Deputy Headteacher

Thank you for your interest in Dr Challoner's Grammar School. We are currently seeking to appoint two Deputy Headteachers (Academic, and Inclusion & Belonging), effective from January 2027, to sustain and improve the school’s work across its whole purpose. The successful applicants, both of whom will report to the Headteacher, will have oversight responsibility for a wide portfolio, and will hold direct delivery responsibility for an appropriate part of that portfolio, depending on the skills and expertise of the individuals appointed. Other parts of the portfolio will be delivered by Assistant Headteachers reporting into the Deputy Headteachers. Each Deputy Headteacher will have two colleagues reporting to them at this level. Both Deputy Headteachers will be expected to deputise for the Headteacher as required. More details about the portfolios associated with each role are included in the attached job pack. They have been structured to pay heed to the evolving national educational landscape, including statutory & accountability frameworks, and the school’s culture and priorities.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Mr David Atkinson, Headteacher, at headteacher@challoners.org

Benefits of working at Dr Challoner's Grammar School

Staff often remark that DCGS is a great place to work. Staff retention is high, which we believe reflects the supportive and friendly environment in which we work. Students are hard working, capable and diligent. New staff to the school often remark that they enjoy working in an environment where students want to learn. Challoner’s was the third secondary school in the country to be judged Outstanding under Ofsted’s new Education Inspection Framework when inspected in November 2019, with the inspectors noting that the school has a culture of teamwork, loyalty and aspiration and that staff feel exceptionally well supported. This judgement was confirmed again in 2024. In 2025 we ranked 10th in The Times’ best secondary and grammar schools in the south-east.

As the Lead School in the Astra Teaching School, DCGS offers a wide and diverse range of professional development opportunities for staff. Astra's status as a School Centred Initial Teacher Training provider (SCITT) ensures Challoner’s is at the cutting edge of curricular and pedagogical developments in education. The Astra SCITT trains approximately 50 - 70 new entrants per year: in this way, colleagues at Challoner's are able to contribute to, and benefit from, high quality teacher training and CPD across over 50 schools in Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and beyond.

Dr Challoner’s Grammar School also offers staff:

• A friendly working environment with supportive and caring colleagues
• Access to a free 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, including financial and legal advice, counselling and health programmes
• An award winning attitude to staff wellbeing and mental health
• Staff Buddies - all new staff are allocated a staff buddy
• Hero of the Week! - recognition for staff who go above and beyond
• Preferential admission for qualified children of staff (some restrictions apply)
• Excellent opportunities for professional development
• Membership of the Chartered College of Teaching
• Access to Blue Light card benefits
• Access to onsite cardio fitness and weights room
• Free on site parking

Prospective applicants are warmly invited to apply through Mynewterm by clicking apply now.

Early applications are welcome; we reserve the right to interview suitable candidates before the published closing date.

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

At Dr Challoner's Grammar School we ensure breadth of opportunities for all and actively promote open and outward facing attitudes to diversity and inclusion. As such, we encourage suitably qualified people from all backgrounds to apply for roles at our school. If there are any issues which you feel could be barriers to your application as part of this process please let us know.

Our commitment to Safeguarding

Dr Challoner’s Grammar School is committed to safeguarding and successful candidates will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check.

Additional information for applicants

Some additional information for applicants can be found here.