Deputy Headteacher - Curriculum & Safeguarding
Grinling Gibbons Primary School, London, SE8 5LW37 days remaining to apply
Job start date
1 September 2026
Closing date
13 March 2026 at 12pm (midday)
Date listed
4 February 2026
Job details
Job role
- Deputy headteacher
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Early years, Key stage 1, Key stage 2
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- L11-14
What skills and experience we're looking for
Are you an exceptional practitioner with a passion for curriculum development and a deep understanding of safeguarding? Do you thrive in a collaborative, values-driven environment where children come first and staff are empowered to lead with integrity and purpose?
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced senior leader to join our forward-thinking federation from September 2026. This is a rare opportunity to shape the curriculum across three vibrant, inclusive schools and play a pivotal role in our leadership team.
We are looking for a leader who:
- Is an outstanding classroom practitioner with experience across all key stages (EYFS to KS2)
- Has a deep and current understanding of the national curriculum and how to design, implement, and evaluate a high-quality, progressive curriculum
- Can lead on curriculum innovation and development, working closely with subject leaders and teaching teams
- Has the potential to be a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or is already trained and experienced in safeguarding leadership
- Brings strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and a collaborative spirit to their leadership
- Has a clear and evidenced track record of raising standards of learning and achieving sustained improvements in pupil outcomes, as demonstrated through robust assessment information and performance data across the school.
What the school offers its staff
The Phoenix Federation in Deptford is made up of Oak Gardens and Grinling Gibbons Primary, along with Grinling Gardens Alternative Provision.
The schools are bursting with energy, ideas, and appetite for the future. Both Oak Gardens and Grinling Gibbons have received a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating, with Grinling Gibbons receiving an ‘Outstanding’ rating for ‘Behaviour and Attitudes’ and ‘Personal Development’. The inspectors noted at Grinling Gibbons that “Pupils’ behaviour and attitudes are exemplary…Leaders want pupils to aim high in their future lives. This expectation is woven through all aspects of school life.” At Oak Gardens the inspectors commented that “Pupils are happy and proud of their school. They are articulate and confident. Leaders have created an inspiring environment where pupils’ views are given importance.”
Grinling Gardens is an alternative education provision and supports children who would benefit from spending time away from their current school or who present with such needs that cannot, or can no longer, be met in a mainstream school environment.
Our federation is built on a foundation of excellence, equality, and aspiration. We believe every child deserves the highest quality education, and we are relentless in our pursuit of outstanding outcomes for all. Our schools are proud of their diverse communities, creative curriculum, and strong safeguarding culture.
- Professional Development and Leadership Progression. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to undertake either the Apprenticeship Improvement Leadership Programme or the Apprenticeship Senior Leadership Master’s Programme, subject to eligibility and organisational need. Both apprenticeships provide a fully funded progression pathway leading to the award of an MSc in Education or Strategic Leadership and Management.
- A federation that values professional growth, innovation, and wellbeing
- A job in the first Primary School in the UK to be awarded the Beacon of Excellence for Race and Conscious Equality
- A committed and supportive team of leaders, governors, and staff
- Opportunities to shape whole-school and federation-wide strategy
- A culture where children’s voices are heard, and staff are trusted to lead
- Lieu days each term for 100% attendance and/or running an extra-curricular club.
- The option to take PPA from home.
- Email free Saturdays.
Further information about the job
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
Please complete the online application.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
Apply for this jobAdditional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Grinling Gibbons Primary School
- School type
- Local authority maintained school, ages 3 to 11
- Education phase
- Primary school
- School size
- 222 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 3 to 11
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Grinling Gibbons Primary School website
- Email address
- tim.kay@phoenix439.org
- Phone number
- 02086924660
The Phoenix Federation consists of three primary schools in Deptford: Lucas Vale, Grinling Gibbons and Grinling Gardens.
The schools are bursting with energy, ideas, and appetite for the future. Both Lucas Vale and Grinling Gibbons have recently received a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating, with Grinling Gibbons receiving an ‘Outstanding’ rating for ‘Behaviour and Attitudes’ and ‘Personal Development’. The inspectors noted at Lucas Vale that “Pupils are happy and proud of their school. They are articulate and confident. Leaders have created an inspiring environment where pupils’ views are given importance.”
Grinling Gardens is an alternative education provision and supports children who would benefit from spending time away from their current school or who present with such needs that cannot or can no longer be met in a mainstream school environment.
These are exciting and vibrant times at the Phoenix Federation, following a public consultation, Lucas Vale is rebranding and will be relaunching under a new school name in September 2025.
Arranging a visit to Grinling Gibbons Primary School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email tim.kay@phoenix439.org.
School location
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