Deputy Head Teacher

Role: Deputy Headteacher

Contract: Full Time / Permanent

Location: Oxford Millwood School - Forest Farm, Elsfield, Oxford

About the School

Oxford Millwood School, part of Blenheim Schools, is an independent, all-ability school located in the heart of Oxford. We offer a nurturing environment where individuality is celebrated and pupils flourish through a balance of academic achievement, creativity and outdoor education. With small class sizes, excellent pastoral care and a commitment to holistic development, we provide a bespoke educational experience that prepares pupils for lifelong success.

Role Purpose

Oxford Millwood School is delighted to announce an exciting opportunity to join its senior leadership team. Due to ambitious development plans, we are seeking a dynamic, motivated and committed Deputy Headteacher to play a pivotal role in shaping the next phase of our school's growth.

Working closely with the Headteacher, the successful candidate will provide both strategic and operational leadership to ensure the highest standards of teaching, learning and pastoral care. You will have the knowledge, versatility and drive to support pupils' success, while contributing to the wider development of the school. This role requires a collaborative leader who can work effectively within a compact, dedicated team and confidently manage a diverse set of responsibilities.

You will join a highly professional staff body that is committed to ensuring strong outcomes for every pupil at Oxford Millwood School.

Key Responsibilities

As Deputy Headteacher, you will:

• Support the Headteacher in providing strategic and operational leadership across the school.
• Lead on teaching, learning and curriculum development to ensure excellent outcomes for all pupils.
• Drive school improvement initiatives, quality assurance activities and self-evaluation processes.
• Monitor pupil progress, attainment and wellbeing, ensuring every child is supported to achieve their full potential.
• Champion inclusive education and provide guidance for pupils with a range of additional needs.
• Promote high standards of behaviour, safeguarding and pastoral care.
• Lead performance management, coaching and professional development to help staff thrive.
• Use assessment data effectively to inform decision-making and raise achievement.
• Support compliance with independent school standards, inspections and regulatory requirements.
• Build strong partnerships with parents, colleagues and external agencies.
• Contribute to budget planning, resource management and the day-to-day operational success of the school.
• Deputise for the Headteacher when required.

Qualifications Skills and Experience

Essential

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a good honours degree.
• Significant teaching experience with a proven record of securing positive pupil outcomes.
• Leadership experience within a school setting.
• Strong understanding of curriculum development, assessment and school improvement.
• Excellent knowledge of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.
• Experience of supporting and developing staff through coaching, mentoring and performance management.
• Outstanding communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to use data to drive improvement.
• A collaborative and inspirational leadership style.
• Commitment to inclusion, wellbeing and high aspirations for every pupil.

Desirable

• Leadership qualifications such as NPQSL, NPQH or equivalent.
• Experience within an independent school environment.
• Experience of inspection processes, including ISI or Ofsted.
• Experience leading whole-school improvement initiatives.
• Additional SEND-related qualifications or expertise.
• Budget management experience.
• Experience working across a broad age range or all-through provision.

Personal Qualities

• Resilient, adaptable and solution-focused.
• Passionate about delivering exceptional educational experiences.
• Able to inspire, motivate and influence others.
• Committed to the values, ethos and vision of Oxford Millwood School.

What We Offer:

• A thriving, supportive community where every pupil is known and valued
• A creative, forward-thinking environment with strong academic traditions
• Opportunities to shape whole-school strategy, development planning and inspection readiness
• A receptive and collaborative leadership team committed to innovation and continuous improvement
• Supportive colleagues who share a genuine passion for education and pupil success
• Regular professional development and leadership training

How to Apply

Complete this application before the closing date. Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.

Applicants are warmly encouraged to arrange a visit to the school and meet the Headteacher prior to submitting an application.

Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment

Blenheim Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.