Deputy Headteacher

Guildford County School; Guildford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A high-performing educational institution in Guildford is seeking a Deputy Headteacher to shape the vision and drive improvement in the school. This role requires strong leadership skills, a track record of raising standards, and a commitment to student welfare. The successful candidate will work closely with the leadership team and have significant influence on the school’s strategy and culture, aiming to ensure every student thrives. Interested candidates are encouraged to arrange visits with the Headteacher.

Qualifications

• An established senior leader with a track record of raising standards.
• Confident use of performance data for improvement.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare.

Responsibilities

• Set and deliver strategic priorities for school improvement.
• Lead and develop colleagues, managing and growing talent.
• Drive inclusion and personalisation for every learner.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Excellent communication

High-level digital fluency

Management and motivation

Track record of raising standards

Job description

Be a significant part of the Leadership Team at this high-performing school where every young person thrives. As our Deputy Headteacher, you will be central to shaping our vision, driving improvement and ensuring excellent day-to-day provision across the school. You will work in close partnership with the Headteacher, Senior Deputy Head and the Leadership Team, deputising when required and leading whole‑school priorities. With an outstanding Ofsted rating from both 2017 and 2023, Guildford County School is celebrated for delivering a rich and varied learning experience. Our students are eager to learn, motivated and committed to excellence.

Responsibilities

• Set and deliver strategic priorities aligned to our school improvement plan, being a custodian for the school and ambitious for the future, modelling a culture of ambition, wellbeing and continuous improvement
• You will have the highest standards of professionalism, and seek to transform the lives of others as a direct result of your work
• You will place learning and progress at the heart of your daily life and act always with an equitable approach to school improvement
• Lead and develop colleagues: line‑manage, develop and grow talent
• Secure consistently excellent Learning and Teaching: refine curriculum, assessment and pedagogy; use evidence and data to identify need and measure impact
• Drive inclusion and personalisation so that every learner succeeds; build strong partnerships with parents and carers
• Uphold a rigorous safeguarding culture; lead aspects of behaviour, attendance and wellbeing with a restorative, compassionate approach
• Strengthen community links and collaborate with partners across the trust, sharing effective practice

This role will evolve over time to reflect school priorities and the development of leadership capacity. Specific areas of responsibility will be determined in discussion with the successful candidate to maintain a balanced and collaborative leadership structure.

Who we’re looking for

• An established senior leader with a track record of raising standards and developing others
• Successful experience of monitoring and developing Learning and Teaching
• Working to develop a rich knowledge of the new Ofsted inspection framework
• Confident use of performance data and evaluation to secure improvement
• High-level skill in management, motivation and pastoral leadership, with the ability to develop strong and professional relationships with children
• Excellent communication skills with adults and young people
• A high level of digital fluency
• Strategic thinking, sound judgement and the resilience to deliver under pressure
• A passionate belief in every student's potential
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
• A commitment to the wider life of the school

You will help shape an ambitious, evidence-informed culture, empowering staff, students and other stakeholders innovating in teaching, curriculum and digital fluency. You will both influence and shape whole‑school strategy, lead meaningful change and make a visible difference to wellbeing and outcomes.

Visits from prospective candidates are welcome

Steve Smith, Headteacher, would be delighted to meet with you. To arrange a tour and visit, please contact Sarah Mackenzie at [e-mail], stating your preferred time.

Visit dates

• Tuesday 25 November, 11:10-12:10
• Thursday 27 November, 09:00-10:00
• Tuesday 2 December, 10:30-11:30

For more information or to watch our short recruitment film, please visit our vacancies page: guildfordcounty.co.uk/643/current-vacancies.

Please contact Sarah Mackenzie by email: [e-mail] or telephone: [phone].

Closing date: 9.00am on Tuesday, 2nd December 2025. Interview dates: Tuesday, 9th December (long‑listed candidates) / Wednesday, 10th December (short‑list from day one). We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date, and interviews may be held upon receipt of applications.

We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to be part of Learning Partners Academy Trust. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workforce and particularly welcome suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to join our trust. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share in this obligation. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced disclosure by the DBS.