Deputy Headteacher - Full-time

Harrietsham CEP School, Maidstone

• Ref:KCC886-3067-177L
• Posted:07/02/2026
• Pay:Leadership Scale L4 - L9
• Start Date:April 2026
• App Close Date:20/02/2026 at 14:00
• Interviews:Friday 27th February 2026

Advert

Outstanding Deputy Headteacher wanted for our lovely school

Are you an exceptional leader? Are you able to nurture both children and adults so that they flourish? Do you hold that special something that we are looking for to complete our Leadership Team?  If so, Harrietsham Church of England Primary School could be the school for you.

Our substantive Headteacher was appointed in April 2024 and since then our Leadership Team has continued to grow.  We are now looking for the next outstanding leader in education to complete our passionate and energetic team and to work with us to drive the school forwards to pursue its exceptional potential for each and every member of our school family. 

Our school has grown from 1-form to 2-form entry; with September 2025 marking the end of our expansion.  Our children and staff are happy, fun-loving and enthusiastic.  Our school is rooted in high expectations for all, with a nurturing and inclusive approach driving our deep belief that it is our privilege to ensure that all children reach their God-given potential so that they flourish and succeed in every aspect of their education and life journey. 

We are looking for a Deputy Headteacher who is passionate about Teaching and Learning and Curriculum Development; someone who is truly driven to ensure that all children have the best possible education.  We are seeking someone who can lead our creative teaching team with inspiration, energy and enthusiasm. The successful candidate will take a lead role in growing our expertise within the classroom; helping our teaching staff to best provide for all of our children through a rich, exciting and inclusive curriculum, supported by leading-edge teaching practice.  Our Deputy Headteacher will line manage our Teachers and Higher-Level Teaching Assistants.

You will need the following qualities, skills and experience:

• A determination to provide the best possible education and experiences for all children in every aspect of school life.
• Expert knowledge and practice of leading high-quality, inclusive teaching which is delivered from a rich, purposeful and exciting curriculum.
• Excellent leadership skills and a proven track record of leadership and teamwork and of working with all stakeholders to give children the very best education.
• The ability to get stuck-in and to bring a smile to any situation.

In return, we offer:

• A school with lots of potential; with exciting opportunities to make a real difference to the lives of the children, families and staff within our community.
• A committed, energetic and enthusiastic team of staff who believe in our children and their abilities.
• A highly supportive Governing Body who ensure that the well-being and professional development of their staff team is prioritised.
• A group of children who ensure that no two-days are ever the same, who are eager to learn and who bring a smile to the faces of everyone they meet.

Please read the attached Job Description and Person Specification for more information.

We welcome, and strongly encourage candidates to tour our school to see for yourselves what we offer.  Please call the school office (01622 859261) to book a tour with the Headteacher, Jackie Chambers.

Candidates must be available for interview on Friday 27^th February 2026 and to be observed teaching during week beginning 23^rd February 2026.

Information about the school

Our Vision Statement: ‘Nurtured we Flourish’.

We are a warm, welcoming and inclusive school rooted in our rural community. Like the mustard seed, we grew from tiny beginnings and our branches are now spread wide – providing support and taking our values beyond the school gates. All those in our community feel safe and nurtured - able to flourish and grow academically, spiritually, emotionally and physically to achieve their full God-given potential.

Harrietsham Church of England Primary School is a friendly village school set in beautiful countryside in the heart of the community. We pride ourselves on the achievements of all of our pupils - we are a nurturing and inclusive school where everyone works together, putting our children at the heart of everything we do. We welcome pupils and staff of all faiths and none and our vision and values of Love, Forgiveness and Fellowship guide our everyday actions.

Our school building (which dates from 2004) houses well-resourced classrooms, a variety of smaller learning areas and offices, a well-stocked library, an inviting nurture room and a school hall with our own on-site kitchen. We are lucky to be positioned within extensive grounds which give our children access to a forest school, a sports field and a separate playing field and playground.

We have supportive parents and an active Governing Body. We maintain close links with the church and local community.

Harrietsham Church of England Primary School is committed to recruiting with care, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and, where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check. This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020.

Our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and Safer Recruitment Policy can be found on our school website here: https://www.harrietsham.kent.sch.uk/policies.

In line with KCSIE 2025 guidance, as part of the shortlisting process, the School reserves the right to research shortlisted candidates on social media and the internet as part of our due diligence. The recruitment panel may take this information into consideration during the recruitment process. Any information will be treated as confidential and will only be used in relation for the post for which you have applied for.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Jackie Chambers
• Address:West Street, Harrietsham, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1JZ
• Telephone: (01622) 859261
• Email: office@harrietsham.kent.sch.uk

Fax: (01622) 859372

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Deputy Headteacher Job Description
• Deputy Headteacher Person Specification