Deputy Headteacher

Harper Bell Seventh-day Adventist School

Birmingham | Full time | Leadership Scale (L4-L8)

Join us at a pivotal moment of change and opportunity

Harper Bell is a small, diverse, one-form-entry voluntary-aided primary school at the heart of Birmingham, serving a warm and vibrant community. Guided by a strong Christian ethos and a culture of care, we are proud of the close relationships that make our school truly special.

We are now on a clear journey of change, transformation and rapid improvement. With renewed expectations, strengthened systems and a sharp focus on teaching, learning and safeguarding, we are determined to secure the very best outcomes for every child.

We are at a pivotal point in our journey. After an Ofsted judgement of Inadequate (February 2025), new governance and leadership structures are in place and a clear, well-supported rapid improvement plan is being delivered. We are seeking a Deputy Headteacher who is motivated by transformational leadership and ready to make a tangible difference for our pupils and community. As Deputy Headteacher, you will work alongside the Headteacher, Interim Executive Board and Local Authority to accelerate improvement, strengthen provision and make a lasting difference to the lives of children and families in our diverse community.

The role

As Deputy Headteacher, you will be a key strategic and operational leader with whole-school responsibility. You will deputise for the Headteacher and help drive the school’s rapid improvement journey with clarity, resilience and moral purpose.

Your core responsibilities will include:

• Acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring the highest standards of safeguarding, child protection and pastoral care
• Leading Curriculum and Assessment across the school, securing an ambitious, well sequenced and inclusive curriculum that raises achievement for all pupils
• Driving high quality teaching and learning through coaching, monitoring, instructional leadership and robust quality assurance
• Leading assessment systems, pupil progress tracking and data analysis to inform intervention and accelerate outcomes
• Overseeing the day to day logistics and operational running of the school, ensuring systems, staffing and routines enable excellent provision
• Deputising for the Headteacher and providing confident, visible leadership in their absence
• Leading staff development and performance management, including mentoring Early Career Teachers, coaching colleagues and designing high quality professional development that builds expertise and strengthens classroom practice
• Supporting behaviour, attendance and inclusion so that every child is safe, engaged and ready to learn
• Working closely with families, governors, the local authority and the wider community to strengthen partnerships
• Championing our Christian ethos and ensuring it is reflected in daily practice, relationships and decision making

The difference you will make

You will help to:

• accelerate standards and outcomes across the school
• embed strong systems and consistency in teaching and assessment
• create a safe, orderly and purposeful learning environment
• develop staff confidence and capability
• ensure every pupil is known, valued and supported to thrive
• contribute directly to the rapid and sustained improvement of the school

This role offers genuine scope to shape culture, systems and strategy. It is ideal for a leader who wants to move beyond maintenance and truly transform a school community.

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• has successful experience in senior or middle leadership within a primary school
• has a strong track record of improving teaching, curriculum and pupil outcomes
• understands safeguarding deeply and is confident leading as DSL
• is highly organised and able to manage operational and logistical demands effectively
• communicates with clarity, warmth and high expectations
• is resilient, reflective and committed to continuous improvement
• is passionate about inclusion and equality of opportunity
• is supportive of and willing to promote the Christian ethos of the school

What we offer

• a rare opportunity to help lead a school through rapid improvement and transformation
• the chance to make a tangible difference to children’s lives every day
• a supportive, values-driven and close-knit community
• strong governance and partnership working
• access to professional development and leadership support
• a meaningful leadership role with real influence and responsibility

This is more than a deputy headship

It is an opportunity to help transform a school, serve a community and shape futures.

If you are ready to lead with purpose and make a lasting difference, we would love to hear from you.

Visits and applications

Visits to the school are warmly encouraged and can be arranged through the school office.

Please request an application pack via the school website or by contacting the school directly.

Harper Bell is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and safer recruitment procedures.