Deputy head vacancy

[roundandroundthe]

I've seen a vacancy advertised for a deputy headship at a large infant school. I was a teacher for eight years and the last two, have been a sahm. Am I mad applying for a leadership position when I haven't been in a classroom post since 2022? How do you know when you're ready for that next step up?

Do you have any experience of additional responsibilities - SENCO, key stage lead, a TLR or the like? I suspect most deputy candidates would. The only deputies I know who have gone from just a class teacher straight to deputy have been internal appointments.

As long as you have solid experience (which you appear to have) then you should be fine.

Go and see the school first before you apply to see what the culture is like in the school and whether you feel, you will fit. Book an appointment with the Headteacher and have a conversation.

I’m an assistant head so a level down from deputy head. Consider whether you want the stress. As deputy you are expected to step up to deputise for the head when they are not there and you may well be DSL. You will be expected to liaise with Governors and produce reports. Deputy head involves a lot of strategic planning and monitoring and you have to show impact at a school wide level. Not trying to put you off but it’s a big role with some challenges. Some people love it. I am still finding my feet!!

Most applicants will have school wide responsibility and a record of implementation and impact across key stages. Worth a visit and chat to the head though. Some heads are amazing and are all about mentoring and bringing on people with less experience. If you’re a good for the school they can guide you. That’s what happened with me!

I'd imagine your assistant head role is similar to deputy in a large infant (two form entry?) school though? Even many double form through primaries don't have assistant heads at all.