Join us on an exciting journey of transformation and excellence.
At Tapestry Learning Partnership, we believe in the power of education to change lives. Formed in January 2026 through the merger of two strong trusts, QEGSMAT and Djanogly Learning Trust, we are building a future where every child succeeds and flourishes.
About the Role
An Assistant Headteacher (Teaching & Learning) is a senior leadership position responsible for ensuring that high‑quality teaching, effective learning environments, and strong academic outcomes are consistently achieved across the whole school. The role is strategic, developmental, and operational, directly influencing classroom practice and whole‑school improvement
Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking an ambitious, reflective, and highly effective school leader who is passionate about delivering exceptional teaching and learning. The ideal candidate will combine deep pedagogical expertise with the ability to inspire, support, and challenge colleagues so that every student thrives.
You will be a strategic thinker with the credibility and experience to influence whole‑school practice, and a role model who embodies the values, professionalism, and high expectations of our school community.
About Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School
Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School is a highly regarded selective school set in the heart of Derbyshire. With a strong academic tradition and a clear focus on personal development, QEGS provides an inspiring and supportive environment in which pupils are encouraged to achieve their full potential.
The school’s academic ambition goes hand in hand with a strong focus on care, character, and opportunity. With a supportive ethos and a track record of excellent results, it provides a stimulating learning environment that nurtures curiosity, resilience, and confidence. Students benefit from high‑quality teaching, a wide range of enrichment activities, and a warm, inclusive community that values every individual.
Why us?
As part of our Trust, you’ll benefit from:
- A supportive network of professionals who share your commitment to excellence
- High-quality professional development and career progression opportunities
- A caring, inclusive organisation that values staff wellbeing and work–life balance
- Access to a range of employee benefits designed to promote health and wellbeing
This is your chance to be part of something special. Help us shape the future and make a lasting impact.
Purpose of the role
- Contribute to, in conjunction with the Tapestry Learning Partnership, Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team, the values of the school, long term strategic planning and school improvement priorities;
- Help create and have a strong commitment to a clear vision for an effective school;
- Implement strategies for the efficient day to day operation of the school within the policies of the Tapestry Learning Partnership and the Governing Body;
- Develop and implement strategies to ensure every student achieves at the highest possible level;
- Develop a strong professional learning culture that embraces all members of the school's workforce and contributes to the high levels of progress and achievement of students;
- Ensure teaching and learning are good/outstanding, with QA systems to monitor and CPD to support improvement;
- Take line management responsibility for the Curriculum Leaders;
- Attend all Governing Body meetings and present information relating to areas of responsibility when required;
- Present information related to areas of responsibility for the Executive Board and Trustees of the Tapestry Learning Partnership;
- Devise and develop an effective whole school approach to improving the standards in areas of responsibility;
- Work with the Senior Leadership Team, Pastoral Leaders and Curriculum Leaders to develop whole school, cohort and departmental systems of maintaining and improving standards;
- Provide the Senior Leadership Team, Director of School Improvement, Executive Board, Governing Body and Trustees with information related to the area of responsibility;
- Lead on training and sourcing training for colleagues in the areas of responsibility;
Main Duties
Assistant Headteacher – Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. Teaching & Learning – QEGS Classroom - The QEGS Classroom - Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Ashbourne Derbyshire
- Lead the ongoing implementation and refinement of the QEGS Classroom model
- Promote consistent, high-quality classroom practice across all subjects and phases
- Support staff in applying agreed pedagogical expectations in daily teaching
- Monitor the impact of the QEGS framework and address inconsistencies in practice
- Keep classroom standards a clear and sustained whole-school priority
- Ensure a coherent and consistent learning experience for all students
- Support with internal CPD support videos and sharing best practice
2. Whole-School Literacy Leadership
- Lead and drive the school’s whole-school literacy strategy
- Ensure literacy development is embedded across all subject areas
- Promote a coherent approach to disciplinary literacy
- Build staff confidence and consistency in teaching literacy within their subjects
Oversee targeted literacy support and interventions, particularly for:
- Disadvantaged students
- Students with additional learning needs
- Improve students’ access to learning across the curriculum
- Reduce attainment gaps and promote equity through strong literacy provision
3. Leadership & Strategic Development
- Work with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to develop and deliver the Academy Improvement Plan
- Lead on evidence gathering and documentation for areas of responsibility within the Self-Evaluation Form (SEF)
- Establish high standards of practice and drive improvement in areas of responsibility
- Use data and evidence-informed research to shape school improvement
- Challenge existing practice where needed to secure excellence
- Ensure systems are in place to support student learning and success
4. Staff Development & CPD
- Lead and coordinate Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- Identify staff development needs and design appropriate programmes
- Work with strategic partners to expand professional learning opportunities
- Identify and deploy effective teachers and leaders to deliver school-based CPD
- Support, monitor and hold to account staff leading whole-school literacy and numeracy
- Promote innovative and creative approaches to teaching and learning
5. Culture, Ethos & Behaviour
Model optimistic, professional behaviour and build positive relationships with:
- Students
- Staff
- Parents
- Governors
- The wider community
- Act as a positive role model, demonstrating integrity, resilience, and clarity
- Provide a safe, calm, and well-ordered environment with safeguarding at its core
- Promote exemplary student behaviour in school and beyond
- Play a full part in the life and ethos of the school community
- Lead assemblies, events and school gatherings as required
6. Communication & Collaboration
- Ensure clear communication between the Leadership Team and staff in areas of responsibility
Oversee appropriate communication via:
- School website
- E-reporting systems
- Prospectus
- Newsletters
7. Standards, Accountability & Inclusion
- Set and uphold ambitious standards for all students
- Tackle disadvantage and advance equality of opportunity
- Instil accountability in staff for the impact of their work on student outcomes
- Develop effective relationships with professionals across services to improve academic and social outcomes
8. Teaching Responsibilities
- Undertake a teaching timetable in line with the duties of a standard scale teacher
9. Recruitment & Professional Responsibilities
- Participate in staff recruitment and interview processes when required
- Engage in ongoing personal professional development
- Attend school functions and events throughout the year
10. General Responsibilities
- Carry out additional duties in line with the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document
- Undertake reasonable tasks of a similar level as requested by senior leaders
- Support the school’s commitment to equality and reasonable adjustments for disabled staff
The post holder is expected to:
- Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to data protection legislation and associated Trust policies at all times.
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of, and commitment to, safeguarding and child protection, maintaining an awareness of relevant procedures and responsibilities.
- Comply with the Trust’s Health and Safety Policy and ensure safe working practices in the performance of all duties.
- Uphold and promote the principles of the Trust’s Equal Opportunities Policy in all aspects of the role.
- Adhere to all other relevant Trust and school policies and procedures.
- Undertake any training and professional development necessary to effectively carry out the duties of the post.
- Perform any other reasonable duties commensurate with the level and responsibilities of the role, as required by the Trust.