Deputy Headteacher

Harper Bell Seventh-day Adventist School, Birmingham, West Midlands, B12 0EJ

11 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  13 April 2026

• Closing date

  18 February 2026 at 11am

• Date listed

  4 February 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Deputy headteacher
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: £55,747 - £61,534 (L4-L8)
• Additional allowances:

  £55,747 - £61,534 (L4-L8)

Deputy Headteacher job summary

Deputy Headteacher Harper Bell Seventh-day Adventist School

Birmingham | Full time | Leadership Scale (L4-L8)

Join us at a pivotal moment of change and opportunity

Harper Bell is a small, diverse, one-form-entry voluntary-aided primary school at the heart of Birmingham, serving a warm and vibrant community. Guided by a strong Christian ethos and a culture of care, we are proud of the close relationships that make our school truly special.

We are now on a clear journey of change, transformation and rapid improvement. With renewed expectations, strengthened systems and a sharp focus on teaching, learning and safeguarding, we are determined to secure the very best outcomes for every child.

We are at a pivotal point in our journey. After an Ofsted judgement of Inadequate (February 2025), new governance and leadership structures are in place and a clear, well-supported rapid improvement plan is being delivered. We are seeking a Deputy Headteacher who is motivated by transformational leadership and ready to make a tangible difference for our pupils and community. As Deputy Headteacher, you will work alongside the Headteacher, Interim Executive Board and Local Authority to accelerate improvement, strengthen provision and make a lasting difference to the lives of children and families in our diverse community.

The role

As Deputy Headteacher, you will be a key strategic and operational leader with whole-school responsibility. You will deputise for the Headteacher and help drive the school’s rapid improvement journey with clarity, resilience and moral purpose.

Your core responsibilities will include:

Acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring the highest standards of safeguarding, child protection and pastoral care
Leading Curriculum and Assessment across the school, securing an ambitious, well sequenced and inclusive curriculum that raises achievement for all pupils
Driving high quality teaching and learning through coaching, monitoring, instructional leadership and robust quality assurance
Leading assessment systems, pupil progress tracking and data analysis to inform intervention and accelerate outcomes
Overseeing the day to day logistics and operational running of the school, ensuring systems, staffing and routines enable excellent provision
Deputising for the Headteacher and providing confident, visible leadership in their absence
Leading staff development and performance management, including mentoring Early Career Teachers, coaching colleagues and designing high quality professional development that builds expertise and strengthens classroom practice
Supporting behaviour, attendance and inclusion so that every child is safe, engaged and ready to learn
Working closely with families, governors, the local authority and the wider community to strengthen partnerships
Championing our Christian ethos and ensuring it is reflected in daily practice, relationships and decision making

The difference you will make

You will help to:

accelerate standards and outcomes across the school
embed strong systems and consistency in teaching and assessment
create a safe, orderly and purposeful learning environment
develop staff confidence and capability
ensure every pupil is known, valued and supported to thrive
contribute directly to the rapid and sustained improvement of the school

This role offers genuine scope to shape culture, systems and strategy. It is ideal for a leader who wants to move beyond maintenance and truly transform a school community.

About you

We are looking for someone who:

has successful experience in senior or middle leadership within a primary school
has a strong track record of improving teaching, curriculum and pupil outcomes
understands safeguarding deeply and is confident leading as DSL
is highly organised and able to manage operational and logistical demands effectively
communicates with clarity, warmth and high expectations
is resilient, reflective and committed to continuous improvement
is passionate about inclusion and equality of opportunity
is supportive of and willing to promote the Christian ethos of the school

What we offer

a rare opportunity to help lead a school through rapid improvement and transformation
the chance to make a tangible difference to children’s lives every day
a supportive, values-driven and close-knit community
strong governance and partnership working
access to professional development and leadership support
a meaningful leadership role with real influence and responsibility

This is more than a deputy headship

It is an opportunity to help transform a school, serve a community and shape futures.

If you are ready to lead with purpose and make a lasting difference, we would love to hear from you.

Visits and applications

Visits to the school are warmly encouraged and can be arranged through the school office.

Please request an application pack via the school website or by contacting the school directly.

Harper Bell is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and safer recruitment procedures.

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 Harper Bell Seventh-day Adventist School

• School type: Local authority maintained school, Seventh Day Adventist, ages 4 to 11
• Education phase: Primary school
• School size: 169 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 4 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Harper Bell Seventh-day Adventist School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/harper-bell-seventh-day-adventist-school

Join the Harper Bell SDA Primary School Team – Where Passion Meets Purpose

Harper Bell SDA Primary School, located in Birmingham, is more than just a place of learning—it's a vibrant, inclusive community dedicated to nurturing the minds and hearts of the next generation. Rooted in Christian values and a strong ethos of inclusivity, the school welcomes staff and pupils from all backgrounds, celebrating diversity and the unique value of every individual.

Why Work With Us?
Inspiring Mission: Make a meaningful impact by fostering children's intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth in a nurturing environment.

Supportive Culture: Collaborate with passionate educators who are committed to excellence and student success.

Professional Development: Access ongoing training and career advancement opportunities to help you grow and thrive.

Wellbeing Focus: Enjoy a healthy work-life balance in a school that prioritises staff wellbeing.

Competitive Package: Benefit from a competitive salary and attractive benefits.

Inclusive Environment: We are proud of our inclusive ethos—everyone is welcome, regardless of race, religion, gender, or background.

If you're passionate about education and want to be part of a school that values both excellence and compassion, Harper Bell SDA Primary School could be the perfect fit for your next career move.

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