Deputy Headteacher

Deputy Headteacher - Student Outcomes and Progress (PP/SEND)

In partnership with the Archdiocese of Birmingham, the Governing Body of this popular, over-subscribed Catholic School are seeking to appoint an experienced Deputy Headteacher to support both the Headteacher and existing Deputy Headteacher.  

Ideally the candidate should be preparing for Headship and should have a proven track record and experience in initiatives and strategies leading to sustained improvement in student outcomes, particularly amongst vulnerable students (PP and SEND).

St Thomas More Catholic School is a large and thriving Catholic comprehensive school. We are a community where staff and students from all faiths live out the school mission. We are an oversubscribed school which is exceptionally popular with families.

In our last Ofsted inspection (October 2022) our school was judged as ‘Good’ in all areas:  

“Pupils know when they walk into school that they are part of a warm, welcoming community. There is a clear celebration of Catholic values… but staff ensure the school is inclusive for all pupils. The headteacher sets the tone for the caring ethos…Pupils are happy, enjoy going to school and feel safe.”

The school uses a knowledge-based approach and expects the highest standards of behaviour and academic challenge for and from all, regardless of background. St Thomas More Catholic School is unapologetically ambitious for the children we serve. The next phase of development is to become a truly great Catholic School:

Ofsted – “Pupils behave well in lessons, they settle quickly to their learning and are keen to participate in lessons…there is a positive and respectful school culture.”

“Teachers have strong subject knowledge. They use this to clearly explain new ideas to pupils…questions and planned activities help pupils to remember earlier learning.”

Working alongside the Headteacher and existing Deputy Headteacher, the person appointed will have a burning desire and proven ability to share their faith with others. Their faith will provide the inspiration and direction for an experienced group of leaders and dedicated support staff:

CSI – “St Thomas More Catholic School offers a full, inclusive welcome to all. The relationships between staff and students and characterised by Gospel values.”

“The level of pastoral care provided to all community members is excellent. It is a living expression of the school’s mission.”

The successful candidate will preferably have experience of working in disadvantaged school communities and an excellent track record for securing attainment and progress, and innovation throughout their successful teaching career. Alongside both the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher, the appointed candidate will be responsible for ensuring the highest expectations are understood and owned by all our stakeholders. All of this will be in line with the Catholic values and beliefs which are the bedrock of our school.

The successful candidate will also:

• Be a practising Catholic and have a commitment to and an understanding of Catholic education.

• Possess an unshakeable work ethic.

• Enjoy and understand the need to work as part of a team.

• Share fully in the strategic leadership of the school.

• Have a proven ability to work in partnership with staff, learners and their parents/carers offering support and challenge.

• Show a track record of implementing strategies that lead to improvement in both standards and outcomes, particularly for our most vulnerable students (PP and SEND)

• Have a passion for working with young people to develop their own excellence and be committed to raising students’ aspirations.

• Have excellent communication, organisational and inter-personal skills.

• Aspire to lead their own school as Headteacher in the future.

This is a fantastic opportunity to help lead the school and make a significant contribution to the future success of the school.

We are located near Willenhall within easy access to the M6 motorway network and therefore accessible for colleagues travelling from Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Staffordshire etc.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful candidates.

For more information, and to request an application pack including job description, please contact Jodie Massie at Hays Education on:

M: 07761446571

E: st.thomas.more@hays.com

Closing date: 12 noon on Tuesday 7th May 2024

Shortlisting: Thursday 9th May 2024

Interviews: Tuesday 21st May and Wednesday 22nd May 2024

Please also see our recruitment site: https://microsites.hays.co.uk/jobs/st-thomas-more/index.htm