Assistant Head Teacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead

Courtlands School, Reach South Academy Trust is seeking to appoint an experienced Assistant Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead to join the school in September 2026.

Post: Assistant Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead

Location: Courtlands School, Widney Lane, Plymouth, PL6 5JS

Salary: L5 - L10

Contract Type: Permanent

Contract

Hours:

32.5 per week, Monday to Friday

Closing date: Sunday 12th July 2026

We are seeking an inspiring and committed Assistant Headteacher to join our leadership team s is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced leader to play a pivotal role in driving whole‑school improvement, with a particular focus on safeguarding, attendance, behaviour, and pupil outcomes.

As the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), you will lead a strong safeguarding culture across the school while supporting high‑quality teaching and learning. You will work closely with the Head of School and leadership team to ensure every child thrives in a safe, inclusive, and ambitious environment.

Lead safeguarding across the school as the named DSL, ensuring compliance with statutory guidance.

Drive improvements in attendance, behaviour, and pupil engagement.

Support and challenge teaching to improve standards and pupil outcomes.

Lead on pupil performance data, monitoring progress and raising attainment.

Line‑manage and develop staff, supporting professional growth and appraisal.

Contribute to the school improvement plan and strategic leadership of the school.

Promote a positive, safe, and inclusive learning environment for all pupils.

• Holds Qualified Teacher Status (QTS/QTLS) or is able to achieve it within 12 months.
• Has a proven track record of successful teaching and leadership in a primary setting.
• Has experience of leading curriculum areas or whole‑school initiatives.
• Demonstrates strong knowledge of safeguarding policy and practice.
• Has high expectations of behaviour, achievement and inclusion for all pupils.

Is an excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills.

Can inspire and develop staff while working collaboratively across the school.

We offer a competitive salary plus TPS pension, great career progression and development opportunities, access to our Employee Assistance Programme and many other benefits.

There are regular opportunities for professional development and training, and a wider community of staff to network with within Reach South Multi‑Academy Trust. You will have the chance to visit other local schools, work alongside a range of outside professionals and take part in a variety of e‑learning and face‑to‑face training.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Each post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Reach South Academy Trust has an Equal Opportunities Policy for selection and recruitment. Applicants are requested to complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring section of the application form before submitting.