Deputy Head Teacher (Full-Time)
Permanent
Start Date: 1st September 2026
Pay Scale: Leadership Pay Range £58,569 - £64,691 per annum
Stanwix School is seeking to appoint a dedicated, ambitious, and values-driven Deputy Head Teacher to join our friendly and inclusive school community. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping the next stage of our school’s development as we continue to strengthen practice, embed excellence, and strive to be the very best we can be.
This is a full-time position, with responsibility for acting as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), alongside leading whole-school strategy for attendance, disadvantaged pupils, and behaviour, ensuring high standards and improved outcomes for all. There will be a part time teaching commitment attached to this post.
We are seeking a leader who can help us unlock the next stage of our journey—someone who combines ambition with empathy and who can drive meaningful improvement while valuing and supporting staff.
About Us
At Stanwix School, our core values of joy, ambition, kindness, and belonging underpin everything we do. We are proud of our inclusive, nurturing, and aspirational culture, where both pupils and staff are supported to thrive.
Our strong team ethos, commitment to professional development, and focus on wellbeing make us an excellent place to grow as a leader and make a lasting impact.
The Role
As Deputy Head Teacher, you will play a central role in the leadership of the school. You will:
• Lead on attendance, behaviour, and safeguarding, with a strong focus on improving outcomes for disadvantaged pupils
• Drive school improvement priorities, particularly in teaching and learning culture
• Oversee day-to-day operations, including staffing and organisation
• Champion staff wellbeing while maintaining high expectations
• Develop and enhance provision beyond the classroom, including lunchtimes
• Contribute to strategic leadership and long-term planning
• Build leadership capacity for future growth
What We Are Looking For
Leadership & Personal Qualities
We are seeking someone who:
• Builds strong, trusting relationships and is a visible, approachable leader
• Demonstrates emotional intelligence, integrity, and professional discretion
• Balances ambition with realism, setting a sustainable pace for improvement
• Is resilient, adaptable, and able to lead through change
• Influences culture and standards with clarity and consistency
Leadership & Strategic Skills
• Proven ability to implement whole-school strategy
• Experience of driving sustained school improvement
• Ability to challenge underperformance constructively
• Experience of leading and developing teams
• Strong understanding of how to shift culture and expectations
• Aspiration and capacity for future Headship
Teaching & Learning Expertise
• Strong track record of improving teaching and learning
• Ability to influence classroom practice across phases
• Experience in Early Years and/or Key Stage 1
• Ideally experience across the full primary range
• Skilled in coaching, mentoring, and developing staff
Inclusion, Safeguarding & Pastoral Leadership
• Experience in safeguarding, behaviour, and attendance
• Strong understanding of Early Help and multi-agency working
• Proven impact on improving attendance, particularly for disadvantaged pupils
• Commitment to improving outcomes and life chances for all pupils
Operational Leadership
• Strong organisational and decision-making skills
• Experience or confidence in staffing, deployment, and daily operations
• Ability to develop and sustain systems that support staff wellbeing
Communication & Community Engagement
• Excellent communication skills with staff, parents, and the wider community
• Calm, clear, and consistent communicator
• Ability to handle challenging conversations with professionalism
What We Offer
• A warm, welcoming, and experienced team that values collaboration
• Opportunities to make a genuine whole-school impact
• High-quality professional development and leadership growth
• Respectful, enthusiastic pupils who enjoy learning
• A strong focus on staff wellbeing and work–life balance
• A supportive environment ideal for aspiring Head Teachers
What Our People Say
• “Stanwix School is like a family in so many ways; our wonderful children, our lovely families and our caring, committed staff all come together to create a warm, supportive and inclusive environment.”
• “What makes Stanwix special? It is the children. It is our wonderful staff who create an environment where children can learn, grow and thrive. It is a community—it is a family.”
What Our Children Say
• “I love all of the learning we do at Stanwix School.”
• “All of the sports and clubs are great fun.”
• “I love belonging to our school family.”
• “Our teachers are kind and caring.”
Visits and Applications
We warmly encourage visits to the school so you can experience our community first-hand.
Visits can be booked via the vacancies page on our website (link below) or by contacting the school office on 01228 596069.
Our application form and further job particulars can be found at: www.stanwix.cumbria.sch.uk/vacancies-1
Key Dates
• Application Deadline: Friday 24th April
• Shortlisting: Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th April
• Interviews: Wednesday 6th May and Thursday 7th May
Safer Recruitment Practices
Stanwix School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
This vacancy will be recruited to in line with the latest Keeping Children Safe in Education Guidance and online searches may be carried out as part of our due diligence on shortlisted candidates.
Please note, this role contains regulated activity with children and is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders act, requiring an Enhanced DBS check with Childrens’ Barred list check. It is a criminal offence to apply to work in regulated activity if you are barred from doing so.