Deputy Head, Academic

The Deputy Head, Academic is a member of the Senior Leadership Team responsible to the Head for general academic management duties. The Deputy Head, Academic will oversee the development and delivery of the academic programme throughout the prep school and liaise closely with the Head of Pre-Prep to ensure a smooth alignment of the academic strategy. The Deputy Head, Academic should work closely with the Deputy Head, Pastoral and Assistant Deputy Co-curricular, as well as the wider SLT to ensure the smooth running of the school day. The Deputy Head, Academic should line manage the Heads of Department apart from the Head of PSHE and Digital Literacy (Deputy Head, Pastoral) and Sport, Drama, Music, Art and Engineering (Assistant Deputy Head, Co-curricular).

Key strategic responsibilities

Academic strategy & development plan: Lead the academic strategy and produce an annual, evidence-driven Academic Development Plan aligned with the School Development Plan.

Curriculum vision & direction: Provide strong academic leadership, ensuring a curriculum shaped by high expectations, progression and appropriate pedagogy from Years 3 to Year 8, ensuring alignment with the Pre-Prep.

Policy ownership: Own and review academic policies annually (e.g., curriculum, assessment, marking & feedback), ensuring alignment with whole-school policies.

Stakeholder engagement: Secure engagement from staff, parents and governors with the school's academic direction, contributing to Education Committee meetings and reporting cycles.

Inspection readiness: Lead the academic evidence base for ISI inspection and ensure policies, processes and practice remain inspection-ready at all times.

Teaching & learning standards: Define and uphold whole-school expectations for teaching, feedback, lesson design, homework, learning walks and book scrutiny.

Learning support & inclusion: Work with the Learning Support Team and Deputies to ensure high-quality provision for children who require learning support and appropriate challenge for the most able.

Digital strategy & innovation: Champion digital literacy and contribute to a safe, ethical AI strategy in teaching and learning.

Quality assurance: Conduct learning walks, observations and departmental reviews, using findings to inform strategic planning.

Relationships with senior schools: Work with the independent, grammar and state feeder schools to form strong relationships and pathways for our children. Maintain links with local schools, sector bodies and community organisations to share and champion academic best practice. Provide guidance to families on senior school choices, scholarships and references.

Admissions & marketing: Collaborate with admissions and marketing to ensure high-quality communication for prospective families.

Assessment, data and reporting

Assessment framework: Oversee the school's assessment systems, including standardised testing, tracking and internal/external examination processes.

Data analysis & insight: Liaise with Heads of Department to ensure data drives intervention, support and enrichment.

Reporting to parents: Oversee a coherent whole-school reporting system ensuring consistency, clarity and developmental guidance for families.

Departmental leadership and line management

Leadership culture: Build an inclusive, collaborative professional culture and articulate a compelling academic vision.

Line management: Line manage core Heads of Department, holding regular meetings and providing coaching, support and challenge.

Performance & appraisal: Lead appraisal cycles for academic staff, identifying training needs and ensuring high-quality provision.

Recruitment & induction: Work closely with the HR Manager and participate in the recruitment of teaching staff and support the induction of new staff.

Safeguarding and pupil welfare

Safeguarding leadership: Work closely with the DSL and safeguarding team to ensure that teaching, learning and curriculum policies promote pupil safety and wellbeing.

Standards & culture: Promote high standards of conduct, professionalism and pupil behaviour across academic settings.

Budgeting, resources and facilities

Academic resourcing: Manage and monitor the deployment of academic resources to enhance teaching and learning.

Value for money: Work with the Finance Manager regarding budget planning, surplus/deficit monitoring and effective procurement.

Timetabling: Lead the construction of the school timetable, ensuring sustainable staffing, balanced loads and efficient rooming.

Teaching commitment and wider contribution

Teach an agreed timetable, modelling excellent practice.

Contribute actively to staff discussions, supporting agreed outcomes and providing constructive challenge within SLT.

Assist with whole-school planning, lead INSET planning and professional development.

Undertake other tasks reasonably required by the Head.

Timeline for applicants

Closing date for applications: 12th March 2026

Interviews: 18th March 2026

Start date: September 2026