Deputy Headteacher

Leadership scale point 20 – 24

(£82,654 – £91,158)

Required from September 2026

At The Westwood Academy, where better never stops, we are committed to continuous improvement and excellence in all that we do. Our school values — Kindness, Respect, Ambition, Resilience and Reflection — underpin our culture, curriculum and community.

We are seeking an exceptional and driven leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as the sole Deputy Headteacher. This is a pivotal whole-school role with strategic oversight of behaviour, culture and safeguarding, ensuring every student is safe, supported and empowered to succeed.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership of Behaviour and Culture

• Lead the development, implementation and review of the whole-school behaviour policy in line with our values of kindness and respect.
• Embed a culture of high expectations, consistency and positive relationships across the school.
• Monitor and evaluate behaviour systems to ensure impact, fairness and equity.
• Analyse behaviour data to identify trends and implement targeted interventions.
• Oversee rewards and sanctions systems, ensuring alignment with our ethos of ambition and resilience.
• Line manage Heads of Year and Student Support Team.
• Coordinate alternative provision, supported transfers and offsite directions where required.
• Engage with parents, carers and external partners to support positive outcomes for students.

2. Strategic Leadership of Safeguarding

• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL),
• Ensure safeguarding practice is fully compliant with statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
• Maintain robust safeguarding systems, reporting procedures and accurate record keeping.
• Lead safeguarding training and ensure all staff understand their responsibilities.
• Work effectively with external agencies including social care, early help services, the police and the local authority.
• Ensure a proactive, vigilant and child-centred safeguarding culture built on kindness and reflection.
• Oversee online safety and child protection processes.

3. Whole-School Leadership

• Deputise for the Headteacher in their absence.
• Contribute to strategic planning, self-evaluation and school improvement priorities.
• Lead on aspects of inspection readiness and compliance.
• Support staff development through coaching and performance management.
• Promote a culture of professional reflection and continuous improvement.
• Uphold and model the school values in all interactions.
• Work in close partnership, with the SLT, fostering a strong culture of teamwork by collaborating effectively and providing strategic support and guidance across their respective areas of responsibility.

Person Specification

Essential

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Significant leadership experience in a secondary school.
• Proven impact in improving behaviour, culture and/or safeguarding outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance.
• Demonstrable experience of leading and developing staff.
• Strong analytical skills and strategic thinking.
• High levels of integrity, resilience and emotional intelligence.

Desirable

• Experience as DSL or Deputy DSL.
• NPQSL, NPQH or equivalent leadership qualification.
• Experience contributing to inspection processes.

What We Offer

• A pivotal strategic leadership role in a forward-thinking school.
• A culture rooted in Kindness, Respect, Ambition, Resilience and Reflection.
• A committed and collaborative Senior Leadership Team.
• Opportunities for professional growth and career progression.
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact in a school where better never stops.

Safeguarding Statement

The Westwood Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and safer recruitment procedures in line with statutory guidance.  The successful candidate will be supported in line with the KMAT Safeguarding Policy.

You are most welcome to visit the school to meet our staff and pupils.  If you would like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact admin@twa.kmat.org.uk.

To learn more about the school, please visit:
🔗 https://www.thewestwoodacademy.co.uk/

If you are an ambitious and values-driven leader ready to help shape the next stage of our journey, we would welcome your application.

Closing Date: 18^th March 2026 12p noon

Interview dates: Week beginning 23^rd March 2026