Deputy Headteacher or Co-Headteacher - Boarding School

Deputy Headteacher / Co-Headteacher
Independent Boys Boarding School | Lewisham, South East London
September 2026 Start
Salary:
Dependent on Current Scale and Experience (£60,000 - £80,000)

Interviews Taking Place Immediately

Hays Education are delighted to be supporting an exceptional independent boarding school in Lewisham, South East London in the appointment of a Deputy Headteacher or Co-Headteacher for September 2026.

This is a unique opportunity for an ambitious and values-driven senior leader to join a highly respected educational setting that combines academic excellence, outstanding pastoral care and a strong faith-based ethos within a modern and inclusive learning environment.

The school welcomes applications from:

Current Assistant Headteachers ready to take the next step into Deputy Headship.
Existing Deputy Headteachers seeking broader strategic responsibilities and the opportunity to work in partnership with a newly appointed Headteacher through a collaborative co-leadership structure.
Exceptional senior leaders with a proven track record of raising standards, developing staff and driving whole-school improvement.

Regardless of faith, background or personal beliefs, the school welcomes applications from talented educational leaders who share its commitment to integrity, compassion,excellence and service.

About the School

Situated within a beautiful campus in South East London, this well-established independent boarding school provides an outstanding educational experience for pupils from a wide range of backgrounds, both from the UK and internationally.

The school is renowned for delivering a high-quality academic education whilst placing equal importance on personal development, character education and student wellbeing. Its distinctive Islamic ethos underpins the daily life of the school, promoting values such as respect, kindness, responsibility, humility and service to others.

Importantly, the school is proud to be an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all faiths and backgrounds. While an appreciation and respect for the school's values is essential, there is no requirement for applicants to share the faith of the institution.

The boarding environment creates a unique sense of community, where students and staff work closely together to provide a safe, nurturing and aspirational setting. The school prides itself on developing confident, well-rounded young people who leave with strong academic foundations and a deep sense of social responsibility.

The successful candidate will join a school that offers:

A thriving independent secondary and sixth form provision.
A well-established boarding community.
A strong culture of respect, discipline and aspiration.
Excellent pastoral care systems.
High standards of student behaviour and engagement.
A diverse and multicultural student body.
Significant investment in facilities and resources.
A dedicated and talented staff team.
A clear commitment to continuous improvement and educational excellence.
A supportive governing body with ambitious plans for future growth.

A Distinctive Leadership Opportunity

This role offers a rare opportunity to influence every aspect of school life within a close-knit boarding community.
For aspiring leaders currently working as Assistant Headteachers, this position provides a genuine pathway into senior strategic leadership with substantial responsibility and visibility.

For experienced Deputy Headteachers, the school is open to discussions around a Co-Headteacher model, working alongside and supporting a newly appointed Headteacher to deliver the school's vision and strategic priorities.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape academic outcomes, strengthen pastoral provision, support boarding excellence and contribute to the continued development of a highly regarded independent school.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Support the development and delivery of the school's vision and strategic objectives.
Contribute to whole-school improvement planning and self-evaluation.
Provide visible and inspirational leadership across the school community.
Work closely with governors, senior leaders and key stakeholders.

Teaching and Learning

Champion excellence in teaching and learning across all phases.
Drive curriculum innovation and academic achievement.
Monitor the quality of teaching and provide support for continued improvement.
Lead staff development and professional learning initiatives.

Boarding and Pastoral Leadership

Support the continued development of the boarding provision.
Ensure exceptional standards of safeguarding, welfare and student wellbeing.
Foster a strong culture of belonging and personal growth.
Work collaboratively with pastoral and boarding teams to create an outstanding student experience.

Student Achievement

Drive improvements in attainment, progress and wider outcomes.
Ensure students are challenged and supported to achieve their full potential.
Use data effectively to inform strategy and…