Deputy Headteacher

Deputy Headteacher - St Peter’s C of E Primary School, Plymouth

Secondment - Fixed Term - January 2027 to Easter 2027

Appointment type: Full time

Salary: L1

Closing date: 23rd November at 09:00

Interviews: Friday 27th November 2026

An exciting opportunity to broaden your leadership experience and make a difference

Following the successful appointment of St Peter’s current Deputy Headteacher as the school’s new Headteacher, we are looking for a short-term secondment as Deputy Headteacher at St Peter’s C of E Primary School from January until Easter 2027.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and ambitious school leader to broaden their leadership experience, work in a different school context and play an important part in the next stage of St Peter’s journey. We are looking for someone who combines excellent teaching and high expectations with warmth, ambition with compassion, and strong leadership with a willingness to get stuck into the everyday life of the school.

The successful colleague will be a visible, approachable leader who can quickly build strong relationships with pupils, staff and families. They will bring leadership experience and expertise to St Peter’s while being ready to learn from and work alongside the school’s new Headteacher and wider team.

As a Church of England school, St Peter’s is committed to being a caring, welcoming and inclusive community where everyone is valued and has the opportunity to flourish. Our seconded Deputy Headteacher will embrace this ethos and contribute positively to the whole school community.

Being part of St Christopher’s Trust is also central to this opportunity. The secondment provides the chance to share expertise across our family of schools, experience leadership in a different context and bring that learning back to your own school and future leadership roles.

We are looking for someone who:

• is an excellent practitioner with strong leadership experience;
• has a secure understanding of effective teaching, learning and curriculum;
• is ambitious for every child, particularly those who may face barriers to learning;
• can lead with clarity, confidence and sensitivity;
• is a visible, approachable and caring leader who builds strong relationships with pupils, staff, families and the wider community;
• will actively support the Christian character and welcoming, inclusive ethos of St Peter’s;
• wants to contribute their expertise while also learning from a different school and leadership context.

In return, we can offer:

• the opportunity to work alongside a newly appointed Headteacher and help shape the future of St Peter’s;
• a warm and welcoming school community with children and staff who deserve the very best;
• the opportunity to build strong relationships with families and the community St Peter’s serves;
• the support, expertise and professional opportunities that come from being part of St Christopher’s Trust;
• high-quality professional development and opportunities for further leadership growth.

This secondment would particularly suit someone looking to broaden their whole-school leadership experience, gain experience of leadership within a different school or prepare for the next stage in their leadership journey.

The secondment will run from January 2027 until Easter 2027, providing leadership capacity and continuity at St Peter’s ahead of the appointment of a permanent Deputy Headteacher.

Salary: L1
Closing date: 23rd November 2026 at 09:00
Selection process: Friday 27th November 2026

If you are interested in developing your leadership, contributing to another school within our Trust and making a real difference to the St Peter’s community, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please visit the below link for information on how to apply:

https://www.stchristophersmat.org/work-with-us/current-vacancies

If you have any queries when applying for this role, please contact The People Team (HR) via people@stcmat.org

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, for all shortlisted applicants. 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 of race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, age or veteran status.