Defence Children Services (DCS)
Wiltshire
Salary:
£61,914 - £69,204
Job type:
Full Time, Permanent
Apply by:
28 September 2025
Job overview
Defence Children Services (DCS) has an exciting opportunity for an experienced, qualified teacher and school leader to join a newly formed MOD Virtual School. If you want to make a difference to Service families and Defence by supporting children overseas in non-DCS schools, then this role may be for you
DCS has a vacancy for a MOD Virtual School Deputy Head Teacher (MODVS VDHT). You will play a vital role in supporting and improving the educational outcomes of c.5000 children and young people in Service Families. This is a dynamic and exciting role providing the opportunity to work with our overseas locations in Australia, New Zealand, USA and work with the wider Defence community.
DCS is a Defence delivery organisation, subordinated under Army Regional Command. Our Vision is that we Educate the Child – Support the Family – Defend the Nation. HQ DCS is UK based at Trenchard Lines, Upavon and has forward deployed staff all over the world. DCS is responsible for the education and care of children of accompanied Service and Defence entitled personnel in MOD schools and settings; provides advice and guidance in respect of education for service families in the United Kingdom and the wider world. All our activities are crafted to meet the effective education needs of our children and families, mitigating the challenges of mobility and promoting the positive opportunities of service life. Your contribution to this is essential and invaluable.
This position is advertised as fulltime at 37 hours per week
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) employs over 50,000 Civil Servants. Within that, the Army Top Level Budget (TLB) employs around 7,000 MOD Civil Servants located at over 300 locations. Ours is a diverse workforce, with roles ranging from trainers, human resources, teachers, and psychologists to storekeepers, financiers, project and programme managers, and policy secretariat staff. There are many different functions and professions delivering key outputs for the Army. As such using data to aid understanding of our workforce is vital.
Job Description
The MODVS VDHT will support the MOD Virtual Headteacher (VHT) in overseeing all children in non-DCS schools including those who are electively home educated (EHE). They will ensure that all service children in non DCS schools are identified, located and have an education provision in place that is suitable. They will have an individual caseload, providing support and professional guidance to parents during assignments overseas in non-DCS school areas.
As a qualified and experienced school leader, the VDHT will manage complex casework, relating to parental and school queries requiring professional advice appertaining to children's education in an overseas location. The VDHT reports to the VHT and works with a range of agencies to ensure high quality support is delivered to both families and Commands in location.
The VDHT will hold a specific responsibility for children in Australia, New Zealand and the USA and will deputise for the Virtual Headteacher, where appropriate.
The post holder's key responsibilities and main duties are:
* To work with senior leaders across DCS, Education Welfare Officers (EWO), and other SSS teams to ensure all service children educated overseas in non-DCS schools are safe and in receipt of an appropriate education.
* To provide clear, accurate and professional information, advice and guidance regarding the education of Service children overseas to parents, Commands and DCS.
* To develop strong working relationships with parents, school leaders and other agencies to ensure children's need are identified and, where possible, supported in the overseas location.
* To assist the Virtual Headteacher in the strategic direction and development of the MOD Virtual School.
* To establish, develop and maintain strong partnerships with key stakeholders, including school senior leaders, overseas Commands and health/social care professionals in area of responsibility.
* To ensure referrals to other supporting agencies (British Forces Social Work Service (BFSWS) or teams (EWO, Overseas Supportability) are made at the appropriate point and in a timely manner.
* To be the lead professional for individual cases, coordinating support from other agencies and leading multi-agency meetings, where required.
* Give educational input on individual cases when required so that decisions relating to Service Children's education can be made.
* To have up-to-date knowledge of current educational process and statutory guidelines and how it applies to Service and other entitled families overseas.
* To deliver training or presentations to DCS colleagues and other stakeholders involved with Service children's education.
* Understand the principles of effective information management (IM) and ensure all cases dealt with DCS IM processes are followed at all times.
* To deliver training or presentations to DCS colleagues and other stakeholders involved with Service children's education.
* To act as a line manager for Executive Officer staff.
* Some travel within the UK and overseas will be required
* Further information is available on the attached job description.
Person Specification
Essential
* Successful and substantial senior level experience in improving outcomes for children and young people in an education or local authority setting.
* Significant experience and expertise in teaching, supporting and advocating for children in a wide variety of educational provision.
* Experience and knowledge of local authority/broader education organisation working and working in an education focused multi-agency team.
* Experience of leading teams of other professionals to meet children's needs.
* Be an experienced educationalist with knowledge of the school curriculum, Special educational Needs and Disability/Additional Needs and safeguarding, across a range of settings.
* Evidence and experience of managing conflict between different stakeholders where there may be different requirements and expectations.
Desirable
* Understand the demography and the context of Service children and their families.
Qualifications and Requirements:
* Recognised bachelor's degree with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
* Have evidence of continual professional development at post graduate level.
* Evidence of qualification will be required at interview. All qualifications/licences declared must be held at point of application and if applicable be in date. Equivalent Qualifications will not be accepted.
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £61,914, Ministry of Defence contributes £17,936 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides. The Ministry of Defence prides itself on being a supportive employer and where possible encourages flexible working, helping you to maintain a great work/life balance. Other benefits for Civil Servants include:
* 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years' service
* Highly competitive pension scheme Personal and professional development of skills Alternative working patterns for many roles
* Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), a free service that assists you with achieving a productive, healthy environment that is conducive to a healthy lifestyle.
* Enhanced parental and adoption leave 6 days special leave per year which can be used for volunteering activities
* Learning and Development opportunities.
We believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference, and you will be supported to help you learn and advance in your career. This includes working towards membership of a professional body and/or undertaking a modern apprenticeship as part of your role.
A modern apprenticeship is a combined package of work and training. Through the schemes available you will gain a professional qualification, practical experience, and the broader skills required to develop in your current role and pave the way for your future career.
Discover My Benefits: Please follow the link to visit the Discover My Benefits site which showcases the benefits and discounts offered when working as a civilian for the MOD.
Defence Children Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
About Defence Children Services (DCS)
Defence Children Services (DCS)
Bldg 183, Trenchard Lines, Upavon, Pewsey
Wiltshire
SN9 6BE
United Kingdom
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