Senior Leader

Humly North East; Spittal; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Humly North East is seeking a Senior Leader for a UK secondary school. You will provide strategic and operational leadership across school improvement, ensuring high standards in teaching, learning, behaviour and student welfare.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will shape the school's vision, support staff development and drive continuous improvement, while working with parents, governors and external partners to raise attainment and outcomes for all pupils.

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Significant experience of teaching in a secondary school.
• Proven experience of leading and managing colleagues or teams.
• Evidence of contributing to school improvement.
• Strong understanding of curriculum, assessment and student achievement.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and statutory responsibilities in schools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the school’s strategic vision and improvement plan.
• Lead designated areas of whole-school improvement.
• Monitor performance data to identify priorities and drive improvement.
• Promote high-quality teaching, learning and assessment.
• Line-manage departments, provide coaching and professional development.
• Monitor student progress and implement targeted interventions.
• Promote safeguarding, behaviour, attendance and welfare.
• Engage with parents, governors and external partners.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Staff development

Data analysis

Communication

Change management

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Degree or equivalent

Job description

Job Title: Senior Leader

Responsible to: Headteacher / Deputy Headteacher

Salary: Leadership Scale (dependent on experience and responsibilities)

Contract: Permanent / Full-time

Location: Secondary School

Job Purpose

To provide strategic and operational leadership across designated areas of school improvement, ensuring the highest standards of teaching, learning, behaviour, achievement and student welfare.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the postholder will contribute to the strategic direction and development of the school, promoting a culture of high expectations, inclusion, ambition and continuous improvement.

The postholder will support the Headteacher in securing the school’s vision, values and priorities, ensuring positive outcomes for all students and effective professional development for staff.

Key Responsibilities

• A. Strategic Leadership and School Improvement
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of the school’s strategic vision and improvement plan.
  • Lead designated areas of whole-school improvement.
  • Evaluate the impact of school policies, practices and initiatives.
  • Use school performance data to identify priorities and drive improvement.
  • Support the school in achieving its strategic objectives and maintaining high standards.
• B. Teaching, Learning and Curriculum
  • Promote consistently high-quality teaching, learning and assessment.
  • Monitor and evaluate classroom practice through learning walks, work scrutiny and quality assurance.
  • Support curriculum development and ensure appropriate progression and challenge for all students.
  • Identify and implement strategies to improve student achievement.
  • Promote evidence-informed teaching practices and professional collaboration.
• C. Leadership and Management of Staff
  • Provide effective leadership, support and challenge to colleagues.
  • Line-manage designated departments, faculties or teams.
  • Support staff recruitment, induction, appraisal and professional development.
  • Identify opportunities for coaching, mentoring and leadership development.
  • Promote a positive, collaborative and accountable professional culture.
• D. Student Achievement and Outcomes
  • Monitor student progress, attainment and achievement.
  • Analyse assessment and examination data to identify underachievement.
  • Implement targeted intervention strategies.
  • Promote high expectations and aspirations for all students.
  • Ensure disadvantaged students and those with additional needs receive appropriate support.
• E. Behaviour, Attendance and Safeguarding
  • Promote high standards of behaviour, attendance and punctuality.
  • Support the implementation and monitoring of whole-school behaviour policies.
  • Ensure safeguarding responsibilities are understood and fulfilled.
  • Promote student wellbeing, inclusion and positive relationships.
  • Work collaboratively with parents, carers and external agencies.
• F. Communication and Community Engagement
  • Develop positive relationships with parents, carers, governors and external partners.
  • Represent the school at meetings, events and professional networks.
  • Communicate effectively with staff and stakeholders.
  • Promote the school’s reputation and values within the wider community.
• G. Financial and Operational Management
  • Contribute to effective resource allocation and budget management within areas of responsibility.
  • Ensure staffing, facilities and resources are used effectively.
  • Support the development, implementation and review of school policies.
  • Ensure compliance with relevant statutory requirements and school procedures.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Degree or equivalent relevant professional qualification.
• Significant experience of teaching in a secondary school.
• Proven experience of leading and managing colleagues or teams.
• Evidence of contributing to school improvement.
• Strong understanding of curriculum, assessment and student achievement.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and statutory responsibilities in schools.

Essential Skills and Attributes

• Excellent strategic leadership and management skills.
• Ability to inspire, motivate and develop staff.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyse data and use evidence to inform decision-making.
• Effective organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work under pressure.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and safeguarding.
• High expectations of professional conduct and student achievement.

Desirable

• Previous experience as a middle leader or senior leader.
• Leadership or management qualification.
• Experience of leading whole-school improvement initiatives.
• Experience of working with governors and external agencies.
• Evidence of successful coaching, mentoring and staff development.

Professional Expectations

• Demonstrate and promote the school’s values and ethos.
• Maintain high standards of professional conduct.
• Act as a positive role model for staff and students.
• Uphold safeguarding, equality and health and safety responsibilities.
• Engage in continuing professional development.
• Undertake other reasonable duties as directed by the Headteacher, consistent with the responsibilities and grade of the post.

Leadership Expectations

• Strategic thinking and a commitment to sustainable school improvement.
• The ability to lead change and secure measurable improvements.
• Professional integrity, resilience and sound judgement.
• A commitment to raising aspirations and improving outcomes for every student.
• The ability to balance support, challenge and accountability.
• A strong commitment to collaborative leadership and collective responsibility.

Overall Purpose

To contribute to the effective leadership and management of the school, ensuring that every student receives an excellent educational experience and that staff are supported to deliver the highest possible standards