Deputy Headteacher - Academic
About This Role
WELCOME TO COLTON HILLS
Many Minds, One Mission
A community school which has the ethos of everyone working together as a family towards our shared goals, which can be summarised with our school values:
PRIDE - Participation – Respect – Integrity- Diversity – Excellence
Are you an ambitious, strategic and values‑driven senior leader ready to shape the academic direction of a large, diverse and aspirational secondary school?
Colton Hills Community School is seeking to appoint an exceptional Deputy Headteacher (Academic) to provide strategic leadership of curriculum, teaching, learning and standards across the whole school, including the sixth form. This is a key role within the Senior Leadership Team, deputising for the Headteacher and playing a central role in securing excellent outcomes for all students.
The Role
As Deputy Headteacher (Academic), you will:
- Provide strategic leadership of the curriculum and quality of education across the school, including the sixth form
- Lead whole‑school improvement priorities through robust quality assurance, self‑evaluation and performance management
- Ensure consistently high standards of teaching and learning, underpinned by research‑informed practice
- Oversee curriculum design, timetabling and academic provision to meet the needs of all learners
- Lead and develop senior and middle leaders, coaching them to drive improvement within their areas
- Take a strategic lead on CPD, appraisal, leadership development and staff wellbeing
- Play a full role in safeguarding, inclusion, SEND and EAL provision
- Deputise for the Headteacher as required
The Person
We are looking for a highly credible senior leader who:
- Holds QTS and a good honours degree, with a strong commitment to ongoing professional development
- Has a successful track record of raising standards and improving outcomes across a whole school or significant phase
- Has experience of leading teaching and learning, curriculum development and quality assurance at senior level
- Demonstrates excellent analytical, organisational and communication skills
- Has experience of timetabling and deploying resources strategically
- Is an inspirational leader who motivates staff, builds strong relationships and models high expectations
- Is reflective, resilient, empathetic and committed to inclusive, values‑led education
- Has NPQH (or is willing to undertake it)
Why Join Colton Hills?
- A diverse, vibrant community with a strong moral purpose
- A committed and supportive leadership team and governing body
- Opportunities to shape whole‑school strategy and make a lasting impact
- A strong culture of professional learning and leadership development
Safeguarding
Colton Hills Community School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check.
Please complete your application as soon as possible. Full details of the role can be found in the Job Description and Person Specification.
Applications will be considered upon receipt, and we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date.
Closing date: Monday 18th May 2026 at 8am
Interview date: Friday 22nd May 2026 (Candidates will be informed on Tuesday 19th May if they are to be invited for interview)
Tours of school available if required:
Thursday 7th May, 8:30am – 10:00am
Friday 8th May, 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Monday 11th May, 8:30am – 10:00am
Thursday 14th May, 4.00pm – 5:30pm
Please contact offficemanager@coltonhills.co.uk to book your slot.