14 days remaining to apply

  • Start date details

    January 2027

  • Closing date

    25 September 2026 at 11:59pm

  • Date listed

    11 September 2026

Job details

Job role

  • Assistant headteacher

Visa sponsorship

Visas cannot be sponsored

Working pattern

Full time

Contract type

Permanent

Full time equivalent salary

Leadership Scale 11-15

Additional allowances

Leadership Scale 11-15

Enthusiastic Assistant Headteacher – Ethos and Achievement KS3 job summary

Assistant Headteacher - Ethos and Achievement KS3 is a vital role within the school and is representative of the school’s vision to ensure that every student meets their full potential at every key stage. This role will report directly to the Deputy Head Teacher - Ethos and Achievement.

As a successful candidate, you will:

  • show commitment to inclusion and the ability to improve outcomes for our most disadvantaged students
  • have a proven track record of raising student standards and a flair for Teaching and Learning, and be able to demonstrate this success at Interview
  • be an outstanding leader with drive, energy and ambition, inspiring students and staff to strive for continuous improvement and outstanding outcomes for all
  • be able to develop quickly as a credible leader, with the ability to build and foster strong, professional, and influential relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders
  • work alongside an experienced Headteacher to shape the future direction and development of the schools
  • be able to demonstrate that you have worked collaboratively and are committed to work in partnership with the Senior Leadership Team

What we offer: In return, you’ll enjoy:

  • Caring Environment: Our positive ethos prioritises staff well-being and recognition.
  • Empowerment: Work alongside ambitious, dedicated colleagues who are committed to developing the whole child.
  • Exceptional Students: Engage with children who love being at school, exhibit exceptional behaviour and have a strong attitude towards their learning.
  • Professional Environment: Join a stimulating and collaborative workplace in a school Ofsted labelled as ‘exceptional’ in October 2024
  • Professional Growth: Access extraordinary professional development and support to enhance your teaching skills.
  • Flexible Work Options: We value work balance through the availability of flexible working, our ‘Time for you Tuesdays’, commuted INSETs and Employee Assistance Programme.

About Us

Consistently in the top 25% of schools for value added at KS4 and KS5, The Downs School and Sixth Form is a highly successful and sought-after secondary school set in the beautiful Downs area of West Berkshire. Our recent Ofsted inspection praised the exceptional behaviour of our students, reflecting our unwavering commitment to high-quality teaching, learning, and outstanding outcomes.

Application Details - We encourage early applications, as we reserve the right to close this vacancy if sufficient applications are received. We welcome pre-arranged visits to the school. For more information, please contact recruitment@thedownsschool.org,

Closing date: Friday 25 September 2026

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.

View advert on external website (opens in new tab)

About The Downs School

Organisation type
Academy, ages 11 to 18
Education phase
Secondary school
Size
Up to 1307 pupils
Age range
11 to 18
Ofsted report
View Ofsted report
Website
The Downs School website
See more jobs
teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/the-downs-school-newbury

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