

Relationships and Communication

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong relationships with pupils, staff, parents and Governors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to represent the school confidently and positively.

Personal Qualities

• Warmth, integrity, energy and enthusiasm.
• A visible and approachable leadership style.
• A collaborative approach with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Resilience, emotional intelligence and sound judgement.
• A willingness to contribute fully to the wider life of the school.

Interested in finding out more?

Prospective candidates are warmly invited to contact us for an informal conversation with our incoming Headteacher or to arrange a tour.

Please note this is not a full job description and further information along with a full job description is available on our website.

Closing date: 09:00hrs, Wednesday 18th November 2026

Interviews: Initial interviews will take place week commencing 23rd November 2026

Waverley Prep School & Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to appropriate safeguarding and pre-employment checks. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Candidates with experience or relevant job titles of; Education Lead, Teacher, Deputy Principle, Deputy Education Head, Education Support, Deputy Headmaster, Senior Teacher may also be considered for this role