Deputy Headteacher

Job Introduction

Deputy Headteacher
The Federation of Winklebury Infant and Junior Schools

• Closing Date: Friday 17th April
• Interview Date: 7th May 2026
• Job Start Date: 1st September 2026
• Contract/Hours: Permanent 
• Salary Type: L10-L14
• Hours of Work: Full time 
• Location of Role: Winklebury Infant and Junior Schools

The Federation of Winklebury Infant and Junior Schools was formed in 2009 and consists of a two-form entry infant school, including a school-based nursery, and a two-form entry junior school, which share the same site. The federation operates under one governing body and one leadership team and has a strong commitment to working collaboratively to provide a continuous learning journey and do the very best for all children. The schools serve a diverse community, with a rich mix of ethnicity, a high proportion of pupils eligible for pupil premium and a high number of children with special educational needs. Everyone in our community is welcomed, valued and respected, and we work hard to ensure that all children, families and staff feel a strong sense of belonging. As a Thrive school, we promote a relational, nurturing approach to behaviour and wellbeing and place a strong emphasis on staff wellbeing, teamwork and professional learning.

The Federation of Winklebury Infant and Junior Schools is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, committed and motivated Deputy Headteacher to join our leadership team and play a key part in shaping the next stage of our federation’s development.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader with a passion for developing an ethos where everyone is valued as an individual, a belief in the importance of inclusion and a desire to ensure that teaching and learning meets the needs of all, who is keen to work collaboratively across an infant and junior setting. The successful candidate will work closely with the Executive Headteacher and wider leadership team to support the strategic leadership of the federation, ensuring high standards, strong staff development and continued improvement of outcomes for all children across the federation.

The post holder will deputise for the Headteacher when required, and will take responsibility for a significant area of federation development (to be agreed with the successful candidate).  Initially, this role will be non-class based, with a focus on strategic leadership and development of highly inclusive, effective teaching and learning, ensuring that all children, particularly our most vulnerable, are supported to thrive and succeed.

Key responsibilities include:

• working in partnership with the Headteacher to provide strategic and operational leadership in line with the federation’s vision, values and aims and federation development priorities,
• assisting in the efficient and effective running of the school on a day-to-day basis, and deputising for the Headteacher in her absence, 
• acting as the Designated Safeguarding Lead and supporting the DDSLs in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children,
• supporting the continued development of high-quality teaching and learning across the federation,
• supporting the monitoring of standards, progress and attainment for all pupil groups across the federation,
• supporting the development of an inclusive culture, based on the school values, where all children feel safe, welcomed, valued and able to succeed,
• promoting and embedding a Thrive-informed, relational approach to behaviour,
• taking a lead on attendance and promoting strategies which have a positive impact on the attendance of all pupil groups, including the most vulnerable,
• contributing to staff performance appraisals and professional development through mentoring, coaching and supporting staff to reflect on and improve classroom practice,
• acting as induction tutor for ECTs, ensuring that they receive the support needed during their training period,
• working effectively with parents, carers, governors and external partners to support positive outcomes for children.

The successful candidate will:

• be an excellent classroom practitioner with the credibility to model and promote high-quality teaching and learning,
• have a strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures,
• put children at the forefront of everything they do, ensuring that they are challenged and motivated in order to be excited about their learning,
• truly believe in inclusion, support the thrive approach and believe that every child has the right to the best possible education, 
• have high expectations of all children both in terms of their behaviour for learning and their achievement,
• be able to support, challenge and motivate colleagues in a calm, constructive and professional manner,
• be able to inspire and work in partnership with pupils, staff, governors, parents and the wider community in order to provide the best opportunities for our children,
• have high expectations of themselves and all stakeholders,
• be a reflective learner who is always open to new initiatives.

We can offer:

• the opportunity to work with fantastic children who enjoy school,
• the chance to make a genuine difference to the lives of children and their families,
• a close working partnership with the new appointed Headteacher including the opportunity to work strategically and take a lead on whole school initiatives,
• a strong, friendly school team, who will support you and learn from your ideas,
• professional development opportunities linked to this role and your future carer,
• training and support linked to this role,
• regular, protected leadership time,
• the opportunity to further develop your leadership career.
• the opportunity to play a significant role in shaping the future direction of the federation.

Visits to the federation are welcomed and encouraged. Please complete the attached Hampshire County Council application form and return to Mrs Helen Wood, Business Manager at h.wood@winklebury-inf.hants.sch.uk. If you have any queries, please call 01256 323244. 

The Federation of Winklebury Infant and Junior Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and other relevant employment checks in line with safer recruitment practices.

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. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.