Deputy Headteacher - starting Spring Term 2027

Avondale Preparatory School; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Avondale Preparatory School in Salisbury is seeking a Deputy Headteacher to join our small, independent preparatory school from January 2027. An experienced primary senior leader who is passionate about teaching, wellbeing and pupil development will lead with the Headteacher in our close-knit community.

The successful candidate will teach Year 3/4 for about 70% of the timetable, support strategic leadership, advance teaching and pastoral care, undertake safeguarding duties, and be an active,

Qualifications

• Has previous senior leadership experience in a primary school (essential).
• Experience of working in a small school, preferably within the independent sector.
• Excellent classroom practitioner with a genuine enthusiasm for teaching.
• Strong organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Approachable, adaptable and willing to embrace the varied responsibilities that come with leadership in a small school.
• Experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy DSL (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Teach a Year 3/4 class, with a teaching commitment of approximately 70% of the timetable.
• Work closely with the Headteacher to support strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the school.
• Contribute to the continued development of high-quality teaching, learning and pastoral care.
• Undertake safeguarding responsibilities, helping to promote a strong safeguarding culture throughout the school.
• Play an active and visible role in all aspects of school life.

Skills

Senior leadership

Classroom teaching

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Adaptable

DSL experience

Job description

Avondale Preparatory School is seeking an enthusiastic, experienced and dedicated Deputy Headteacher to join the vibrant team at our small, independent preparatory school.

This is an exciting opportunity, commencing in January 2027, for an experienced primary school senior leader who is passionate about teaching and learning, committed to the wellbeing and development of every child, and keen to play a significant role in the leadership of a close-knit school community.

The Role

The successful candidate will:

1. Teach a Year 3/4 class, with a teaching commitment of approximately 70% of the timetable.
2. Work closely with the Headteacher to support the strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the school.
3. Contribute to the continued development of high-quality teaching, learning and pastoral care.
4. Undertake safeguarding responsibilities, helping to promote a strong safeguarding culture throughout the school.
5. Play an active and visible role in all aspects of school life.

The Successful Candidate

We are looking for someone who:

1. Has previous senior leadership experience in a primary school (essential).
2. Has experience of working in a small school, preferably within the independent sector.
3. Is an excellent classroom practitioner with a genuine enthusiasm for teaching.
4. Has strong organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
5. Is approachable, adaptable and willing to embrace the varied responsibilities that come with leadership in a small school.
6. Has experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), although this is desirable rather than essential, as appropriate training will be provided.

Why Join Avondale?

As a small independent school, Avondale offers the opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of pupils and to become an integral part of a supportive school community. The successful candidate will enjoy a varied and rewarding role, combining classroom teaching with meaningful leadership responsibilities.

Safeguarding

Avondale Preparatory School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be required to undergo appropriate safeguarding and safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check with children's barred list information, and other pre-employment checks in accordance with statutory requirements.