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 interventions.
• Promote high standards of attendance, behaviour and personal development.

Leadership Development

• Mentor and develop middle and senior leaders.
• Build leadership capacity across the organisation.
• Create a culture of accountability, collaboration and excellence.

The Ideal Candidate
We are seeking an exceptional leader who can demonstrate:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Successful senior leadership experience within a secondary, independent or boarding school environment.
• A proven track record of raising standards and improving outcomes.
• Strong strategic and operational leadership skills.
• Experience leading and developing staff teams.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication abilities.
• A genuine commitment to student welfare and holistic education.
• The ability to uphold and champion the school's values and ethos.

Experience within a boarding environment would be advantageous but is not essential.

Most importantly,the school seeks a leader who can embrace its ethos, respect its faith-based foundation and contribute positively to its inclusive and welcoming culture.

Why Join This School?

This opportunity offers far more than a traditional leadership position.

You will be joining a school that combines academic success with exceptional pastoral care,where values and character development are embedded into every aspect of school life.

Benefits include:

• A rare opportunity to lead within a highly respected independent boarding school.
• The chance to work alongside an ambitious and supportive senior leadership team.
• Significant strategic influence across both academic and pastoral provision.
• A collaborative leadership structure with genuine opportunities for progression.
• A welcoming and values-led community.
• Excellent professional development opportunities.
• The ability to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people.

Apply Now

Hays Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments will be subject to satisfactory safeguarding and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.

Applications are being reviewed immediately, and interviews will be arranged on a rolling basis. Early application is strongly encouraged.

For a confidential discussion regarding this opportunity, please contact:
Aamir Malik
Senior Manager |Hays Education
(phone number removed) -

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at (url removed)