DEPUTY HEADTEACHER

Location

PRESTON ST STEPHEN'S CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL
South Meadow Lane , Preston , Lancashire , PR1 8JN
Tel: 01772 556306
School website: www.st-stephens.lancs.sch.uk
Roll: 327

Information

Are you an ambitious, values-driven leader ready to make a lasting difference? Do you want to help shape the future of a thriving Church school where relationships matter deeply, expectations are high and joy is tangible? If so, we would love to hear from you.

St Stephen’s Church of England Primary School is a vibrant, inclusive and forward-thinking school in the heart of Preston. Rooted in a deeply Christian vision, we believe that every child can Aspire to Greatness - living lives of goodness, purpose and service. Our staff team is united by a strong moral purpose and a shared commitment to excellence. We are proud of our culture: warm, ambitious, professional and joyful.

We are seeking to appoint an exceptional Deputy Headteacher who will work alongside the Headteacher and Assistant Headteacher to help lead the next chapter of our school’s journey.

This is an opportunity to:

Shape and sustain a culture where children and adults flourish academically, spiritually and personally.

Lead and champion excellent teaching, learning and curriculum development across the school.

Drive high standards, ensuring every child - particularly the most disadvantaged and those with SEND -
achieves their full potential.

Play a key role in the strategic leadership of a distinctive Church school rooted in Christian vision and
values.

Develop and inspire others through professional development and collaborative leadership.

Build strong partnerships with families, governors, the Diocese, our faith partners and the wider
community.

We are looking for a leader who combines high expectations with genuine warmth; someone who is committed to excellence but never loses sight of people. You will be an outstanding classroom practitioner, a reflective and resilient leader, and a passionate advocate for children and families. You will believe deeply in inclusion, understand the transformative power of education and be motivated by the opportunity to serve a diverse and vibrant community.

The closing date for applications is Friday 11th September 2026 (midday).
Interviews will take place on Tuesday 6th & Wednesday 7th October 2026.

Please note that in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025, an online search will be carried out as part of our due diligence on shortlisted candidates.

The post you are applying for is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). If successful you will be required to apply to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a 'disclosure'. Information provided by you or the Disclosure and Barring Service will be dealt with in a confidential manner in accordance with the DBS's Code of Practice. You may view the Code of Practice on the DBS website at www.gov.uk/dbs or alternatively a copy is available on request. Lancashire County Council has a Handling of DBS Certificate Information Policy this is available from the recruiting manager to applicants who are asked to complete a DBS application.

Please note CVs are not accepted, to apply for this vacancy you need to complete the application form attached.

Proposed Interview Date:

TBA 

For an informal discussion please contact:

We strongly encourage potential applicants to contact us before applying.
To arrange a visit, please contact the School Business Manager (James Maddison-Neill) by emailing
sbm@st-stephens.lancs.sch.uk

Application forms and further details are available from/returnable to

Application form attached. For supporting statements please note there is a page limit of 3.
Please send completed applications to schoolsrecruitment@lancashire.gov.uk by 12 noon on
11 September 2026.
Please ensure you receive an automated acknowledgement that your application has been received.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.