We are seeking an exceptional  Deputy Headteacher (Curriculum & Outcomes) to join the senior leadership team at Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge.

The successful candidate will share in the leadership and corporate responsibility of the school and the wider Trust, working closely with the Headteacher to ensure the design and delivery of a high-quality, research-informed curriculum and the achievement of strong outcomes for all students.

This role has strategic responsibility for the Quality of Education, including curriculum, outcomes, assessment, CPD, timetabling and examinations. The postholder will play a key role in school improvement, staff development and preparation for Ofsted and other external reviews, and will deputise for the Headteacher when required.

Key responsibilities

• Share responsibility for the overall leadership, management and strategic direction of the school and contribute to Trust-wide priorities.
• Lead on the Quality of Education, ensuring a well-sequenced, high-quality curriculum that meets the needs of all learners and delivers strong outcomes.
• Line manage Heads of Faculty and lead middle leadership development.
• Lead the school’s CPD strategy, including the development of ECTs and trainees.
• Act as Standards Leader for allocated subjects, using data effectively to drive improvement, reduce variation and close gaps.
• Lead the outcomes and standards strategy, including examination arrangements, assessment and internal tracking systems.
• Oversee examinations, vocational qualifications and statutory compliance, working closely with the Exams Officer and Trust teams.
• Lead the preparation, construction and maintenance of the whole-school timetable, including options processes, staffing allocations and cover arrangements.
• Support the Headteacher in staff deployment, appraisal, recruitment and performance management.
• Ensure the school is fully prepared for Ofsted inspections and other benchmarking visits.
• Promote the school and Trust positively through events, stakeholder engagement and external partnerships.
• Deputise for the Headteacher as required and undertake professional duties in their absence.

What we are looking for

You will be an experienced senior leader with a strong track record of improving teaching, learning and outcomes in a secondary school.

You will have:

• Qualified Teacher Status and an honours degree, with evidence of sustained professional development.
• Significant senior leadership experience, including curriculum leadership and responsibility for standards and outcomes.
• A strong understanding of Ofsted frameworks, self-evaluation and school improvement planning.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate staff, manage underperformance and deliver sustainable improvement.
• Strong analytical skills and confidence in using data to inform strategy and evaluate impact.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence, inspire and work collaboratively.

Experience of timetabling, examination leadership and Trust-wide working is highly desirable.

Why join Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge

This is an exciting opportunity to join a committed leadership team within a supportive and ambitious Trust. You will have the opportunity to shape curriculum and outcomes at whole-school level, contribute to Trust-wide improvement and make a lasting difference to the life chances of young people.

Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge is committed to ensuring that students achieve their full potential and flourish in a school where expectations of ourselves and our students are high. We provide a rich and varied curriculum, as well as an extensive range of extra-curricular activities. Staff and students alike can benefit from the smaller community school feel which makes Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge so special. The semi-rural location in Sonning Common lends itself to beautiful views, as well as being close to Henley and Reading. Staff have the chance to take part in lots of different opportunities within the school, and we are committed to continued professional development. Staff wellbeing is prioritised and our Wellbeing Group continues to work hard to support our staff body.

About Maiden Erlegh Trust

Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 750 staff and 4,500 students across nine schools, including primary, secondary, special, and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.

We Aim High, Be Inclusive, and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all, through collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities, and our annual MET Staff Conference—a day that unites our whole team in sharing best practice and learning.

Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise; it is about playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.

You can learn more about working with us and hear from colleagues across our Trust by clicking here to visit our website.

Benefits

Further information about working at Maiden Erlegh Trust can be found on our website here. Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work, and colleagues across our Trust benefit from a range of opportunities and schemes designed to recognise their contribution and support their growth.

·       Pension Scheme: Generous employer contributions, with auto-enrolment into either the Teachers Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme, both Career Average Earning Schemes.

·       Annual Leave: We offer a generous holiday entitlement, which increases with length of service.

·       ME Day: Colleagues may request one additional day’s leave each year to attend a special personal event, such as a child’s sports day or graduation, or a family celebration.

·       Professional Development: We offer a comprehensive programme of professional learning through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, including opportunities to both attend and deliver CPD. Colleagues also take part in our annual Conference, a full day of workshops, networking and learning for all staff.
Colleagues can also access a range of professional development opportunities using Apprenticeship Levy funding, and benefit from professional development networks.

·       Hybrid Working: For eligible roles, we support a flexible approach to working arrangements, balancing remote and office-based work where appropriate.

·       Perkbox: Colleagues have access to Perkbox, which offers a wide range of discounts and wellness resources and receive 25 Perk points each month which can be exchanged for goods and services.

·       Wellbeing and Health: Free flu vaccinations are offered to all staff, and free eye tests are provided to those who are eligible.

·       Employee Assistance Programme: Incorporating discount vouchers, access to 24/7 support and more.

·       Mental Health First Aid support.

·       Recognition and Community: We regularly celebrate staff achievements, milestones and contributions across our schools, reinforcing a strong sense of belonging within the #TeamMET community.

·       Employee Referral Scheme.

Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger by supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day.

Additional Information

If you believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution to the future of our Trust and its schools, please contact recruitment@maidenerleghtrust.org for an informal discussion.

 Applicants are encouraged to apply early as we reserve the right to close the advert and interview at any time.

 Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.