Headteacher

Prestolee Multi Academy Trust is seeking to appoint an inspirational, ambitious and highly effective Headteacher to lead The Derby High School.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and values-driven school leader to build on the strengths of The Derby High School and lead the school through its next stage of development. We are looking for someone who will set high expectations for pupils and staff, create a culture in which every young person belongs, learns and succeeds, and secure sustained improvement across all areas of school life.

The successful candidate will be the leading professional at The Derby High School, with responsibility for the quality of education, school culture, safeguarding and the effective day-to-day operation of the school. They will provide clear strategic leadership, develop and support staff, work closely with pupils, parents, governors and the wider community, and play an active role within the leadership community of Prestolee Multi Academy Trust.

The individual Headteacher pay range and starting salary will be determined on appointment, taking account of the successful candidate’s experience, skills and expertise, and will be subject to approval by the Board of Trustees.

Who We Are

The Derby High School is part of Prestolee Multi Academy Trust. As a group of schools, we have a shared vision. We act as one organisation whilst recognising and responding to the individual context and needs of each of our schools and their communities.

Our vision is that our children and young people are prepared for the next stage of education and life in modern Britain. We want pupils across our Trust, including those at The Derby High School, to have the opportunities, support and experiences they need to achieve, succeed and fulfil their potential.

Across Prestolee Multi Academy Trust, we strive for excellence in all that we do. Our Trust is relentlessly focused on improvement; in self, in others and in the organisation.

As Headteacher of The Derby High School, you will have the opportunity to lead an ambitious secondary school while also contributing to the wider development of the Trust, sharing expertise and working collaboratively with colleagues across our schools.

About You

We are looking for an exceptional school leader who can demonstrate:

1. A strong and successful track record of leadership within a secondary school setting.
2. The ability to set and communicate a compelling strategic vision and translate it into sustained school improvement.
3. A deep understanding of high-quality teaching, curriculum, assessment and effective pedagogy.
4. A commitment to securing excellent outcomes and ambitious opportunities for every pupil, including those with SEND, disadvantaged pupils and others who may face barriers to learning.
5. The ability to establish a safe, inclusive and respectful school culture characterised by high expectations for behaviour, attendance and achievement.
6. Strong safeguarding knowledge and an unwavering commitment to promoting the welfare of children and young people.
7. The ability to inspire, develop and retain talented staff, building leadership capacity and a strong culture of professional learning.
8. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with pupils, staff, parents, governors, trustees and the wider community.
9. Sound organisational, financial and operational leadership, with the ability to deploy people and resources effectively.
10. Integrity, resilience, sound judgement and a commitment to collaborative leadership within a Multi Academy Trust.

These priorities reflect the role's responsibility for teaching, curriculum, behaviour and attendance, inclusion, people leadership, organisational management, continuous improvement and governance.

Our Offer

1. The opportunity to lead The Derby High School and shape the next chapter of its development.
2. A dynamic and developing Multi Academy Trust with a strong commitment to continuous improvement.
3. The support and professional challenge of an experienced Trust leadership team and Board of Trustees.
4. The opportunity to work collaboratively with school leaders and colleagues across the Trust.
5. Access to high-quality professional development, leadership networks and opportunities to contribute to Trust-wide improvement.
6. A committed and talented staff team focused on improving outcomes for pupils.
7. Pupils with enormous potential and a school community committed to their success.
8. A Trust that values staff wellbeing, professional growth and leadership development.
9. The opportunity to make a significant and lasting difference to the lives and future destinations of the young people we serve.

Closing date: 27th September 2026 at 6pm

Interview: w/c 12th October 2026

Start date: January 2027

To arrange a visit to the school, please contact the Headteacher's PA at headteacherspa@thederbyhighschool.co.uk, or call 0161 764 1819.