Job profile

Internal Applicants only

Fixed term period: 1st September 2025 until 31st August 2025

Passion – Urgency – Positivity – Aspiration – Commitment

Due to the current Head Teacher taking up a wider leadership role within STEP Academy Trust for the 2025–2026 academic year, we are seeking to build further senior leadership capacity at Heathfield academy by appointing an Acting Deputy Head Teacher for the 2025-2026 academic year.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for a skilled and motivated leader to take on a senior leadership role in a dynamic, inclusive, and ambitious academy. The successful candidate will work closely with the wider leadership team & Executive Head Teacher to maintain the academy’s strong culture, drive school improvement, and support the continued development of staff and pupils alike.

You must have:

• Have a proven track record of leading school improvement;
• Demonstrate strong safeguarding knowledge and a clear commitment to inclusive and SEND-friendly practice;
• Possess a deep understanding of curriculum design, pedagogy and primary phase developments;
• Be confident in developing the wider curriculum and ensuring its impact;
• Have effective pastoral and behaviour leadership experience, ideally at middle or senior level;
• Be a confident communicator, able to build excellent relationships with pupils, staff, families and the wider community;
• Be experienced in delivering high-quality CPD and supporting teacher development across all career stages;
• Understand and implement strategies that accelerate pupil progress;
• Demonstrate resilience, emotional intelligence and a positive mindset.

This role is ideal for an experienced Assistant Head Teacher who is ready to step into Deputy Headship in a supported context, with the backing of a strong leadership team and Trust network.

Prospective candidates should contact Rachael Atkinson for an informal discussion before applying.

The Job Description and Person Specification gives a fuller outline of the duties involved and can be downloaded from the website.  Completed supporting statements should be written in line with the person specification and and uploaded via the ‘apply online’ button via the web page.

Closing date:      Monday 7th July 2025

Interviews:         Wednesday 9th July 2025

STEP Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

STEP Academy Trust believes that its workforce should reflect the local community and that all groups within the community should have equal access to the Trust’s employment opportunities. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. Applicants must hold the right to work in the UK.

Internal Applicants only