Assistant Headteacher (Teaching & Learning)

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 1EP

21 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  Sept

• Closing date

  27 February 2026 at 9am

• Date listed

  6 February 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Assistant headteacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Key stage 3, Key stage 4, Key stage 5
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: Leadership Pay Scale L11 – 15 - £66,368 - £73,105

Assistant Headteacher (Teaching & Learning) job summary

Join us on an exciting journey of transformation and excellence.

At Tapestry Learning Partnership, we believe in the power of education to change lives. Formed in January 2026 through the merger of two strong trusts, QEGSMAT and Djanogly Learning Trust, we are building a future where every child succeeds and flourishes.

About the Role

An Assistant Headteacher (Teaching & Learning) is a senior leadership position responsible for ensuring that high‑quality teaching, effective learning environments, and strong academic outcomes are consistently achieved across the whole school. The role is strategic, developmental, and operational, directly influencing classroom practice and whole‑school improvement

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking an ambitious, reflective, and highly effective school leader who is passionate about delivering exceptional teaching and learning. The ideal candidate will combine deep pedagogical expertise with the ability to inspire, support, and challenge colleagues so that every student thrives.

You will be a strategic thinker with the credibility and experience to influence whole‑school practice, and a role model who embodies the values, professionalism, and high expectations of our school community.

About Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School

Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School is a highly regarded selective school set in the heart of Derbyshire. With a strong academic tradition and a clear focus on personal development, QEGS provides an inspiring and supportive environment in which pupils are encouraged to achieve their full potential.

The school’s academic ambition goes hand in hand with a strong focus on care, character, and opportunity. With a supportive ethos and a track record of excellent results, it provides a stimulating learning environment that nurtures curiosity, resilience, and confidence. Students benefit from high‑quality teaching, a wide range of enrichment activities, and a warm, inclusive community that values every individual.

Why us?

As part of our Trust, you’ll benefit from:

• A supportive network of professionals who share your commitment to excellence
• High-quality professional development and career progression opportunities
• A caring, inclusive organisation that values staff wellbeing and work–life balance
• Access to a range of employee benefits designed to promote health and wellbeing  

This is your chance to be part of something special. Help us shape the future and make a lasting impact.

Purpose of the role

• Contribute to, in conjunction with the Tapestry Learning Partnership, Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team, the values of the school, long term strategic planning and school improvement priorities;
• Help create and have a strong commitment to a clear vision for an effective school;
• Implement strategies for the efficient day to day operation of the school within the policies of the Tapestry Learning Partnership and the Governing Body;
• Develop and implement strategies to ensure every student achieves at the highest possible level;
• Develop a strong professional learning culture that embraces all members of the school's workforce and contributes to the high levels of progress and achievement of students;
• Ensure teaching and learning are good/outstanding, with QA systems to monitor and CPD to support improvement;
• Take line management responsibility for the Curriculum Leaders;
• Attend all Governing Body meetings and present information relating to areas of responsibility when required;
• Present information related to areas of responsibility for the Executive Board and Trustees of the Tapestry Learning Partnership;
• Devise and develop an effective whole school approach to improving the standards in areas of responsibility;
• Work with the Senior Leadership Team, Pastoral Leaders and Curriculum Leaders to develop whole school, cohort and departmental systems of maintaining and improving standards;
• Provide the Senior Leadership Team, Director of School Improvement, Executive Board, Governing Body and Trustees with information related to the area of responsibility;
• Lead on training and sourcing training for colleagues in the areas of responsibility;

Main Duties

Assistant Headteacher – Main Duties and Responsibilities                            

1.     Teaching & Learning – QEGS Classroom - The QEGS Classroom - Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Ashbourne Derbyshire

• Lead the ongoing implementation and refinement of the QEGS Classroom model
• Promote consistent, high-quality classroom practice across all subjects and phases
• Support staff in applying agreed pedagogical expectations in daily teaching
• Monitor the impact of the QEGS framework and address inconsistencies in practice
• Keep classroom standards a clear and sustained whole-school priority
• Ensure a coherent and consistent learning experience for all students
• Support with internal CPD support videos and sharing best practice

2.    Whole-School Literacy Leadership

• Lead and drive the school’s whole-school literacy strategy
• Ensure literacy development is embedded across all subject areas
• Promote a coherent approach to disciplinary literacy
• Build staff confidence and consistency in teaching literacy within their subjects

Oversee targeted literacy support and interventions, particularly for:

• Disadvantaged students
• Students with additional learning needs
• Improve students’ access to learning across the curriculum
• Reduce attainment gaps and promote equity through strong literacy provision

3.  Leadership & Strategic Development

• Work with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to develop and deliver the Academy Improvement Plan
• Lead on evidence gathering and documentation for areas of responsibility within the Self-Evaluation Form (SEF)
• Establish high standards of practice and drive improvement in areas of responsibility
• Use data and evidence-informed research to shape school improvement
• Challenge existing practice where needed to secure excellence
• Ensure systems are in place to support student learning and success

4. Staff Development & CPD

• Lead and coordinate Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Identify staff development needs and design appropriate programmes
• Work with strategic partners to expand professional learning opportunities
• Identify and deploy effective teachers and leaders to deliver school-based CPD
• Support, monitor and hold to account staff leading whole-school literacy and numeracy
• Promote innovative and creative approaches to teaching and learning

5. Culture, Ethos & Behaviour

Model optimistic, professional behaviour and build positive relationships with:

• Students
• Staff
• Parents
• Governors
• The wider community
• Act as a positive role model, demonstrating integrity, resilience, and clarity
• Provide a safe, calm, and well-ordered environment with safeguarding at its core
• Promote exemplary student behaviour in school and beyond
• Play a full part in the life and ethos of the school community
• Lead assemblies, events and school gatherings as required

6. Communication & Collaboration

• Ensure clear communication between the Leadership Team and staff in areas of responsibility

Oversee appropriate communication via:

• School website
• E-reporting systems
• Prospectus
• Newsletters

7. Standards, Accountability & Inclusion

• Set and uphold ambitious standards for all students
• Tackle disadvantage and advance equality of opportunity
• Instil accountability in staff for the impact of their work on student outcomes
• Develop effective relationships with professionals across services to improve academic and social outcomes 

8. Teaching Responsibilities

• Undertake a teaching timetable in line with the duties of a standard scale teacher 

9. Recruitment & Professional Responsibilities

• Participate in staff recruitment and interview processes when required
• Engage in ongoing personal professional development
• Attend school functions and events throughout the year

10. General Responsibilities

• Carry out additional duties in line with the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document
• Undertake reasonable tasks of a similar level as requested by senior leaders
• Support the school’s commitment to equality and reasonable adjustments for disabled staff

The post holder is expected to:

• Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to data protection legislation and associated Trust policies at all times.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of, and commitment to, safeguarding and child protection, maintaining an awareness of relevant procedures and responsibilities.
• Comply with the Trust’s Health and Safety Policy and ensure safe working practices in the performance of all duties.
• Uphold and promote the principles of the Trust’s Equal Opportunities Policy in all aspects of the role.
• Adhere to all other relevant Trust and school policies and procedures.
• Undertake any training and professional development necessary to effectively carry out the duties of the post.
• Perform any other reasonable duties commensurate with the level and responsibilities of the role, as required by the Trust.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children & young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. It is a criminal offence to engage/seek to engage in regulated activity/regulated work with children, if you appear on the DBS barred list. All appointments are subject to an Enhanced DBS check/eligible to work in the UK.
Safeguarding policy can be found on our website. We may also consider performing an online presence check as part of our pre-employment checks.

Applying for the job

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School

• School type: Academy, Christian, ages 11 to 18
• Education phase: Secondary school
• School size: 1298 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 18
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/queen-elizabeth-s-grammar-school-de6-1ep

Nestled in the picturesque Derbyshire Dales in the idyllic town of Ashbourne, Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Ashbourne Academy is an academic and vibrant rural comprehensive school with a very successful Sixth Form.

Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School is a proud member of QEGSMAT. The Trust’s values are for students to ‘Question, Explore; Give; and Succeed’. Our exceptional staff, strong leadership, motivated children, as well as excellent facilities, provide the successful formula for this.

At QEGSMAT we believe and promote that exceptional workforce creates exceptional results; they transform lives and transform futures. We support every pupil to achieve their full potential and become a confident, resilient, and compassionate individual who can make a positive contribution to society.

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