A Deputy Director of Learning supports the Director of Learning in leading a faculty or cluster of departments. You play a key role in driving teaching and learning standards, supporting Heads of Department, and deputising for the Director in their absence. This role provides invaluable experience of faculty-level leadership and is an excellent stepping stone to Director of Learning or senior leadership.
The typical career stops on the way to this destination
Complete your Initial Teacher Training via PGCE, School Direct, or undergraduate route. Build strong subject knowledge and begin to understand how departments operate within a school.
Complete your Early Career Teacher induction and establish yourself as a strong classroom practitioner. Focus on developing outstanding teaching, strong student outcomes, and an understanding of how your subject fits within the broader faculty.
Take on a responsibility within your department such as Key Stage Coordinator or lead on a specific area like curriculum development, assessment, or student intervention. Begin supporting your Head of Department and developing leadership skills.
Extend your impact beyond your own department. Contribute to faculty-wide initiatives, support colleagues in other departments within the faculty, and develop your understanding of strategic leadership across multiple subject areas.
You've arrived at your destination. As Deputy Director of Learning, you support the strategic leadership of a faculty, contribute to quality assurance across multiple departments, deputise for the Director, and gain the experience needed for your next leadership step.
The personal attributes that will help you thrive in this role
Ability to analyse assessment data across multiple departments, identify trends and areas for improvement, and support the Director in creating faculty improvement plans.
Skilled at working alongside Heads of Department, building positive professional relationships, and fostering a culture of shared accountability and continuous improvement across the faculty.
Broad understanding of curriculum design and quality assurance across multiple subjects, with the ability to support departments in developing ambitious, well-sequenced schemes of learning.
Experienced in conducting lesson observations, learning walks, book scrutinies, and student voice activities to monitor teaching quality and provide constructive feedback.
Clear communicator who can work effectively between the Director, Heads of Department, and classroom teachers, ensuring strategic priorities are understood and implemented.
Proactive and self-motivated, able to identify areas for improvement independently, take ownership of projects, and drive change without needing constant direction.