Deputy Headteacher

About the job

Key information

• Salary: Leadership Scale L3–L8
• Contract: Permanent, full time
• Start date: January 2027
• Closing date for applications: Monday 19 October 2026 (9.00am)
• Interview date: Thursday 22 October 2026

Castle Cary Primary School is seeking an exceptional Deputy Headteacher to help lead the next stage of the school’s development, following the promotion of the current postholder.

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and highly effective primary leader who is committed to securing excellent outcomes for every child. Working closely with the Headteacher, you will play a central role in shaping the strategic direction of the school,
strengthening teaching and learning and developing a culture in which pupils and staff can flourish.

The school is part of the Academies for Character and Excellence (ACE), a growing family of primary schools across Devon and Somerset. Our mission is to achieve excellence through cultivating character, sharing talents and pursuing innovation. We are committed to personal growth for all and to ensuring that each school retains its distinctive character while benefiting from the expertise, capacity and opportunities available across the Trust.

What will I be doing?

The Deputy Headteacher will work in close partnership with the Headteacher to provide strategic and opera onal leadership across the school. The successful candidate will:

• help shape and deliver the school’s vision, priori es and improvement plans;
• provide visible, credible and values-led leadership for pupils, staff and families;
• lead the continued development of consistently high-quality teaching and learning;
• use evidence, evalua on and pupil informa on intelligently to identify priorities and secure improvement;
• promote high expectations for pupils’ achievement, behaviour, attendance, personal development and wellbeing;
• develop colleagues through coaching, professional dialogue, clear expectations and high-quality professional learning;
• contribute to the effective leadership and management of staff, resources, systems and day-to-day school operations;
• build positive relationships with parents, carers and the wider community;
• support a strong, inclusive and child-centred safeguarding culture;
• deputise for the Headteacher when required; and
• fulfil the professional responsibilities of a Deputy Headteacher in accordance with the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document.

The Deputy Head has a teaching commitment in Key Stage 2, enabling the successful candidate to model excellent classroom practice and remain closely connected to pupils, colleagues and the curriculum.

The difference you will make

As Deputy Headteacher, you will help ensure that:

• every pupil benefits from ambitious, inclusive and engaging teaching;
• expectations are consistently high across the school;
• curriculum and classroom practice enable all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or have additoonal needs, to achieve well;
• staff receive the support, challenge and professional development they need to improve;
• school improvement priorities are clear, evidence-informed and translated into effective action;
• pupils feel safe, valued and proud of their school; and
•  families and the wider community have confidence in the school’s leadership and direction.

What success will look like

Success in this role will be evident when:

• eaching is consistently strong and improves outcomes for all groups of pupils;
• leaders and staff use evalua on and evidence effectively to improve provision;
• pupils demonstrate positive attitudes, strong character and a commitment to learning;
• staff capability and leadership capacity continue to grow;
• inclusive practice is embedded throughout the curriculum and wider life of the school;
• safeguarding practice is consistently strong, timely and child-centred; and
• the school works confidently and collaboratively with colleagues across ACE.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

We are looking for a leader who:

• is an excellent and reflective primary practitioner with a strong record of improving teaching and pupil outcomes;
• has successful leadership experience and can demonstrate a positive impact on provision, people or school culture;
• combines high expectations with warmth, integrity and care;
• understands how to translate vision and strategy into clear priorities and effective action;
• can inspire, motivate, support and challenge colleagues;
• is committed to equity and to removing barriers that prevent pupils from flourishing;
•  communicates effectively and builds trusted relationships with pupils, staff, families and partners;
• is highly organised, resilient and able to manage competing priorities;
• values collaboration and is willing to contribute expertise across the Trust; and
• is committed to the ACE mission, values and culture.

What is in it for me?

The successful candidate will join a supportive school and Trust community committed to developing talent and enabling staff to flourish. We offer:

• the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the future of Castle Cary Primary School;
• close professional partnership with the Headteacher and senior colleagues;
• high-quality professional development, coaching and leadership support;
• opportunities to collaborate with and learn from leaders and specialists across ACE;
• scope to contribute to wider Trust improvement and development; and
• a values-led organisation that is ambitious for its pupils, staff and communities.

Supporting documents and information

Safeguarding and recruitment

The Academies for Character and Excellence is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

The successful candidate will be subject to all required safer-recruitment checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, satisfactory references, verification of qualifications and identity, and any other checks relevant to the post. References will be sought before interview, and an online search will be undertaken for shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence process.

We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates who share our commitment to equality, inclusion and the flourishing of every child.

Visits and further information

Visits to the school are warmly encouraged. To arrange a visit or an informal conversation about the role, please contact the Headteacher, Amy Brouard, on 01963 350520 or at amy.brouard@acexcellence.co.uk.

Further information about the role, including the job description, person specification and application form, is available in the recruitment pack.

Completed application forms should be sent to recruitment@acexcellence.co.uk by Monday 19 October at 9.00am.

Interviews are planned for Thursday 22 October 2026.

Apply now