Deputy Head of Secondary

Job Description

The Deputy Head of Secondary is an essential executive leadership role within the school, collaborating closely with the Head of Secondary and the Senior Leadership Team to foster academic excellence, enhance operational efficiency, and cultivate a positive learning culture. The ideal candidate may also take on whole-school strategic responsibilities, aiding in broader school improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

- Advocate for and actively endorse the ethos, vision, and standards of excellence in line with the GEMS Education Core Values.
- Collaborate with the Head of Secondary to cultivate and implement effective, innovative, and globally relevant teaching and learning methodologies.
- Assist in the rollout of the school’s strategic vision for high-quality education and ongoing improvement.
- Ensure the GEMS Core Values are integrated throughout all curricular and co-curricular programs, promoting a culture of aspiration, respect, and inclusivity.

Teaching, Learning and Curriculum

- Lead the establishment of comprehensive monitoring and evaluation systems to assess the quality of teaching and learning, implementing targeted improvement strategies when necessary.
- Conduct needs-based lesson observations and performance evaluations, providing targeted developmental feedback in alignment with school priorities.
- Work in partnership with Heads of Department and coordinators to ensure curriculum continuity, progression, and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Guarantee that the curriculum is responsive to student needs while adhering to required standards and content frameworks.

Staff Development and Leadership

- Foster the professional development of staff through coaching, mentoring, and structured professional growth opportunities linked to specific improvement targets.
- Chair meetings, lead working groups, and contribute to whole-school leadership initiatives.
- Enhance leadership capacity within the Secondary phase, aiding in succession planning and talent development.

Student Experience and Enrichment

- Oversee the effective delivery of support programs, enrichment activities, educational trips, assemblies, and special events that enhance student learning and wellbeing.
- Collaborate with pastoral and inclusion teams to ensure a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all students.

Community Engagement and Operations

- Establish strong partnerships with parents and the wider community through clear, consistent communication and engagement initiatives.
- Work with the Registrar on admissions processes, including student induction, assessment, and transition arrangements.
- Assist in organizing Parent–Teacher meetings, school events, charity initiatives, and broader GEMS network programs.

Strategic and Operational Leadership

- Contribute to budget planning and resource management, ensuring the effective deployment of staff and facilities.
- Undertake a teaching allocation and other professional duties as assigned by the Head of Secondary and Senior Leadership Team.
- Ensure consistent implementation of all GEMS policies, procedures, and professional expectations.
- Show flexibility and commitment, acknowledging that senior leadership responsibilities may extend beyond the standard school day.
- Attend leadership meetings and participate in committees as required.
- Perform any additional responsibilities reasonably assigned by direct or dotted-line managers.

Skills Required

Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in education or a relevant field with a teaching qualification
- Previous experience in a senior leadership position
- NPQH or other relevant senior leadership qualifications (desirable)

GEMS Education is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a prerequisite for all appointments.

Education

Education

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