Deputy Headteacher

Job Introduction

Deputy Headteacher & Designated Safeguarding Lead

Closing date: 28/09/2026 at 12:00

Interview: 7th October

Job Start Date: 01/01/2027

Contract: Full Time or Part Time (0.6 FTE+ Considered)

Salary Type: Leadership Scale L4-L8

Location of Role: Rucstall Primary School

Contact e-mail address: adminoffice@rucstall.hants.sch.uk

Rucstall Primary School

Rucstall Primary School is looking to appoint an inspirational Deputy Headteacher who will play a key role in our continued improvement and success.

Rucstall Primary School is a successful, inclusive one-form-entry primary school on the outskirts of Basingstoke. With approximately 205 pupils, a talented and dedicated staff team, highly supportive families, and a wonderfully diverse school community, we are proud of the warm, ambitious and nurturing environment we have built together. Our children are welcoming, respectful and exceptionally well behaved, bringing energy, kindness and enthusiasm to school life every day. Our values of Celebration, Co-operation, Creativity, Equality, Honesty, Perseverance and Respectfulness underpin everything we do.

As we continue to build on our successes, we are seeking a committed and ambitious Deputy Headteacher to join our Senior Leadership Team. The successful candidate will also serve as our Designated Safeguarding Lead and will play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of the school, helping to ensure that every child thrives within our inclusive, ambitious and nurturing community.

The Role

Whilst this post is advertised as a full-time position, we recognise that exceptional candidates come from a range of professional and personal circumstances. We are therefore open to discussing flexible working arrangements and would welcome applications from candidates seeking a part-time role of 0.6 FTE or above.

For the right candidate, the role will be shaped carefully to ensure that responsibilities, leadership time and teaching commitments are fully aligned with contracted hours. Governors are committed to ensuring that any agreed part-time arrangement is realistic, sustainable and does not create unreasonable workload expectations. Our priority is finding the leader who is the best fit for our school community and who will help us continue to provide the very best outcomes for our children.

The successful candidate will lead safeguarding and attendance, contribute to the day-to-day leadership of the school and play an important role in curriculum leadership and school development. They will work closely with the Headteacher, Assistant Headteacher/SENCo and Governing Body to ensure every child is safe, supported and able to achieve their full potential.

We Are Looking for Someone Who:

• Is an enthusiastic and reflective classroom practitioner, committed to meeting the needs of every child. 
• Is eager to learn, develop, and continually refine their practice with the support of an experienced and supportive team. 
• Has high expectations for pupils’ learning, behaviour, and achievement. 
• Demonstrates a developing understanding of high-quality teaching, effective assessment, and curriculum design. 
• Has an interest in engaging with educational research and evidence-informed practice. 
• Brings energy, positivity, and professionalism to their role within the school community. 
• Builds strong, supportive, and caring relationships with pupils, families, and colleagues.

Why Work at Rucstall Primary School?

• A fun, friendly, and supportive working environment where staff feel valued and enjoy working collaboratively. 
• Exceptionally positive behaviour and strong relationships across the school, enabling teachers to focus on high-quality teaching and learning. 
• A proud multicultural and diverse community where inclusion is central to all aspects of school life. 
• Protected subject leadership time to support leaders in developing their curriculum areas effectively. 
• Dedicated report-writing days to support workload management and promote staff wellbeing. 
• High-quality support and professional development opportunities tailored to all career stages, including Early Career Teachers. 

In Return, We Offer:

• Wonderful children who are eager to learn and a pleasure to work with.
• A skilled, friendly and supportive staff team.
• Strong professional development and leadership opportunities.
• A collaborative Senior Leadership Team.
• Supportive governors and engaged families.
• A dedicated Deputy Headteacher office
• Extensive grounds and excellent facilities.
• A lively, friendly and supportive school where hard work, humour and teamwork go hand in hand.
• A welcoming school community that genuinely values wellbeing and professional growth. 
• We warmly encourage prospective applicants to visit the school and experience first-hand the warmth, ambition and sense of community that makes Rucstall such a special place to work.

Application Procedure

• Visits to Rucstall Primary School are warmly welcomed and encouraged. 
• Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, and early applications are encouraged. 
• Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates invited for interview. 
• Please ensure that application forms are submitted to the email address stated within the application pack, as failure to do so may invalidate your application. 
• Applicants are asked to complete all sections of the application form fully, as incomplete applications will not be considered.
• If we receive a sufficient number of applications, we may proceed with interviews prior to the closing date.

Safer Recruitment

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check and all other safer recruitment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.