Deputy headteacher - Behaviour and Safeguarding at Lister Community School

  New


New
  Job Reference #
EDV/2026/LCS/03850
  Location
St Mary's Road, Plaistow, London, Greater London, E13 9AE
  Contract Type
Permanent
  Contract Term
Full-Time
  Salary
£100,951.00 - £110,327.00 Annually (Actual)
  Closing Date
4:00pm, 9th Feb 2026
  Start Date
1st September 2026
  Positions Available
1
   Positions Available        1
  Interview Date(s)
w/c 9th February 2026
   Interview Date(s)           w/c 9th February 2026
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About this Role

We are seeking to appoint an exceptional and committed Deputy Headteacher to join our senior leadership team at a vibrant and inclusive school in the heart of Newham. This is a key strategic role with whole-school responsibility for Safeguarding and Behaviour, two areas that are central to our ethos, culture, and commitment to ensuring every child thrives.

The Role

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping and sustaining a strong culture of safety, care, and positive behaviour, ensuring that all pupils feel secure, supported, and ready to learn. As Deputy Headteacher, you will work closely with the Headteacher and senior leaders to provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and day-to-day guidance across the school.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. The Deputy Headteacher will:

  • Lead and oversee the school’s safeguarding systems and practices, ensuring full compliance with statutory guidance

  • Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead, embedding a vigilant, child-centred safeguarding culture

  • Ensure robust procedures for identifying, reporting, and responding to concerns

  • Work closely with external agencies, families, and staff to secure the best outcomes for pupils

  • Champion safeguarding training and ensure staff understand their responsibilities

Safeguarding is crucial because pupils can only learn and flourish when they feel safe, protected, and valued. This role is instrumental in ensuring that our school remains a secure and nurturing environment for all.

Behaviour and Culture

The Deputy Headteacher will also lead on behaviour and relationships, recognising that positive behaviour underpins effective teaching and learning. You will:

  • Provide strategic leadership for behaviour policies and practice across the school

  • Promote a consistent, inclusive, and restorative approach to behaviour

  • Support staff to create calm, purposeful learning environments

  • Use data and professional judgement to identify trends and implement targeted interventions

  • Foster a culture of high expectations, mutual respect, and belonging

Strong behaviour systems are crucial in enabling pupils to engage positively with learning, build resilience, and develop the social and emotional skills needed for success in school and beyond.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a leader who:

  • Has proven senior leadership experience and a strong track record in safeguarding and/or behaviour

  • Is passionate about inclusion, pupil wellbeing, and equity

  • Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to inspire staff and pupils

  • Is resilient, reflective, and committed to continuous school improvement

  • Has a deep understanding of the needs of pupils and families in an Inner London context

  • Works well with others and is a strong team player

If you would like more information about the role, please contact Ruthana Christofides, Deputy Headteacher, at ruthana.christofides@lister.ncltrust.net.

We encourage school visits prior to interviews. If you wish to arrange a visit, please contact HR at hr@lister.ncltrust.net.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submissions are encouraged.

We look forward to receiving your application.


Lister Community School would like all candidates to answer specific questions for the personal statement section. For reference, here is a preview of the questions/headings:

  1. Describe your experience of leading safeguarding in a school setting. How have you ensured a strong safeguarding culture and effective systems that put students’ safety and wellbeing at the centre of decision-making?
  2. Explain your approach to developing and sustaining a positive behaviour culture. How have you improved behaviour for learning while ensuring inclusivity, fairness, and high expectations for all students?
  3. Provide examples of how you have used data, policy, and professional development to drive improvements in safeguarding and behaviour across a whole school.
  4. What motivates you to apply for this Deputy Headteacher role, and how do your values and leadership style align with the responsibility for safeguarding and behaviour in a diverse London secondary school?
  5. Please provide a personal statement explaining why you believe you are ideally suited to the role of Deputy Headteacher with responsibility for Safeguarding and Behaviour. In your response, outline your leadership values, relevant experience, and the impact you would aim to make in this role.

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