Deputy Head Teacher

A Kinder, More Human Approach to Education

Role: Deputy Headteacher

Contract: Full Time / Permanent

Location: Oxford Millwood School - Forest Farm, Elsfield, Oxford

About the School

Welcome to Oxford Millwood School, part of Blenheim Schools! We are an independent, all-ability school nestled in the heart of Oxford. Here, we celebrate individuality and foster an environment where pupils thrive through a blend of academic achievement, creativity, and outdoor education. With small class sizes and exceptional pastoral care, we offer a tailored educational experience that prepares our students for lifelong success.

Role Purpose

We are thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity to join our senior leadership team! As we embark on ambitious development plans, we are looking for a dynamic, motivated, and committed Deputy Headteacher to help shape the next chapter of our school's growth.

In this pivotal role, you will work closely with the Headteacher to provide both strategic and operational leadership, ensuring the highest standards of teaching, learning, and pastoral care. Your knowledge, versatility, and drive will support our pupils' success while contributing to the broader development of the school. We seek a collaborative leader who can effectively manage a diverse set of responsibilities within our dedicated team.

Key Responsibilities

As our Deputy Headteacher, you will:

• Support the Headteacher in providing strategic and operational leadership across the school.
• Lead on teaching, learning, and curriculum development to ensure excellent outcomes for all pupils.
• Drive school improvement initiatives, quality assurance activities, and self-evaluation processes.
• Monitor pupil progress, attainment, and wellbeing, ensuring every child is supported to achieve their full potential.
• Champion inclusive education and provide guidance for pupils with a range of additional needs.
• Promote high standards of behaviour, safeguarding, and pastoral care.
• Lead performance management, coaching, and professional development to help staff thrive.
• Use assessment data effectively to inform decision-making and raise achievement.
• Support compliance with independent school standards, inspections, and regulatory requirements.
• Build strong partnerships with parents, colleagues, and external agencies.
• Contribute to budget planning, resource management, and the day-to-day operational success of the school.
• Deputise for the Headteacher when required.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

Essential

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a good honours degree.
• Significant teaching experience with a proven record of securing positive pupil outcomes.
• Leadership experience within a school setting.
• Strong understanding of curriculum development, assessment, and school improvement.
• Excellent knowledge of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.
• Experience of supporting and developing staff through coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
• Outstanding communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to use data to drive improvement.
• A collaborative and inspirational leadership style.
• Commitment to inclusion, wellbeing, and high aspirations for every pupil.

Desirable

• Leadership qualifications such as NPQSL, NPQH, or equivalent.
• Experience within an independent school environment.
• Experience of inspection processes, including ISI or Ofsted.
• Experience leading whole-school improvement initiatives.
• Additional SEND-related qualifications or expertise.
• Budget management experience.
• Experience working across a broad age range or all-through provision.

Personal Qualities

• Resilient, adaptable, and solution-focused.
• Passionate about delivering exceptional educational experiences.
• Able to inspire, motivate, and influence others.
• Committed to the values, ethos, and vision of Oxford Millwood School.

What We Offer

• A thriving, supportive community where every pupil is known and valued.
• A creative, forward-thinking environment with strong academic traditions.
• Opportunities to shape whole-school strategy, development planning, and inspection readiness.
• A receptive and collaborative leadership team committed to innovation and continuous improvement.
• Supportive colleagues who share a genuine passion for education and pupil success.
• Regular professional development and leadership training.

How to Apply

Ready to make a difference? Complete your application before the closing date. We encourage early applications, as we reserve the right to interview and appoint the right candidate before the closing date.

We warmly invite applicants to arrange a visit to the school and meet the Headteacher prior to submitting an application.

Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment

Blenheim Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.

We are an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect, regardless of background.