Deputy Headteacher

Deputy Headteacher

Contract type: Permanent and Full Time

Start date: September 2025

Salary: L11 – 15 Inner London Pay Scale £73,225 - £79,700 (fte) plus Teachers Pension Scheme

About Us

City of London Academies Trust believes strongly in the transformational nature of education operating schools in areas of significant disadvantage. We understand that strong outcomes lead to improved life chances for our students, so we are unashamedly academic and unapologetically results driven. Each of our schools adopt a ‘warm/strict’ approach, combining high expectations with care and support. Our level of care means we never compromise on standards or expectations, ensuring that no student’s background becomes a reason for lowering the bar. Our schools maintain exemplary standards of behaviour, with systems, rituals and norms that instil strong habits. As a result, our schools provide an environment where our teachers can teach, and students can learn without disruption. We take great pride in fostering an exceptionally positive learning environment and we work meticulously to maintain our strong ethos and culture.

COLAT is driven by an unwavering ambition to be the best. We believe exceptional leaders and teachers create outstanding schools, transforming lives and shaping the future of every student. We have academies located in north, south and east London, and we combine the heritage and tradition of the Corporation of London with a genuinely innovative, enterprising, and entrepreneurial ethos. We are also committed to providing training and development to all our staff, plus excellent career advancement opportunities within our evolving Trust.

About you

You will be fully aligned with our approach, understanding the critical role you play in shaping a behavioural and learning culture within our school. You will be adept at using direct instruction pedagogy and delivering a well sequenced, knowledge rich curriculum. Dynamic, inspiring and highly effective, you will strive to surpass what has been achieved. You will be committed to creating an environment that promotes academic, creative, sporting, linguistic and personal achievement. 

This is an exciting time to be part of the City of London Academies Trust, and we very much hope that you will be inspired to want to join us. We are committed to investing in the next generation of COLAT people who will embody the Trust’s culture, values and ethos.

Our Academy 

Galleywall Primary was established in 2016, in a building dating back to 1876, and has served the community with distinction. We have been graded Outstanding by OFSTED in both our inspections, most recently January 2025, and our aim is to provide the best possible educational experience for our pupils. We have high expectations for all members of the school community including the highest standard of professionalism for staff. Galleywall is a highly satisfying place to work, and we were described in our inspection as a joyful place to study where pupils thrive.

We are fully staffed with well-qualified, experienced and energetic practitioners, and have the strong support of parents and the community. We support and challenge all our pupils, whatever their starting points, in a school known to be warm, nurturing and orderly. Our curriculum is rich and creative and is delivered with flair and imagination. Opportunities for high-quality cultural enrichment are abundant and varied; this includes many residential trips, sporting and creative events and visits to the huge range of educational resources offered in our capital city.

We expect children to work hard and demonstrate dedication and commitment to their education. There are clear boundaries and rules that children must follow at all times; OFSTED noted that our pupils are polite, courteous, and confident. We teach and expect pupils to exhibit exemplary character and conduct and, in return, we provide them with an excellent education, fostering both academic success and personal development. We aim to help them cultivate the skills and values needed to thrive in later life.

We are proud of the progress each of our pupils shows; whether this is overcoming previous disadvantage or gaining a place at a top selective school.  

We seek outstanding staff to work in this outstanding team. You need high levels of energy, commitment, creativity and a passion for the success of our pupils. In return, we offer a calm, orderly and respectful environment. We also offer a range of staff benefits and development opportunities which support your professional and career development. You will be able to learn from some of the best and most able practitioners in the country. There is a far-reaching commitment to ensuring that all our staff are given the access to excellent development and induction programmes. 

About the Role

The Deputy Headteacheris a key role in the school, with strategic and operational responsibilities in a large and complex primary school. The responsibility is primarily for academic standards – curriculum, pedagogy, quality of teaching and assessment.  The role also includes everyday responsibility for the deployment of staff and logistics. The ability to play a part in discipline and safeguarding is also essential. This role is part of an 8-person leadership team.  

If you match our ambition and want to join our dedicated team of professionals, we would love to hear from you. Candidates must address the person specification in no more than 1,000 words. Applications must be submitted via the TES portal on the following link: 

Closing date for applications 8:00am Monday 12 May 2025

Early applications are encouraged and we reserve the right to close the applications early if enough suitable candidates apply.  

We plan for interviews to take place in the week beginning 19 May 2025.

Our recruitment process will involve spending time with pupils and staff, written and practical tasks and a formal interview.

Informal conversations and visits to the school in advance of application are encouraged. Please telephone the school on 020 7252 3494 or email vacancies@galleywall.co.uk to arrange a time for a discussion and a visit.

City of London Academies Trust supports Equal Opportunities Employment.

City of London Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, including enhanced DBS checks and a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the standards which flows from City of London Academies Trust vision and values.

Our school is based in the heart of an evolving community in Southwark, and we value the diversity of our workforce. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join our team.

The role is covered by part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 and therefore the ability to speak fluent spoken English is an essential requirement for this role. 

City of London Academies Trust Company Registration No. 04504128.