Best Practice

The trials and tribulations of being a deputy headteacher…

Laura Knight is in her second deputy headship. We asked her to describe the unique aspects of the role, the skills required and the sheer range of tasks that a deputy may be required to perform

Deputy headteacher: the job title means that on some occasions, when the headteacher is out, you do all of the things they do. Indeed, many heads themselves say that the deputy head role is harder than their own. Whether this is accurate or not, it is certainly true that as a deputy you have your fingers in a great many pies.

First and foremost – most deputies teach, and for those deputies who no longer teach, many continue to interact with the children through cover, intervention groups and mentoring.

When you are a deputy, balancing fuller teaching responsibilities alongside your leadership role can be a demanding and challenging task. Maintaining high-quality planning, preparation and marking while ensuring you fulfil other strategic and supporting roles, as well as the day-to-day business of helping to lead the school, can require skill, organisation and a persistent drive.

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