Assistant Headteacher – Designated Safeguarding Lead

Salary: L12 - 16 (Actual salary: £67,898 - £75,049)

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Permanent

Job Start: January 2026

The Opportunity

We are seeking to appoint an inspiring, innovative Assistant Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to join our dedicated Senior Leadership Team. You will be an outstanding classroom teacher with a passion and drive to improve quality of education and opportunities for students across our school. 

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced and inspirational leader to make a significant impact on our school. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in driving our academic standards and fostering a culture of excellence, while holding the crucial responsibility of ensuring the safety and well-being of every child.

Why Join Us?

At The Avon Valley School, we are committed to nurturing every student’s potential, both academically and personally. Our ethos is built on Ambition, Respect and Care, fostering a learning environment where students feel valued, supported and empowered to achieve their aspirations.

Avon Valley School offers a welcoming and collaborative environment where every member of staff is valued. We are committed to providing exceptional professional development opportunities and a supportive culture where you can thrive. You will have the chance to work with a fantastic team of staff and students who are all dedicated to building a safe, happy, and successful school.

The Role & Responsibilities

As Assistant Headteacher, you will support the Headteacher and Deputy Headteachers in:

• Communicating the school’s vision compellingly and supporting the Headteacher’s strategic leadership.
• The day-to-day management of the school.
• Support the Headteacher and Deputy Headteachers to formulate the aims and objectives of the school.
• Support establishing policies for achieving these aims and objectives.
• Provide high-quality professional support and mentorship to staff.
• Analyse school performance data and implement strategies for continuous improvement.

As Designated Safeguarding Lead, you will:

• Be the first point of contact for all safeguarding concerns and allegations.
• Lead the school's safeguarding team and ensure all staff are trained and confident in their duties.
• Manage a complex caseload, working effectively with external agencies and statutory partners.
• Champion a culture of vigilance and care, ensuring safeguarding policies and procedures are rigorously implemented and reviewed.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking a candidate who is:

• A highly effective and experienced leader with a proven track record of school improvement.
• Deeply committed to the principles of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• A compassionate and resilient individual with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Passionate about fostering a positive learning environment and raising student aspirations.
• Knowledgeable about current educational and safeguarding legislation.
• Qualified to teach and with relevant leadership experience.

What We Offer

Joining The Avon Valley School means becoming part of a supportive and forward-thinking community. Our staff enjoy:

·        Tailored career development with annual development opportunities.

·        Additional PPA time, exceeding the 10% normally offered for teaching staff.

·        Flexible working arrangements for all staff, including biweekly work-from-home option, or a fully paid well-being day.

·        A generous absence request policy, for example, do you want to watch your child’s primary school sports day, or attend your best friend’s wedding? Not a problem if you work for us.

·        A proactive staff wellbeing programme to support work-life balance.

·        A committed and collaborative Senior Leadership Team.

·        A thriving school community with engaged students and supportive parents/carers.

·        Lunch provided for anyone offering student facing activities during lunchtimes.

·        Employee benefits, including access for staff and their families to a healthcare scheme, cycle-to-work scheme, employee assistance programme, free on-site parking, and catering facilities.

·        A successful ECT support programme, fostering professional growth.

To Apply:

If you are excited by this opportunity and want to be part of a school where you can truly make a difference, we encourage you to apply by clicking the link below which will take you to our online application form.

Please visit our website to find out more about the school: https://www.avonvalleyschool.uk/

Application Deadline: 9am on Thursday 9^th October 2025                                                                      

(We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role).

Interviews: Scheduled shortly after the closing date.

For further information or if you would like to visit the school, please email: chearne@avonvalleyschool.uk or telephone: 01788 542355.

Safeguarding and Compliance

Please note:

●    We do not accept CVs without an application form.

●    We do not provide working visas.

●    If shortlisted, you will be required to complete a declaration regarding any relevant criminal offences as part of our safeguarding duties.

●    Avon Valley School conducts online searches (including social media) as per KCSIE 2025.

●    We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check (child workforce) via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Join us in shaping a future of limitless potential. We look forward to hearing from you!