x4 Deputy Headteacher Interview Tasks with Model Answers/Rubric - Assistant Headteacher, SLT

For both primary and secondary - perfect for SLT recruitment, interview prep, coaching, assessment and CPD.
This editable toolkit includes four high-impact activities to assess and develop the leadership competencies that matter most — from strategic decision-making to emotional intelligence.

What’s Inside:
• In-Tray Challenge with 5 realistic school leadership scenarios
• Scenario-Based Decision Matrix for strategic judgement
• Difficult Conversation Roleplay for emotional intelligence and conflict resolution
• Rapid Data Analysis Task for data literacy and strategic planning
• Response templates, model answers, and optional scoring rubrics
• All differentiated to be suitable for primary and secondary schools

Activity Breakdown

• In-Tray Challenge (5 Tasks)
Candidates must prioritise and respond to 5 varied communications, demonstrating time management, delegation, and tone awareness. Scenarios include safeguarding alerts, staff absence, parent complaints, and governor requests.

• Scenario-Based Decision Matrix
Candidates rank responses to leadership dilemmas using a matrix that weighs urgency, impact, and values alignment. Ideal for assessing strategic clarity and ethical reasoning.

• Difficult Conversation Roleplay
Simulated interactions with a parent, staff member, or governor. Candidates must listen, empathise, and propose a constructive way forward. Includes roleplay scripts and reflection prompts.

• Rapid Data Analysis Task
Candidates analyse anonymised pupil data and propose strategic actions. Includes a summary template and guidance for interpreting trends.

Ideal For:
• SLT recruitment panels
• Assistant/Deputy Head interview preparation
• Coaching and mentoring sessions
• Leadership CPD and training days

Bonus Features:
• Model answers
• Coaching prompts for reflective discussion
• Optional scoring rubrics for interview panels
• Printable prioritisation grids and decision matrices