Forest Hill School - Deputy Headteacher

Lewisham Strategic Partnership; Greater London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

Forest Hill School in south-east London seeks an exceptional Deputy Headteacher to shape our journey to excellence and provide strategic leadership for the sixth form. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to sustained improvements in a Good school with a strong record of achievement.

The post is permanent and full-time, with a inner London salary scale (L22–L26) (£99,975–£109,215 per annum). Start date January 2027.

Qualifications

• Be an outstanding classroom practitioner.
• Be passionate about raising student achievement and aspirations.
• Be able to inspire and get the best from others.
• Show commitment to the school's vision and ethos.
• Be creative, innovative and energetic.
• Have proven leadership experience and the potential to develop further.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the sixth form.
• Help shape the school's journey to excellence.
• You will be required to teach as part of your role.
• Lead and develop staff through CPD and school improvement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strategic thinking

Inspiring others

Innovative mindset

Student achievement focus

Job description

Job Description

FOREST HILL SCHOOL

Dacres Road, London SE23 2XN

Boys 11-16, Mixed 16-18

Tel. [phone]

www.foresthill.lewisham.sch.uk

Deputy Headteacher

Permanent / Full-time contract

Start Date: January 2027

Salary Range: L22 - L26 - £99,975 to £109,215 pa. (inner London)

"...This combination of academic achievement, strong pastoral care and wider personal development means that pupils are well prepared for the next steps in their education or training."

Ofsted Report, January 2024

Forest Hill School is a thriving and aspirational comprehensive school in south-east London, rated 'Good' by Ofsted in January 2024. We provide high-quality education to boys aged 11-16 and, through our successful joint sixth form partnership with Sydenham School (SFH6), to male and female students aged 16-18. Our diverse school community is wholly reflective of this district of London, teaching pupils from all backgrounds and of all abilities.

Forest Hill School is seeking to appoint an exceptional Deputy Headteacher to help shape our journey to excellence and provide strategic leadership for our sixth form. This is an exciting time in the development of our school, and we are looking for a colleague committed to improving the life chances of our young people. We offer a wide-ranging curriculum that inspires students and broadens their horizons.

The post represents an exceptional opportunity for an ambitious leader to make their mark and help establish a culture of sustained excellence in a truly unique school. The responsibilities of the post will be decided depending on the strengths of the successful candidate in the context of the senior team. The successful candidate must:

• be an outstanding classroom practitioner
• be passionate about raising student achievement and aspirations
• be able to inspire and get the best from others
• show commitment to the school's vision and ethos
• be creative, innovative and energetic
• have proven leadership experience and the potential to develop further

We offer:

• The opportunity to work in a high achieving and truly comprehensive community school which challenges the stereotypes of underachieving boys
• A personalised CPD programme that offers a range of opportunities which seeks to support your future development
• Modern, state of the art facilities, including the technology and resources to support excellent teaching

We are actively working to create an inclusive and diverse Senior Leadership Team. Outstanding learning and teaching lie at the heart of every successful school and we place a high premium on this. You will be required to teach as part of your role and at interview.

"...The school makes sure that staff have access to high-quality training and development. This includes teachers new to the profession, who are very well supported."

Safeguarding Statement

Forest Hill School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and is subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure.

Equal Opportunities Statement

Forest Hill School is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all members of the community, regardless of gender, age, marital status, disability, ethnicity, religion, belief or sexual orientation.

The school is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and diversity. We have a clear commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be required to complete an Enhanced Disclosure for the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Informal visits are welcome and should be arranged directly with the Heads PA, Vicky Brown

Closing date for applications is 5pm on Wednesday 14th October 2026 with interviews scheduled over two days on Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th October 2026.