Deputy Headteacher

Keys Group; Dudley; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization in Dudley is seeking a Deputy Headteacher to help shape the development of a new school. The ideal candidate will inspire and lead a team in a specialist SEMH environment, driving improvement and ensuring high standards. Responsibilities include supporting the Headteacher, leading staff development, and contributing to strategic planning. This role offers a salary range of £40,000 - £55,000 and provides various employee benefits including an enhanced pension scheme and fully funded training.

Benefits

NEST enhanced pension scheme

Staff Referral Scheme

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

Access to a blue light discount card

Fully funded training and qualifications

Enhanced pay scales based on experience

Employee benefits scheme

Life assurance

Qualifications

• Experience in a leadership role within an educational setting.
• Proficient in strategic planning and operational leadership.
• Capability to lead staff in a culture of collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead the school leadership team and support strategic planning.
• Drive staff development initiatives and share best practices.
• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Staff Development

Communication

Curriculum Development

Job description

Deputy Headteacher - Dudley, West Midlands
£40,000 - £55,000 | Full Time (40 hours/week)

Help Lead the Next Chapter of Our School’s Development

We’re looking for a dynamic and forward-thinking leader to join our senior team at Sunnyhill School (new school (yet to be opened)) — someone who can help shape the next phase of our journey and bring strategic clarity, energy, and vision to our work.

This is a key leadership role in a specialist SEMH setting, where the right person will help drive improvement, support staff development, and lead colleagues in sharing and embedding best practice. We want someone who can inspire others to create meaningful, individualised learning experiences that engage our young people and connect directly to their aspirations and outcomes beyond school.

We will, of course, review previous leadership responsibilities and experience as part of the process and would like to emphasise our ongoing committed to shaping the role around the strongest candidate — someone who can help us move the school forward with confidence and ambition to achieve our priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Be an active and visible member of the school leadership team.
• Lead staff development and drive the sharing of best practice across the school.
• Support the Headteacher with strategic planning and operational leadership.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and implementation of the School Development Plan.
• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Requirements

A pragmatic strategic thinker with the ability to lead change and bring people with them.

Someone who understands how to develop staff and build a culture of collaboration, reflection, and high expectations.

Someone who can lead staff in developing ownership of ambitious, SMART outcomes, while providing the support, challenge, and strategic direction needed to ensure all colleagues — including senior leaders — take shared responsibility for student successes and school improvement.

• A leader who can help shape curriculum experiences that are relevant, motivating, and tailored to the needs of our learners.
• A confident communicator who can represent the school and deputise for the Headteacher when needed.

Benefits of Joining Keys Group

• NEST enhanced pension scheme
• Staff Referral Scheme – Refer a friend to join Keys Group and split a £500 referral bonus between you
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Access to a blue light discount card
• Fully funded training and qualifications for all colleagues
• Enhanced pay scales based on experience and qualifications
• Employee benefits scheme such as wellbeing app and a range of discounts
• Life assurance

Commitment to Equality and Armed Forces Covenant

Keys Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including veterans and military families, through our Armed Forces Covenant. Eligible service personnel and veterans are guaranteed an interview when their military experience is detailed in their CV. We provide veteran-friendly policies, peer support, and military awareness training.

Safeguarding

We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All posts require an enhanced DBS check.