Deputy Headteacher 

North Durham Academy 

Are you an experienced senior leader with a proven track record of improving attendance, behaviour and safeguarding within a secondary school? North Durham Academy is seeking a dynamic and resilient Deputy Headteacher to lead strategic improvement in attendance, behaviour and safeguarding, playing a pivotal role in shaping a culture of high expectations and inclusion.

Working closely with the Headteacher and Trust, you will provide visible and decisive leadership across the academy, driving improvements in attendance so that every student can fully access their education, embedding a consistent and uncompromising behaviour culture, and ensuring safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. As Designated Safeguarding Lead, you will ensure robust systems, strong practice and a vigilant safeguarding culture that protects and supports all students.

This is a key leadership role requiring a confident and values-driven professional with a proven track record of impact at senior level. You will use data intelligently to identify need, intervene early and secure measurable improvements, while line managing senior leaders and holding teams to account for the highest standards. You will be a visible presence around the academy, modelling professionalism and building strong relationships with students, staff and families.

We are looking for a leader who combines strategic insight with relentless drive, who can challenge, support and inspire others, and who is fully committed to creating a safe, calm and purposeful learning environment where every child feels known, valued and protected.

In return, we offer a significant leadership opportunity with real influence over whole-school culture and outcomes, a supportive Trust network and a committed staff team who share a strong moral purpose to improve life chances for all students.

Visits to North Durham Academy are warmly welcomed and encouraged. This is a great opportunity to meet our staff and students, experience the school environment and learn more about the role and our community. To arrange a visit at a convenient time, please contact Charna Kay PA to the CEO at c.kay@connectmat.org.uk

Connect Multi-Academy Trust is legally obligated to process a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before making appointments to relevant posts. The DBS check will reveal both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, and bind-overs as well as pending prosecutions, which aren't 'protected' under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 and check to establish that a person is not barred from 'regulated activity' as defined by the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006.

Please note that we operate a probationary period of 4 months across all jobs in the Trust (see attached policy for further details).  You will receive a comprehensive induction to support you to successfully pass your probation