Senior Deputy Headteacher

Job Description

At The Notley High School & Braintree Sixth Form, we are an ambitious inclusive 11-19 mixed comprehensive school that places the journey of the child at the centre of everything we do. We have a clear aim for our students and staff: "Enjoy, Enrich, Achieve, Aspire". As a school our ambition is to be "An outstanding school in the heart of the community." These messages underpin everything we do.

We want to work with colleagues who put the students at the centre of everything we do, but also take the opportunities we can offer them to develop their careers and fulfil their own aspirations.

Notley High & Braintree Sixth Form is part of the Bridge Academy Trust: a collegiate and collaborative Trust, where, first and foremost, each school is a place of (high quality) learning, where young people ENJOY, ENRICH, ACHIEVE & ASPIRE. The core purpose is to provide high quality continuity of every child's journey through education from 3 to 19, with a community and school-led school improvement approach and long-term sustainable strategy. Bridge Academy Trust is committed to its people strategy and prioritises staff's development to ensure they too can enjoy, enrich, achieve and aspire.

About the role:

Notley High School & Sixth Form is seeking an exceptional senior leader to join our leadership team as Senior Deputy Headteacher. This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced and ambitious deputy headteacher to lead the day-to-day operations of a transforming school while deputising for the Headteacher who fulfils trust-wide responsibilities as Trust Executive Leader for Secondary School Improvement.

As Senior Deputy Headteacher, you will be the operational heart of the school, providing visible, decisive leadership of attendance, behaviour, pastoral systems, and daily operations. You will work closely with the Headteacher to drive whole-school improvement, develop middle leadership capacity, and ensure all students receive an outstanding education and experience.

Key Responsibilities:

· Lead day-to-day school operations, including attendance, behaviour, safeguarding, and pastoral systems

· Chair key operational meetings and be the first point of contact for staff, students, and parents

· Deputise for the Headteacher in their absence and at key events

· Lead Ofsted preparation, gathering evidence and coordinating inspection readiness

· Develop middle leadership capacity through coaching and performance management

· Drive specific whole-school improvement initiatives aligned to the School Improvement Plan

· Contribute to school self-evaluation, improvement planning, and reporting to governors

What We're Looking For:

We seek a highly experienced senior leader with a proven track record of improving attendance, behaviour, and pastoral systems. You will be an excellent operational manager with strong attention to detail, capable of working autonomously and taking decisive action. You will have outstanding interpersonal skills, a deep commitment to inclusive education and safeguarding, and a thorough understanding of the current educational landscape.

Essential:

· Minimum 3 years successful senior leadership experience at Deputy Headteacher level or equivalent

· Proven track record of improving attendance, behaviour, or pastoral systems

· Strong operational management skills with excellent attention to detail

· Evidence of building and leading high-performing teams

· Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills

· Deep commitment to inclusive education and safeguarding

· Ability to work autonomously and take decisive action

· Understanding of current educational landscape (new Ofsted framework, accountability measures)

Desirable:

· Experience in acting up capacity as Headteacher or equivalent

· Senior leadership experience across multiple schools or within a Multi-Academy Trust

· Leadership qualification (NPQSL, NPQH, or equivalent)

· Evidence of innovation in pastoral, behaviour, or attendance systems

· Experience preparing schools for Ofsted inspection

Our school has undergone significant transformation in recent years and we are deeply committed to inclusion, contextual safeguarding, and ensuring every student achieves their full potential. Our staff are dedicated, collaborative professionals who benefit from strong CPD, trust-wide collaboration, and genuine opportunities for career development.

This is an exciting time to join Notley High School & Sixth Form as we continue our improvement journey and work towards outstanding outcomes for all our students.

What We Offer:

· Excellent pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme)

· Comprehensive professional development opportunities, including support for NPQH

· Access to trust-wide leadership networks and collaboration

· Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support

· Opportunity to make a significant impact in a transforming school

· Supportive and collaborative leadership team

· Modern facilities and resources

Bridge Academy Trust may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

If you would like to visit the school before applying, please contact Ceri Bird at pa@notleyhigh.com to arrange a convenient date and time for a tour of Notley High School with Mr Barrow.

Work Schedule:

Full time, Permanent

How to Apply:
To apply for the role, please complete the application form, demonstrating how your skills and experience match the criteria in the Job Description and Person Specification and return directly to Notley High School.

Application guidance notes are also available to assist you with completing your application.

Informal enquiries regarding the role can be made to the school office via email to enquiries@notleyhigh.com

Closing Date: Sunday 22nd March 2026, at Midnight

Interview Date: Friday 27th March 2026

Further details are available from t: 01376556300 e: enquiries@notleyhigh.com w: notleyhigh.com

This trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. If successful, an enhanced DBS check would be sought. The Bridge Academy trust welcomes applications from those of all backgrounds, faiths and ethnic groups.

Information about the School

At Notley High School and Braintree Sixth Form, we are an ambitious inclusive 11-19 mixed comprehensive school that places the journey of the child at the centre of everything we do - learning together and succeeding together to be the best that we can be.

Notley High School and Braintree Sixth Form is part of the Bridge Academy Trust: a collegiate and collaborative Trust, where, first and foremost, each school is a place of (high quality) learning, where young people ENJOY, ENRICH, ACHIEVE, ASPIRE. The core purpose is to provide high quality continuity of every child’s journey through education from 3 to 19, with a community and school-led school improvement approach and long-term sustainable strategy.

This Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, medical clearance and satisfactory references. Bridge Academy Trust welcomes applications from those of all backgrounds, faiths and ethnic groups.