Deputy Director of Education (Internal Vacancy)

This is an internal vacancy, open to existing employees of the Archdiocese of Southwark. We warmly encourage colleagues with the relevant experience and skills, who are looking to develop their role within the Diocese, to apply.

Purpose of the Role

The Deputy Director of Education plays a pivotal leadership role in advancing the mission of Catholic education across the Archdiocese of Southwark. Working closely with the Director of Education, the postholder will provide strategic leadership, professional support and challenge to Catholic schools, academies and trusts, ensuring that educational provision is faithful to the mission of the Church, delivers high standards of academic excellence and promotes the holistic development of every child and young person.

The Deputy Director will contribute to the development and implementation of diocesan educational strategy, strengthen leadership capacity across schools and trusts, and foster close collaboration with clergy, governors, trustees, school leaders, local authorities and national education bodies.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Support the Director of Education in implementing the Archdiocesan vision for Catholic education.
• Contribute to the development, delivery and evaluation of diocesan educational strategy.
• Provide leadership on key priorities including school improvement, Catholic identity, governance, leadership development and academy growth.
• Deputise for the Director of Education as required in strategic meetings and public engagements.
• Lead designated areas of the Education Service portfolio.

School Improvement and Standards

• Monitor and evaluate the performance of diocesan schools, identifying strengths, risks and areas for development.
• Provide appropriate support and challenge to school leaders, governing bodies and trusts to improve outcomes for pupils.
• Lead interventions where schools face significant educational, leadership or governance challenges.
• Promote excellence in teaching, learning, curriculum development and inclusion.
• Analyse performance data and intelligence to inform strategic decision-making.

Catholic Life and Mission

• Promote and safeguard the distinctive Catholic character and mission of schools.
• Support schools in developing their Catholic life, religious education and collective worship.
• Work collaboratively with parish clergy, diocesan departments and school leaders to strengthen the mission of Catholic education.
• Ensure diocesan educational practice remains aligned with the teachings and values of the Catholic Church.

Leadership Development

• Identify and nurture future leaders across the diocesan school system.
• Support the recruitment, development and retention of high-quality Catholic leaders.
• Design and deliver leadership formation programmes for headteachers, senior leaders and governance leaders.
• Facilitate effective professional networks and communities of practice.

Governance and Trust Development

• Advise governors, trustees and academy leaders on governance, accountability and strategic development.
• Support the growth and development of Catholic Academy Trusts across the Archdiocese.
• Promote effective governance practices and leadership structures.
• Assist in developing sustainable models of collaboration between schools.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with headteachers, executive leaders, governors, trustees, clergy and external partners.
• Represent the Archdiocese at local, regional and national meetings.
• Contribute to policy consultations and educational developments affecting Catholic schools.
• Promote the work and achievements of Catholic education within and beyond the Archdiocese.

Operational Leadership

• Provide line management and professional leadership to designated Education Service staff.
• Lead specific projects and initiatives within agreed budgets.
• Contribute to service planning, monitoring and evaluation.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, statutory and regulatory requirements.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) or equivalent senior leadership experience.
• Practising Catholic in full sacramental communion with the Church with a strong commitment to the mission of Catholic education.

Essential Experience

• Successful senior leadership experience in education, in schools and within the Diocesan setting.
• Proven record of raising educational standards and improving pupil outcomes.
• Experience of leading school improvement initiatives.
• Experience of working effectively with governors, trustees and other stakeholders.
• Experience of strategic planning and organisational leadership.
• Experience of managing change and leading successful improvement programmes.

Knowledge and Understanding

• Deep understanding of Catholic education and the mission of the Church.
• Strong knowledge of current educational policy and practice.
• Understanding of academy trusts, governance and accountability frameworks.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and statutory educational requirements.
• Understanding of leadership development and succession planning.

Personal Qualities

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A strong and visible commitment to Catholic faith and values.
• A passion for educational excellence and social justice.
• Integrity, humility and servant leadership.
• The ability to work collaboratively across diverse communities.
• A commitment to the formation and flourishing of children, young people and staff.
• Energy, vision and the capacity to lead through influence.

Key Relationships

• Director of Education / Diocesan Schools Commissioner
• Archbishop and Episcopal Vicars
• Headteachers and Executive Leaders
• Chief Executive Officers of Catholic Academy Trusts
• School Governors and Trustees
• Parish Clergy
• Local Authority Officers
• Catholic Education Service
• Department for Education and relevant educational bodies

Other

The role will involve travel across the country representing the Diocese which requires overnight stays.

Appointment conditions

The Archdiocese of Southwark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check, including a check of the children’s barred list, and satisfactory references. The successful candidate must demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding.

To apply, please attach

• a one-page covering letter, specific to this role, setting out your interest and how you meet the requirements; and
• a CV highlighting your skills, experience and relevance to the role.