Acting Deputy Headteacher

Place of work: Ladysmith Infant School, Exeter

Salary: L1-L3  (salary negotiable for the right candidate)

Job term: Fixed Term, maternity cover from start of summer term 2026  until the end of the academic year in the first instance or the return or the current post holder whichever is sooner. 

Appointment type: Full time

Closing date: 9am Friday 6^th March 26

Interviews: Tuesday 10^th March 26

Deputy Headteacher

Is being part of the leadership team of an Infant and Nursery school your dream job?

We are looking for an acting deputy headteacher who has a passion for high quality principled education and an excellent understanding of teaching and learning in Key Stage 1 or EYFS. You will be committed to working with the head teacher and Trust to support Ladysmith Infant and Nursery school on its journey towards becoming a centre of excellence for in early education for the Trust and beyond; a place where learning is magical and irresistible!

You will

·        Have strong knowledge about teaching and learning and a ‘can do’ attitude.

·        Have high expectations and be adapt at removing barriers to learning for children whatever their starting point.

·        Be able to model great teaching, coach, support and challenge colleagues to be the best they can be.

·        Be able to lead phonics and early reading across the school.

In return 

·        You will be able to access unrivaled professional development and work with other like minded colleagues and senior leaders through our supporting and extensive Trust CPD offer.

·        Be supported to develop and achieve your career aspirations whatever they are.

·        You will be part of a network of 4 other Trust schools in the city of Exeter and not be alone in your leadership journey and be part of the wider Trust family of 21 schools spanning Exeter, Torbay and Plymouth.

·        Through this post have the opportunity to take the next step into school leadership and gain valuable leadership experience.

·        Work for a Trust where well-being and workload are taken seriously.

This post is a fixed term to cover the maternity/ parental leave of the current Deputy headteacher for until their return. We welcome applications for this fixed term contract either from applicants looking for new employment or as a secondment. If applying on a secondment basis, please ensure you have the appropriate authority from your Governing Body and Headteacher before applying for the post and are able to start on the required date.

Visits to the school are encouraged; please contact the school on 01392 349141 if you wish to make arrangements.

 Applications should be submitted online by 9am Friday 6^th March 2026  along with a 5 minute (max) video tour of your current classroom.

 Interviews are scheduled for W/C 9^th March 2026.

Please note it is our process to apply for references for shortlisted applicants and to complete online searches in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.

 We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS Disclosure is required for this post.

Please visit the below website for our Trust policies and our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy:

https://www.stchristophersmat.org/key-information/item/10/trust-policies

Our commitment to EDI

We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and are committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace. Applicants who meet the criteria will be considered for employment, regardless