Didn't get internal job, devastated

[Snowdropsarelovely]

I am currently acting deputy at my school, whenever I have asked the head if I am doing the right things she describes me as her rock and said I am a massive support. She had 3 weeks off with stress and I ran the school. Interviews happened, I didn't get the job... a younger man has been appointed who is apparently inspirational. I have been totally professional, sprayed my smile on and been in work every day but I'm in bits about how I didn't see this coming. I put everything into my interview and presentation and now feel totally rejected and don't know how I move on. I am looking for other jobs, but there's nothing suitable at the moment to be honest I absolutely love this school. I don't want to leave. But I've realised I can't motivate myself to do anything. I just feel broken and like I am watching the world from the outside but I'm not part of it.

Sorry it’s happened to you. it hurts but as you say be professional, I am good enough to stay in post until Christmas but will just do my job and nothing extra. Hopefully something will come up before then.

I’ve recently taken over a school that was judged as RI by ofsted 6 months ago. The new CEO of the academy trust asked me to move across from the school that I was HT in since 2007 and did a sterling job at turning it around.

My predecessor had resigned during an investigation for a multitude of issues which would have ultimately led to their dismissal.

One of the deputies who has been in role since 2009 (so has 15 years experience as a dep) stepped up to cover the summer term as an interim headteacher - they were interested in the permanent role but the CEO of the academy trust decided to move me (as an experienced Head) to essentially fix the school. My old role in my old school was advertised so was that of the new CEO’s school and they applied for both but the respective deputies in the schools were appointed instead..

Long story short…. I had a disgruntled Deputy in September who has gone off on long term sick. I don’t expect them to be back although I did mention when I first met them they’d be a valued member of the leadership team.

I have one of my AHT’s going on maternity in early 2025 - the Head of Maths in my old school is going to be seconded across - I only had 1 internal candidate interested in the role and although they interviewed well, they’d only been a HoD for just over a year.

my advice would be not to set your heart on a job irrespective of whether you are internal or external as you are not guaranteed it!

This must be such a hard experience to go through and I know I would find it extremely upsetting.

it is slightly disappointing that majority of comments however, assume that the OP has been treated unfairly.

It is entirely possible that the successful candidate did indeed perform better on paper and in person.

Have spoken to other heads who said they would bring in their own deputy if they could. It makes life easier. The newly appointed head I have hardly seen as she is supposed to be working half in her old school and half new school but working with the one who was appointed deputy. I am supposed to stay as acting deputy until Christmas. I will if only to put on my cv for new application . I hope snowdropsarelovely will post as to what she does next.

Given the original thread is 2 years old it would be interesting for the OP to give an update.

I've just seen that this thread is trending again!
Well the update is it all ended happily for me – the inspirational deputy that was bought in turned out to be all talk and no action and was managed out under competency procedures. Working with him was "interesting". I was then appointed as deputy. The head teacher continued to have massive amounts of time off with stress and has now resigned. I'm currently acting head teacher. All that in less than three years! Currently doing my NPQH qualification

That's a brilliant outcome op. I have experience of these inspirational young men and I think the all talk bit really resonates. Demonstrates how unfit for purpose the interview process is.

Wishing you every success in your new role.

Thank you , I must admit I have a little smile every day when I arrive at work