The Deputy Headteacher is a key strategic leader at the heart of City of Derby Academy. In this role, you will lead and shape the school’s pastoral provision, ensuring the highest standards of safeguarding, behaviour, attendance, and student welfare so that every student feels safe, supported, and able to thrive.

Working closely with the Headteacher, you will drive whole-school improvement through the development of effective pastoral systems and a strong culture of care, inclusion, and high expectations. You will lead and inspire colleagues to deliver consistent approaches to behaviour, attendance, and student support, using data and systems effectively to inform decisions and secure positive outcomes for all students, particularly the most vulnerable.

You will provide strong and effective line management for the safeguarding team, including the Safeguarding Leader and Child Protection Officers, ensuring that robust safeguarding practices are embedded across the school and that a culture of vigilance and accountability is consistently maintained. Through modelling professional integrity and developing trusted relationships with students, families, staff and external agencies, you will help create a positive, values-led environment in which every member of the school community can flourish. This is an exceptional opportunity for an ambitious leader to make a lasting impact and play a central role in shaping the school’s future.

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for an exceptional senior leader with strong organisational skills, the ability to manage complex and sensitive priorities, and a proven track record of contributing to whole-school improvement, particularly in pastoral care, behaviour, attendance, and safeguarding.

The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator who can build positive and professional relationships with staff, students, parents, governors, external agencies, and Trust colleagues.

They will bring significant experience of leading teams and developing effective pastoral systems, with the ability to use data and school systems to inform decision-making and secure positive outcomes for all students, especially the most vulnerable. A deep commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and student wellbeing is essential, alongside the ability to lead with clarity, consistency, and integrity.

The successful candidate will demonstrate high expectations, resilience, and emotional intelligence, remaining calm and solution-focused under pressure. Above all, we are seeking someone who is passionate about ensuring every student feels safe, supported, and able to succeed, and who is committed to continuous professional development and exemplary professional conduct.

About City of Derby Academy

City of Derby Academy is a school where every student and every member of staff is encouraged and supported to realise their full potential. Our culture is grounded in high expectations, strong and respectful relationships, and a deep commitment to inclusion.

Serving a wonderfully diverse community with more than 40 home languages, our vision is simple yet profound: to improve the life chances of every child.

We offer an ambitious curriculum, exceptional pastoral support and a wide range of enrichment opportunities, from educational visits and clubs to our thriving Combined Cadet Force.

Students develop academically, personally and socially, gaining the knowledge, skills and character they need for the next stage of their education, employment or training.

City of Derby Academy is a school where:

Diversity is celebrated, and inclusion underpins everything we do
Students feel safe, supported and able to thrive
High expectations drive achievement, ambition and pride
Relationships are strong, respectful and purposeful
Staff wellbeing and professional development are valued, and colleagues are proud to work here

Why Join Tapestry Learning Partnership?

As part of our Trust, you’ll benefit from:

A supportive network of professionals who share your commitment to excellence
High-quality professional development and career progression opportunities
A caring, inclusive organisation that values staff wellbeing and work-life balance
Access to a range of employee benefits designed to promote health and wellbeing

This is your chance to be part of something special. Help us shape the future and make a lasting impact.