Applying for primary deputy head roles

[Fredthefrog]

Do you think that you need year 6 experience to apply for deputy head roles? Is there anything you think is a must have in terms of experience/CPD before applying?

I became a deputy after fewer years than that. I think resilience is far more important! It’s a hard job and only one you should take if you need it as a stepping stone to becoming a head.

Personally, I think you should have experience of the entire primary age range but that's definitely true of the key assessment points. So, yes, I'd be hesitant to appoint a deputy head without them having Y6 experience. However, it would depend on the specifics of the candidate and the needs of my school.

I strongly feel that all members of SLT should also have experience of EYFS and KS1 but so few have! Yes Year 6 is important and it's essential to understand everything that goes into Year 6, but I really wish senior leaders could also talk about the importance of quality provision in the earliest years of their schools rather than viewing them as mini KS2 classes! However, the reality is without Year 6 experience you'd probably viewed as less qualified for DH than somebody with plenty of year 6 experience.

Thanks. I did think that applying with out having taught year 6 might be an issue. I agree that I feel teachers should have EYFS experience before leadership. I have mainly taught younger ages across all 3 key stages. Out of the classroom at the moment with out an easy way back in and not quite sure where to pitch myself as I have a lot of middle leader and school improvement skills .

I'd still go for it. If the feedback comes back that it's lack of Year 6 experience then at least you know. But you might find those rarer heads who really value your knowledge of EYFS and KS1 and train you up on what you need to know about Year 6!

Ignore most of these responses. It's not true you should only go for a DH job if you want to be a head. Plenty of people, including me are DHs with no desire to be a headteacher and that is fine! Don't worry either about Y6 experience. As long as you have SLT experience, often a headteacher has only junior experience and so a DH with infant experience is really valued. Just go for it!

I was a KS1 teacher and then a reception teacher before becoming a deputy and am now a head. Never taught a KS2 class. EYFS experience has been very beneficial, particularly as the head of a one form entry with no nursery. It’s only the reception teacher and Me who understand early years.

These messages make me feel a but more hopeful. I've always felt that getting it right in the early years and ks1 means a smoother year 6. So many times it is a rush to pass SAT'S and all the resources are thrown at year 6 which can be frustrating. I'll keep an open mind and not completely give up. Thanks