Assistant Headteacher (Teaching & Learning) (Cavendish Education Trust - Cavendi

Job introduction

Hours of work: 32.5

Working pattern: Full-time

Closing date: 9am Friday 16 May 2025

For more information and to apply for the above post, please contact:

Cavendish Education Trust - Cavendish Secondary School

Eldon Road

Eastbourne

East Sussex 

BN21 1UE

Phone:   01323 731340

Email:     hr@cet.uk

Website: www.cet.uk

Please note, we do not accept CVs.

This post is covered by the Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018.  

The school will need to ensure that they are not knowingly employing a person who is disqualified under the 2018 Regulations in connection with relevant childcare provision.  Accordingly, the successful candidate will be required to demonstrate to the school, by completing a self-declaration form as part of the pre-employment checks process, that they have not been disqualified under the 2018 Regulations.  

If the preferred candidate is found to be disqualified under the 2018 Regulations, the offer of employment will be subject to the application by the preferred candidate to Ofsted for a waiver and the receipt of a waiver from Ofsted.

About the role

ASSISTANT HEADTEACHER (Teaching & Learning - Secondary) – Cavendish School

Full time – Salary Range £63,815 - £70,293

within the Leadership Pay Range L11-L15

Permanent 

Closing date:        9am Friday 16 May 2025

Interviews:         w/c Monday 19 May 2025

Start date:        September 2025

We advise applying promptly for this post as we reserve the right to close and interview early if sufficient suitable applications have been received.    

We are seeking to appoint an inspirational and visionary Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for Teaching and Learning to inspire and motivate colleagues and pupils to be the very best that they can be. We are looking to build capacity within our Senior Leadership Team and to further develop our Outstanding school. We seek someone who is highly organised, able to prioritise with efficiency and take a leading role in the day to day life of the school. 

Cavendish is located in the Old Town area of Eastbourne.  Most pupils come from this area although we attract pupils from across the town. In September 2015, Cavendish became an all through school, adding a 2 form reception class in the first year and in each subsequent year. In September 2021, the school led the formation of a wider Multi Academy Trust, with a local Infant and Junior School, under the Cavendish Education Trust.

We are delighted that in our January 2025 OFSTED inspection, we were recognised as Outstanding in all areas. Some highlights included:

• Pupils at The Cavendish School thrive on the culture of high expectations.
• The school has fostered a calm and focused learning environment that is free of distractions.
• Pupils’ behaviour is excellent during lessons and social times. Pupils’ attitudes to learning are extremely positive.
• Pupils who are disadvantaged, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), learn particularly well.
• Through high-quality training and development, the school has ensured that teachers have the subject knowledge and expertise to deliver the curriculum with impact and precision.
• The way that the school promotes pupils’ personal development is exemplary.
• The school’s leadership is highly strategic.

We are looking for:

• a teacher who genuinely cares about our pupils and who will take time to get to know them, nurture their individual talents and is committed to supporting them, both personally and academically
• an outstanding practitioner with a passion for teaching and learning and a deep understanding of learning and pupil progress, together with consistently high expectations of learning and behaviour - someone who will lead by example and inspire colleagues
• a leader who demonstrates high ambition and progress from starting points for all pupils, especially the most vulnerable (disadvantaged and SEND) in your own practice across the whole curriculum - and can effectively coach colleagues to do the same
• someone who can inspire and develop colleagues, from experienced teachers to ECTs and student teachers, with a track record of empowering others and improving the quality of education
• strong leadership skills with the ability to foster a culture of respect, resilience and responsibility.  Someone who is adaptable and flexible, who enjoys the challenge of each day being different and has the ability to prioritise, adapt in the moment and always focus on the needs of the pupils across the school 
• strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to foster good professional relationships very quickly with colleagues, pupils, families and external partners
• a positive outlook, with integrity, determination and resilience with the very highest expectations of themselves and the ability to take initiative on what is needed for school - and to notice and solve potential issues before they emerge 
• someone who genuinely loves teaching, who inspires teachers to feel the same, and who will empower our wonderful pupils and really champion a sense of pride in our community

This post is open to current leaders who are ready for the next stage in their leadership pathway.  This role will be working on a Cavendish Education Trust contract and there may be the opportunity in the future to work across other schools within the Trust. We offer a supportive working environment, with a commitment to staff development and staff wellbeing. 

The role of Assistant Headteacher is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and aspiring leader, someone who is experienced in school leadership and is ready for the next steps in their career development and to really drive the quality of teaching and learning across the school. This is an exciting time to join our wonderful school and make a real difference to the lives of the pupils and their school experience.

We would strongly recommend candidates visit our school prior to an application to appreciate the potential of this opportunity and allow us to answer any questions you may have. Interested candidates should contact the Head of Secondary Phase, Miss Bushby, via the school office to arrange a visit to the school: hr@cet.uk

Please visit our website for further details as well as the application process https://cet.uk/vacancies/

We look forward to receiving your application by email, for the attention of Melanie Hopkins, PA to the Executive Headteacher: hr@cet.uk  

Please note that we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students and expect all those who work with us to share this commitment. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record. ;  We give high priority to promoting diversity throughout the school.

Additional information

Work Permits: we may be able to obtain a Work Permit for this post but this is subject to meeting the requirements of the UK Border Agency’s Points-based Immigration System.

Due to the restrictions we cannot guarantee that individuals that meet the requirements of the Points-based Immigration System will be issued with clearance to obtain work permits.

The Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain an enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau).

For further information about what is required in this process please go to www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check.

All school based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children.  All school staff should be aware of the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.