Deputy Headteacher (Pastoral)

Derbyshire County Council; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Career progression

Staff wellbeing

Health benefits

Job summary

City of Derby Academy, part of the Tapestry Learning Partnership, is seeking an exceptional Deputy Headteacher to lead pastoral provision, safeguarding and student welfare. You will work closely with the Headteacher to drive improvement and ensure high expectations, inclusive practices and strong relationships across staff, students and families.

You will model integrity, manage safeguarding leadership, and develop trusted partnerships with external agencies to create a safe, supportive and

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in a school setting.
• Proven track record of contributing to whole-school improvement, especially in pastoral care, behaviour and safeguarding.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder relationship skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and shape the school’s pastoral provision and safeguarding practices.
• Drive whole-school improvement through effective pastoral systems and a culture of care.
• Provide strong line management for safeguarding teams and liaise with external agencies as required.
• Work with the Headteacher and Trust colleagues to secure positive outcomes for all students.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Pastoral care

Behaviour and safeguarding

Data-driven decision making

Job description

Closing date: 22 November 2026

Join us on an exciting journey of transformation and excellence.

At Tapestry Learning Partnership, we believe in the power of education to change lives. Formed in January 2026 through the merger of two strong trusts, QEGSMAT and Djanogly Learning Trust, we are building a future where every child succeeds and flourishes. Now, we are looking for an exceptional Headteacher to lead our diverse, inclusive, and ambitious school community. Serving over 1,000 students and a richly multicultural population with more than 40 home languages, we are a school committed to improving the life chances of every child.

About The Role

The Deputy Headteacher is a key strategic leader at the heart of City of Derby Academy. In this role, you will lead and shape the school’s pastoral provision, ensuring the highest standards of safeguarding, behaviour, attendance, and student welfare so that every student feels safe, supported, and able to thrive.

Working closely with the Headteacher, you will drive whole-school improvement through the development of effective pastoral systems and a strong culture of care, inclusion, and high expectations. You will lead and inspire colleagues to deliver consistent approaches to behaviour, attendance, and student support, using data and systems effectively to inform decisions and secure positive outcomes for all students, particularly the most vulnerable.

You will provide strong and effective line management for the safeguarding team, including the Safeguarding Leader and Child Protection Officers, ensuring that robust safeguarding practices are embedded across the school and that a culture of vigilance and accountability is consistently maintained. Through modelling professional integrity and developing trusted relationships with students, families, staff and external agencies, you will help create a positive, values-led environment in which every member of the school community can flourish. This is an exceptional opportunity for an ambitious leader to make a lasting impact and play a central role in shaping the school’s future.

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for an exceptional senior leader with strong organisational skills, the ability to manage complex and sensitive priorities, and a proven track record of contributing to whole-school improvement, particularly in pastoral care, behaviour, attendance, and safeguarding.

The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator who can build positive and professional relationships with staff, students, parents, governors, external agencies, and Trust colleagues.

They will bring significant experience of leading teams and developing effective pastoral systems, with the ability to use data and school systems to inform decision-making and secure positive outcomes for all students, especially the most vulnerable. A deep commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and student wellbeing is essential, alongside the ability to lead with clarity, consistency, and integrity.

The successful candidate will demonstrate high expectations, resilience, and emotional intelligence, remaining calm and solution-focused under pressure. Above all, we are seeking someone who is passionate about ensuring every student feels safe, supported, and able to succeed, and who is committed to continuous professional development and exemplary professional conduct.

About City Of Derby Academy

City of Derby Academy is a school where every student and every member of staff is encouraged and supported to realise their full potential. Our culture is grounded in high expectations, strong and respectful relationships, and a deep commitment to inclusion.

Serving a wonderfully diverse community with more than 40 home languages, our vision is simple yet profound: to improve the life chances of every child.

We offer an ambitious curriculum, exceptional pastoral support and a wide range of enrichment opportunities, from educational visits and clubs to our thriving Combined Cadet Force.

Students develop academically, personally and socially, gaining the knowledge, skills and character they need for the next stage of their education, employment or training.

• Diversity is celebrated, and inclusion underpins everything we do
• Students feel safe, supported and able to thrive
• High expectations drive achievement, ambition and pride
• Relationships are strong, respectful and purposeful
• Staff wellbeing and professional development are valued, and colleagues are proud to work here

Why Join Tapestry Learning Partnership?

As part of our Trust, you’ll benefit from:

• A supportive network of professionals who share your commitment to excellence
• High-quality professional development and career progression opportunities
• A caring, inclusive organisation that values staff wellbeing and work-life balance
• Access to a range of employee benefits designed to promote health and wellbeing

This is your chance to be part of something special. Help us shape the future and make a lasting impact.

Tapestry Learning Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. It is a criminal offence to engage or seek to engage in regulated activity or regulated work with children, if you appear on the DBS barred list. All appointments are subject to an Enhanced DBS check and be eligible to work in the UK.

Further information about our commitment to Safeguarding can be found at: Tapestry Learning Partnership

Please be aware, the Trust may also consider performing an online presence check as part of their pre-employment checks.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore shortlisted applicants are required to declare all unspent cautions or convictions, and any adult cautions or convictions that are not protected (i.e. that are not filtered out) as defined by the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020).

Further details about our school can be found on our website: City of Derby Academy - Home

Potential Start date: April 2027