Senior Deputy Headteacher

Job Title: Senior Deputy Headteacher

Merchants Secondary Academy is entering an important new chapter. Following a period of significant change, we have recently appointed a new and experienced Headteacher from within the Trust and are now seeking an exceptional Senior Deputy Headteacher to work alongside them in shaping the academy’s future.

This is a pivotal role for an experienced and resilient leader who is passionate about driving rapid and sustained school improvement. As second-in-command, you will play a central role in strategic leadership, operational management, and the development of high‑quality teaching, behaviour, and culture across the academy.

The successful candidate will bring a strong track record of senior leadership, the ability to inspire and develop others, and the moral purpose to do what is right for pupils, staff, and the wider community. You will be ambitious for young people, calm under pressure, and committed to working collaboratively as part of a trust-wide team.

In return, you will join a supportive Trust, work closely with a newly appointed Headteacher committed to improvement, and have the opportunity to make a lasting impact at a crucial moment in the academy’s journey.

If you are a values‑driven leader ready for a challenging and rewarding role, we would welcome your application.

E‑ACT Merchants’ Academy is a welcoming, ambitious all‑through school serving the heart of South Bristol. Spanning Nursery to Sixth Form, the academy provides a strong sense of continuity and community, offering children and young people a supportive, inclusive environment in which to learn and grow.

With a dedicated Primary and Secondary phase, our academy provides a warm, inclusive, and supportive environment where students are encouraged to work hard, embrace challenges, and develop the confidence they need to succeed. Our staff team is committed to delivering a broad and aspirational curriculum, enriched by strong pastoral care and a focus on personal development.

 Key responsibilities:

Take a leading role alongside the Headteacher in setting strategic direction and driving rapid, sustainable whole-school improvement.

Act as a key operational and strategic partner to the Headteacher providing challenge, support and continuity.

Help establish and shape a newly formed senior leadership team, embedding a strong culture of high expectations, accountability and collaboration.

Ensure consistently high quality teaching and learning by leading professional development, coaching and quality assurance

Be a visible, credible leader across the academy, modelling professionalism, resilience and values-driven leadership

Support the effective day-day running of the academy, contribute to trust wide initiatives and ensure compliance with health, safety and safeguarding standards

Pay range:

L22 - L25 - £86,803.00 - £93,424.00

Full time, permanent

Qualifications and Skills:

Qualified Teacher Status

Proven Senior Leadership experience

Outstanding people leadership - skilled in mentoring, coaching and developing leaders and staff

Resilience and stamina - confident operating in a high pressure, fast paced environment and maintaining personal effectiveness during periods of change.

Strong professional credibility - able to command respect, build trust and influence practice at all levels of the organisation.

Instructional expertise - deep understanding of high quality teaching and learning and how to drive improvement at scale.

What are we about?

Join a trust that is going places!

At E-ACT, we believe every child deserves opportunity. Our ‘Opening Minds, Opening Doors’ strategy breaks down barriers and builds pathways to success; driven by purposeful leadership, collaboration, and innovation. We champion diversity, encourage a people-first culture, and ensure every voice is heard.

We are proud to lead system-wide change both locally and national - providing sector-wide support while transforming futures. Our achievements are recognised through winning MAT of the Year 2023 at the MAT Excellence Awards and National School Awards, and also the TES Trust Leadership Award 2024. E-ACT is recognised for shaping bold educational outcomes. Most recently, two of our Birmingham academies were selected by the Department for Education as RISE Regional Hubs, in recognition of their outstanding work on inclusion and behaviour, a testament to the impact of our people-first culture and relentless drive for excellence.

With 37 academies and over 25,000 pupils, our dedicated staff make excellence possible. We prioritise wellbeing, tackle workload, and continuously raise the bar. We don’t just educate, we inspire ambition and empower every child to thrive.

Benefits: 

Financial and Lifestyle

We offer a strong financial package including access to defined benefit pension schemes (LGPS or TPS), life cover at three times pensionable pay, and 31 days of annual leave for year-round employees. Staff can also benefit from the Cycle to Work scheme, promoting healthy and sustainable commuting.

Professional Growth and Development

We invest heavily in staff development through tailored INSET days and high-quality CPD opportunities. Teaching staff benefit from automatic TLR progression, a structured 9-point pay scale (M1 to UPS3), and full TLR payments for part-time colleagues fulfilling full responsibilities.

Culture and Wellbeing

Our people-first culture values every colleague. We support wellbeing through the Wisdom app and a free Employee Assistance Programme offering counselling and financial advice. Collaboration is at the heart of our Trust, encouraging shared learning and collective success.

Please look at our 'Work for Us' page and Recruitment Pack for more information.

How to apply:

Please read the supporting documentation carefully before completing your application.

 E-ACT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references.

E-ACT is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.