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Deputy headteacher (primary): role and responsibilities

Understand the role and responsibilities of a primary school deputy headteacher, and which duties might be appropriate for your school's deputy head.

Last reviewed on 6 February 2026See updates
School types: All•School phases: Primary•Ref: 5463
Contents
  1. Requirements of the role
  2. Deputising for the headteacher
  3. Raising standards
  4. Deputy headteachers in small primary schools

Requirements of the role

Deputy headteachers employed under the STPCD must “undertake any professional duties of the headteacher reasonably delegated by the headteacher".

They must also “play a major role under the overall direction of the headteacher” in:

  • Formulating the aims and objectives of the school
  • Establishing the policies through which the aims and objectives will be achieved
  • Managing staff and resources to meet the school's aims and objectives
  • Monitoring progress towards achieving the aims and objectives

The deputy head must also take on the professional duties of the headteacher when they're absent.

This is set out in paragraph 48, page 48 of the STPCD.

There is no legal requirement for a deputy headteacher

However, several types of maintained schools are legally required to have a staff member who can be