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.
Runa Hoque
HR@Lister.ncltrust.net
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:
