Deputy headteacher - Behaviour and Safeguarding

Lister Community School, London, E13 9AE

24 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  1st September 2026

• Closing date

  9 February 2026 at 3pm

• Date listed

  16 January 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Deputy headteacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: £100,951.00 - £110,327.00 Annually (Actual)

Deputy headteacher - Behaviour and Safeguarding job summary

We are seeking to appoint an exceptional and committed Deputy Headteacher to join our senior leadership team at a vibrant and inclusive school in the heart of Newham. This is a key strategic role with whole-school responsibility for Safeguarding and Behaviour, two areas that are central to our ethos, culture, and commitment to ensuring every child thrives.

The Role

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping and sustaining a strong culture of safety, care, and positive behaviour, ensuring that all pupils feel secure, supported, and ready to learn. As Deputy Headteacher, you will work closely with the Headteacher and senior leaders to provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and day-to-day guidance across the school.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. The Deputy Headteacher will:

• Lead and oversee the school’s safeguarding systems and practices, ensuring full compliance with statutory guidance

• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead, embedding a vigilant, child-centred safeguarding culture

• Ensure robust procedures for identifying, reporting, and responding to concerns

• Work closely with external agencies, families, and staff to secure the best outcomes for pupils

• Champion safeguarding training and ensure staff understand their responsibilities

Safeguarding is crucial because pupils can only learn and flourish when they feel safe, protected, and valued. This role is instrumental in ensuring that our school remains a secure and nurturing environment for all.

Behaviour and Culture

The Deputy Headteacher will also lead on behaviour and relationships, recognising that positive behaviour underpins effective teaching and learning. You will:

• Provide strategic leadership for behaviour policies and practice across the school

• Promote a consistent, inclusive, and restorative approach to behaviour

• Support staff to create calm, purposeful learning environments

• Use data and professional judgement to identify trends and implement targeted interventions

• Foster a culture of high expectations, mutual respect, and belonging

Strong behaviour systems are crucial in enabling pupils to engage positively with learning, build resilience, and develop the social and emotional skills needed for success in school and beyond.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a leader who:

• Has proven senior leadership experience and a strong track record in safeguarding and/or behaviour

• Is passionate about inclusion, pupil wellbeing, and equity

• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to inspire staff and pupils

• Is resilient, reflective, and committed to continuous school improvement

• Has a deep understanding of the needs of pupils and families in an Inner London context

• Works well with others and is a strong team player

If you would like more information about the role, please contact Ruthana Christofides, Deputy Headteacher, at ruthana.christofides@lister.ncltrust.net.

We encourage school visits prior to interviews. If you wish to arrange a visit, please contact HR at hr@lister.ncltrust.net.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submissions are encouraged.

We look forward to receiving your application.

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

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

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 Lister Community School

• School type: Academy, ages 11 to 16
• Education phase: Secondary school
• School size: 1497 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 16
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Lister Community School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/lister-community-school-london

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