Assistant Headteacher - Full-time

The Whitstable School, Whitstable

• Ref:KCC886-4091-548L
• Posted:22/09/2025
• Pay:L10 – L14 (£64,691 - £71,330)
• Start Date:January 2026
• App Close Date:10/10/2025 at 15:00
• Interviews:w/c 13th October 2025

Advert

• The Whitstable School
• L10 – L14 (£64,691 - £71,330)
• January 2026 start

We are looking for a highly driven and dynamic Assistant Headteacher to join our dedicated Senior Leadership Team. This is a unique opportunity for an individual with an unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for all students, someone who can inspire change and lead with both accountability and compassion.

The Role

This multifaceted role is centred on three key pillars of school improvement: attendance, data-driven outcomes and operational leadership.

Driving a culture of high attendance. You will be the strategic lead for all attendance-related initiatives, embedding a school-wide culture where attendance is everyone’s responsibility. Your leadership will ensure that:

• Students feel a strong sense of belonging and are motivated to attend school.
• Successful attendance is celebrated and rewarded.
• Effective, carefully monitored systems are in place to address non-attendance, ensuring that every student attends school to succeed.
• You will champion a data-driven culture across the school, working closely with staff and our trust network to ensure that data is used to its full potential.
• Working closely with our Deputy Head for Curriculum, you will be an operational leader and responsible for the strategic creation and management of a highly effective school timetable. 

Furthermore, you will be the school’s Data Protection Officer, a critical role that ensures our data is handled with the utmost care and in full compliance with GDPR.

The Candidate

The ideal candidate will be a highly effective team player with a proven track record of motivating staff while holding them to high standards of accountability. You will possess a deep understanding of cutting-edge educational practice in the areas of data and attendance and be a collaborative partner within our trust network. You must be able to think strategically, act decisively and inspire others to deliver excellence.

If you are an ambitious and innovative leader ready to make a significant and lasting impact on our school community, we encourage you to apply.

Full details of the requirements of the post can be found in the accompanying recruitment pack.

We understand the importance of work-life balance and will give due consideration to requests for flexible working.

We are proud to be an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

If you are interested in this post and require further information or would like an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact Anna Rimmington, Office Manager, at tws-hr@swale.at or 01227 931300.

In accordance with current GDPR compliance we will not keep any details / application forms on file once the position is filled.

Applications will be considered upon being received. Interviews may take place prior to the closing date.

Swale Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  This post is exempt from ROA and will require an enhanced DBS disclosure

Swale Academies Trust schools will conduct an online check of shortlisted candidates in line with the Keeping Children Safe In Education guidelines.

Information about the school

The Whitstable School, under the stewardship of its Headteacher Mr Alex Holmes, is charting an ambitious course towards excellence while ensuring inclusivity every step of the way. As a new era unfolds, the school stands ready to redefine its role in the community – not merely as an educational institution but as a hub of innovation, opportunity and personal growth.

Situated in the heart of Whitstable, Kent, the secondary school’s fresh vision aims to cater to the needs of its current students, as well as inspire future generations of prospective students.

At the heart of Mr Holmes’ vision is a commitment to provide a holistic educational experience – one that recognises the diverse talents and aspirations of every student. Central to this ethos is the belief that academic achievement should be complemented by a robust creative and vocational pathway. Thus, the school is expanding its GCSE offerings to include construction and bolstering its investment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics enrichment.

The Whitstable School is also broadening its A-level curriculum, introducing a suite of exciting new qualifications to accommodate the evolving needs of its student body, while a partnership agreement with Football Futures underscores the school’s dedication to nurturing regional football talent.

Acknowledging the impact of extracurricular activities, Mr Holmes has introduced new roles such as Enrichment Coordinator, aimed at diversifying the range of trips and rewards available to students. This commitment to broadening horizons and celebrating success extends to the very fabric of the school’s culture, with an emphasis on fostering a supportive environment where every student can thrive.

Through a redesigned curriculum model, The Whitstable School is prioritising the development of leadership skills, ensuring that students across all year groups have the opportunity to lead, inspire and make a tangible impact within their community.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Anna Rimmington
• Address:The Whitstable School, Bellevue Road, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1PX
• Telephone: 01227 931300
• Email: tws-hr@swale.at

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Recruitment Pack