Job description
Location: Derwent Primary School - Once Academy TrustHours: Full Time Contract: Permanent Derwent Primary School is looking to appoint an ambitious school leader to take on the role of Head of School on a full-time basis from 1st September 2026. This role has been created to support a smooth transition for school leadership following the temporary secondment of the permanent post holder. The Head of School appointment will work alongside the existing Associate Headteacher and will take on the school’s day-to-day leadership. The Associate Headteacher will continue to provide strategic oversight and will be present at Derwent for at least two days a week, while the Head of School will lead the school over the remaining days. This is an outstanding opportunity for an individual looking to be fully supported in gaining experience at this level. This opportunity is ideal for a driven and passionate individual to lead a school at the very heart of its’ community. Derwent Primary School is a thriving, inclusive school of 317 pupils, located in Derby City centre and serving a diverse and vibrant community. We are a true community school, with strong parental support and deep-rooted local partnerships, where our shared values of INSPIRE, CARE and AIM HIGH shape everyday practice and relationships. The school is on a continued journey of improvement, driven by a committed and enthusiastic staff team who are ambitious for our pupils and proud of the progress being made. Derwent is a place where; ‘Everyone Matters’, potential is nurtured, and collective effort has the power to change pupils’ lives. The environment we provide for our children promotes independence, self-motivation and confidence. Encouraging the children to show care, consideration and respect for others is central to our ethos and we work hard as a staff to keep this aim. We are seeking a Head of School who: • Is committed to developing their leadership practice in partnership with the Associate Headteacher, demonstrating openness to learning, coaching and professional growth • Demonstrates a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people • Shows resilience, determination and creativity in supporting the delivery and sustainability of school improvement priorities • Has the capacity to recognise and build on the school’s existing strengths, contributing to the ongoing development and embedding of the school’s vision and priorities • Shares a clear educational philosophy and a commitment to implementing and strengthening the school’s curriculum and wider curriculum offer • Has a track record of maintaining and improving high educational standards and expectations • Has experience of implementing, managing and embedding effective whole-school or phase systems and processes • Has experience of leading change through collaboration, supporting staff to engage positively with improvement priorities • Keeps pupils at the heart of decision-making and everyday leadership practice • Has the ability to improve teaching and learning through the coaching, support and development of teaching staff • Uses data confidently to monitor, support and inform teaching, learning and school improvement • Demonstrates a passion for learning and a commitment to applying this to their leadership practice • Is committed to maintaining and strengthening positive relationships with parents, governors and the wider community, working in partnership with the Associate Headteacher In return, we will offer you: • The benefits of being part of the forward-thinking leadership group • The opportunity to work alongside amazing pupils, staff, parents and governors • A supportive environment committed to collaborative working and high performance – leading a team of positive, skilled and hardworking professionals who thrive within a team focused atmosphere • The opportunity to craft and refine your leadership skills • An environment where innovation and creativity are encouraged • Opportunities and support for professional growth and continuous professional development, both in your role as Head of School and as an integral part of the One Academy Trust Executive Leadership Team. • An excellent staff assistance programme with access to wellbeing and health initiatives, including counselling and physiotherapy. What to do next: If you would like to apply for this vacancy, please download the