Deputy Headteacher

Waverley Preparatory School and Nursery; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Free school lunches

Staff discount

Job summary

Waverley Prep School & Nursery is seeking an exceptional Deputy Headteacher to join our Senior Management Team and influence the future development of the school. You will work closely with the incoming Headteacher to shape strategy, drive improvement and promote excellence in teaching, pastoral care and staff development.

With approximately half of your time spent in teaching, you will be an approachable leader who builds strong relationships with families and staff, ensuring every child feels

Qualifications

• QTS holder with ability to lead from the front and deliver high-quality teaching.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding in a school environment.
• Proven leadership in school improvement and staff development.

Responsibilities

• Shape strategic direction and drive school improvement.
• Champion excellence in teaching, learning and curriculum development.
• Lead pastoral care, safeguarding, and staff development.
• Teach approximately 50% of the time as part of leadership responsibilities.

Skills

Teaching

Leadership

Curriculum development

Safeguarding

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Education

QTS holder

Job description

Job Title: Deputy Headteacher

Location: Finchampstead, Wokingham, RG40 4YDS

Salary: Very competitive, with a significant performance related bonus, free school lunches and 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:

• 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.