Deputy Headteacher
Berwick Academy, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, TD15 2JF11 days remaining to apply
Job start date
1 September 2026
Closing date
11 May 2026 at 12pm (midday)
Date listed
29 April 2026
Job details
Job role
- Deputy headteacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Key stage 3, Key stage 4, Key stage 5
Working pattern
- Full time: FTE 1.00
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- L21 -25
What skills and experience we're looking for
Two Leaders. One Vision. A Brand New Chapter
Berwick Academy is at a historic turning point. Under new leadership and with a state-of-the-art new build confirmed for 2028, we are rebooting, refocusing, and reclaiming our place at the heart of this Northumberland community. This isn’t a ‘business as usual’ appointment; this is a rare opportunity to redesign the DNA of a school from the ground up. We are seeking TWO dynamic, solution-focused leaders at Deputy Headteacher level to form the engine room of our school. We don't need managers; we need leaders who are architects of change:
- The Academic DHT will be the visionary behind a first-class curriculum, driving pedagogical innovation and radical progress.
- The Pastoral DHT will be the architect of our culture, building an environment of belonging, high expectations, and uncompromising standards.
You will be an energetic, creative problem-solver. You don't see barriers; you see puzzles to
be solved. You thrive in environments where you are empowered to be brave and where your
impact is visible every single day. You believe that excellence is a habit, not an act.
The Berwick Opportunity: Why Join Us Now?
This is more than a leadership role; it is a seat at the table for a historic transformation. We are looking for pioneers to help us navigate these landmark shifts:
- A £50m future: This isn't just about moving buildings; it’s about reimagining education. You will help design and transition into our £50m world-class campus in 2028, ensuring our physical environment matches our radical academic and pastoral ambitions
- Two-tier revolution: Shape the educational landscape of the Berwick community as we lead the transition to a two-tier system in September 2026.
- Inclusion at the heart: Gain strategic oversight of our brand-new, purpose-built SEND unit, ensuring it becomes a regional centre of excellence for inclusive practice.
How to apply
We strongly encourage potential candidates to visit the school or book a virtual coffee / Teams call with the Headteacher, Kelly Holbrook, via headteacher@berwickacademy.co.uk
Closing date: Monday 11th May 2026 ( 12 noon)
Interviews: Thursday 14th and Friday 15th May 2026
We want to hear your story: tell us about your impact to date. Please pay close attention to the person specification and job description in your application and clearly state which post you are applying for (Academic or Pastoral).
Completed application forms and letters (no more than 3 sides of A4) should be returned to the school by emailing: hallf@berwickacademy.co.uk
Further information can be found on our website: www.berwickacademy.co.uk
What the school offers its staff
Other reasons to apply:
- Radical autonomy: Work directly with a newly appointed Headteacher (Easter 2026) who values creative thinking and provides the platform for you to lead with genuine authority. This is a brilliant time to join the senior team.
- Strategic flexibility: We understand that elite leadership requires time for deep work. We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements that provide the necessary autonomy to focus on long-term strategy.We are committed to finding a balance that allows you to lead at your best while respecting your life outside of school.
- The best commute in the North: Forget the stop-start gridlock of the city. Whether you are coming from Alnwick (35 mins), Newcastle (approx. an hour), or the rugged beauty of the Scottish Borders (30–45 mins), your commute is a clear-run, A1-straight journey through some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
Berwick Academy are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and expects all staff, governors and volunteers to share this commitment. You will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Berwick Academy has a policy commitment to equal opportunities and diversity in employment and seeks to ensure no employee or applicant receives less favourable treatment than another. All posts are filled on merit.
Applying for the job
This job requires you to download an application form, you will be able to upload the application once complete.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Berwick Academy
- School type
- Academy, ages 13 to 18
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- School size
- 586 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 13 to 18
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Berwick Academy website
- Email address
- hallf@berwickacademy.co.uk
- Phone number
- 01289 305083
The future of Northumberland Education starts here.
We aren't just a school; we are a community on the move. Perfectly positioned on the stunning East Coast Main Line, we serve the vibrant, coastal town of Berwick-upon-Tweed and the surrounding areas of North Northumberland.
Berwick Academy is in the midst of a reboot. We are moving beyond ‘business as usual’ to build a school that matches the scale of our £50m+ investment. This is a rare opportunity to join a school at the point of its most significant transformation in decades. The road to our new 2028 campus starts here: we are reimagining every aspect of our school—from our structure to our systems to our curriculum and our culture—to ensure we are delivering a first-class education for our young people before the first brick is even laid.
Why Berwick Academy? Why now?
We are currently undergoing a radical, multi-million-pound transformation that will redefine the educational landscape of North Northumberland:
The £50m+ campus: By 2028, we will move into a brand-new, state-of-the-art campus designed for 21st-century learning.
The two-tier transition: In September 2026, we evolve into a 11–18 secondary school, creating a seamless, ambitious journey for our 900+ students.
A leadership reboot: Under new leadership, we are building a culture of radical progress, professional autonomy, and uncompromising standards.
We believe that our staff should thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Our unique location means a commute through breathtaking landscapes, with easy access via the A1 and the rail network.
Join a team of pioneers. Help us build the legacy.
Arranging a visit to Berwick Academy
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email hallf@berwickacademy.co.uk.
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