Deputy Headteacher

About Us

City of London Academies Trust believes strongly in the transformational nature of education operating schools in areas of significant disadvantage. We understand that strong outcomes lead to improved life chances for our students, so we are unashamedly academic and unapologetically results driven. Each of our schools adopt a ‘warm/strict’ approach, combining high expectations with care and support. Our level of care means we never compromise on standards or expectations, ensuring that no student’s background becomes a reason for lowering the bar. Our schools maintain exemplary standards of behaviour, with systems, rituals and norms that instil strong habits. As a result, our schools provide an environment where our teachers can teach, and students can learn without disruption. We take great pride in fostering an exceptionally positive learning environment and we work meticulously to maintain our strong ethos and culture.

COLAT is driven by an unwavering ambition to bethe best. We believe exceptional leaders and teachers create outstanding schools, transforming lives and shaping the future of every student. We have academies located in north, south and east London, and we combine the heritage and tradition of the Corporation of London with a genuinely innovative, enterprising, and entrepreneurial ethos. We are also committed to providing training and development to all our staff, plus excellent career advancement opportunities within our evolving Trust.

About you

You will be fully aligned with our approach, understanding the critical role you play in shaping a behavioural and learning culture within our school. You will be adept at using direct instruction pedagogy and delivering a well sequenced, knowledge rich curriculum. Dynamic, inspiring and highly effective, you will strive to surpass what has been achieved. You will be committed to creating an environment that promotes academic, creative, sporting, linguistic and personal achievement.

This is an exciting time to be part of the City of London Academies Trust, and we very much hope that you will be inspired to want to join us. We are committed to investing in the next generation of COLAT people who will embody the Trust’s culture, values and ethos.

We are seeking an exceptional senior leader who:

• Has a proven track record of successful school leadership and school improvement.
• Is passionate about securing excellent outcomes for all children.
• Demonstrates a deep commitment to inclusion, safeguarding and equity.
• Has experience of leading teaching and learning, curriculum development and staff development.
• Can inspire, support and challenge colleagues to achieve the highest standards.
• Has strong analytical skills and uses evidence-informed approaches to improve outcomes.
• Is committed to developing a positive culture where children and staff can flourish.
• Builds strong relationships with families, governors, Trust colleagues and the wider community.
• Shares our belief that every child can achieve and thrive, regardless of background or starting point.

The successful candidate will be a visible and values-led leader who models professionalism, integrity and ambition and who is committed to ensuring that Redriff continues to provide an exceptional education for every child.

Our Academy

City of London Academies Trust is driven by a simple ambition: to provide an exceptional education for every child.

COLAT currently comprises eight secondary academies, three primary academies and one sixth form centre across London. We combine the heritage and tradition of the City of London Corporation with a genuinely innovative and ambitious approach to education. We are committed to developing exceptional leaders and offer outstanding professional development and career progression opportunities.

Redriff Primary School is an Outstanding school located in the heart of Rotherhithe, Southwark. We are proud to serve a diverse and vibrant community and are committed to ensuring every child achieves and thrives. Our school is recognised for its inclusive ethos, ambitious curriculum, exceptional pastoral care and strong outcomes for children.

We are also home to the largest Primary Resource Base in Southwark, supporting autistic children through a highly inclusive and specialist provision. Our work is underpinned by our commitment to high expectations, equity and opportunity for all.

At Redriff, our values encourage children to be:

• Compassionate
• Enlightened
• Aspirational
• Adventurous
• Individual

About the role

City of London Academies Trust (COLAT) is seeking to appoint an ambitious, values-driven and highly effective Deputy Headteacher for Redriff Primary School.

This is an exciting opportunity for an outstanding senior leader to work in partnership with the Headteacher, Senior Leadership Team and Trust colleagues to secure exceptional outcomes for all children and contribute to the continued success of our Outstanding school.

As Deputy Headteacher, you will play a major role in shaping and delivering the strategic direction of the school. You will lead significant aspects of school improvement, ensuring excellence in teaching and learning, curriculum development, inclusion, safeguarding, behaviour, attendance, personal development and staff development.

You will help create and sustain a culture of high expectations, aspiration and belonging where every child is known, valued and supported to achieve their full potential. You will champion inclusive practice, ensuring that all children, including those with SEND, disadvantaged children and vulnerable learners, receive an ambitious education and the support they need to thrive.

Working closely with the Headteacher, you will contribute to self-evaluation, strategic planning and quality assurance, whilst leading and developing staff to ensure consistently high standards across the school. You will also play a key role in strengthening partnerships with families, the wider community and the Trust.

How to Apply

If you match our ambition and want to join our dedicated team of professionals, we would love to hear from you. Candidates must address the person specification in no more than 1,000 words. Applications must be submitted via the My New Term portal.

Applicants must currently hold a Senior Leadership Team position.

To apply, please complete the application form and submit a personal statement of no more than 1,000 words addressing the following question:

As Deputy Headteacher at Redriff, how would you contribute to securing excellent outcomes for all pupils while promoting a culture of high expectations, inclusion and continuous improvement?

City of London Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Closing date for applications is 9:00am on Thursday 24th September 2026.

Interviews are scheduled for week beginning the 28th September 2026.

City of London Academies Trust supports Equal Opportunities Employment.

City of London Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, including enhanced DBS checks and a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the standards which flows from City of London Academies Trust vision and values.

Our school is based in the heart of an evolving community in XXXXX , and we value the diversity of our workforce. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join our team.

The role is covered by part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 and therefore the ability to speak fluent spoken English is an essential requirement for this role.

City of London Academies Trust Company Registration No. 04504128.