We are seeking to appoint an exceptional and committed Deputy Headteacher to join our senior leadership team at a vibrant and inclusive school in the heart of Newham. This is a key strategic role with whole-school responsibility for Safeguarding and Behaviour, two areas that are central to our ethos, culture, and commitment to ensuring every child thrives.
The Role
The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping and sustaining a strong culture of safety, care, and positive behaviour, ensuring that all pupils feel secure, supported, and ready to learn. As Deputy Headteacher, you will work closely with the Headteacher and senior leaders to provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and day-to-day guidance across the school.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. The Deputy Headteacher will:
- Lead and oversee the school's safeguarding systems and practices, ensuring full compliance with statutory guidance
- Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead, embedding a vigilant, child-centred safeguarding culture
- Ensure robust procedures for identifying, reporting, and responding to concerns
- Work closely with external agencies, families, and staff to secure the best outcomes for pupils
- Champion safeguarding training and ensure staff understand their responsibilities
Safeguarding is crucial because pupils can only learn and flourish when they feel safe, protected, and valued. This role is instrumental in ensuring that our school remains a secure and nurturing environment for all.
Behaviour and Culture
The Deputy Headteacher will also lead on behaviour and relationships, recognising that positive behaviour underpins effective teaching and learning. You will:
- Provide strategic leadership for behaviour policies and practice across the school
- Promote a consistent, inclusive, and restorative approach to behaviour
- Support staff to create calm, purposeful learning environments
- Use data and professional judgement to identify trends and implement targeted interventions
- Foster a culture of high expectations, mutual respect, and belonging
Strong behaviour systems are crucial in enabling pupils to engage positively with learning, build resilience, and develop the social and emotional skills needed for success in school and beyond.
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for a leader who:
- Has proven senior leadership experience and a strong track record in safeguarding and/or behaviour
- Is passionate about inclusion, pupil wellbeing, and equity
- Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to inspire staff and pupils
- Is resilient, reflective, and committed to continuous school improvement
- Has a deep understanding of the needs of pupils and families in an Inner London context
- Works well with others and is a strong team player
If you would like more information about the role, please contact Ruthana Christofides, Deputy Headteacher, at ruthana.christofides@lister.ncltrust.net.
We strongly encourage candidates to visit the school prior to interview. Visits will take place on the following dates and times:
- Thursday 29 January: 4:00pm - 4:45pm
- Friday 30 January: 3:15pm - 4:00pm
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submissions are encouraged.
We look forward to receiving your application.
Lister Community School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service and check against the ISA Barred List for children.
Lister Community School has a strong commitment to achieving equality of opportunity in both its services to the community and in its employment of people, and expects all staff to understand and to promote its policies in their work.