Deputy Head Academic

Deputy Head (Academic)

The Role

We are looking to appoint an exceptional candidate for this senior leadership role who is both qualified and experienced.

The Deputy Head (Academic) is responsible for steering the school's Teaching and Learning initiatives, collaborating closely with departmental heads, and managing the curriculum, reporting, and public examination outcomes. This position reports to the Director and Head and works alongside Key Stage Coordinators and Heads of Department.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will demonstrate many or all of the following qualities:

- Personal integrity, intellectual flexibility, and emotional awareness
- A dedication to teamwork, adaptability, and a generous spirit, along with the ability to build strong working relationships within the school community
- A sense of humor and perspective, with effective self-management skills, particularly in high-pressure situations
- A keen attention to detail, complemented by the capability to understand the broader picture
- Comfort with analyzing and presenting educational data
- A strong enthusiasm for enhancing Teaching and Learning
- A good degree
- Proven teaching experience
- A successful history of leadership in either middle or senior management roles
- The ability to instill confidence and respect among colleagues, students, and all relevant stakeholders
- High-level administrative skills and effective communication
- An interest in the co-curricular activities of the School

Roles and Responsibilities of the Deputy Head (Academic)

This job description outlines the range of responsibilities, but it should not be seen as exhaustive and may be subject to updates.

Strategic and General Management

- To act as the Head's deputy in their absence
- To serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), participating in all aspects of policy formulation and strategic management of the school
- To oversee the review and assessment of sections of the school's strategic plan
- To report to the Director/Governing Body on academic policies and performance as necessary
- To assist in developing, communicating, and implementing a vision for Teaching and Learning within the School
- To support the daily management of the school
- To regularly attend school events as required
- To teach approximately one-third of a standard timetable

Academic Policy and Management

- To spearhead the development of academic policy
- To manage and enhance the curriculum
- To collaborate with the Head regarding staffing matters
- To oversee the administration of option selections
- To lead the Departmental Development Planning process
- To take charge of Academic Data management, including Assessment and Reporting
- To refine the academic budgeting process
- To strengthen academic connections with the Junior School
- To compile predicted grades and conduct exam analysis

Leading Staff

- To assist in the recruitment process for new staff
- To provide guidance on the deployment of teaching staff
- To support and advise teaching staff and contribute to their appraisal process
- To drive improvements in teaching and learning standards through collaboration with Heads of Department and staff
- To offer support and guidance to Heads of Department and lead Departmental Reviews
- To oversee the Examinations Officer and Learning Support functions
- To coordinate with the Careers Advisor
- To ensure that classroom environments are visually stimulating and engaging
- To assist in planning the annual staff CPD program
- To monitor and provide feedback on schemes of work
- To review and comment on reports and provide guidance to Form Tutors

Parental

- To address concerns raised by parents, students, and staff alongside other SLT members
- To oversee and provide guidance on communication with parents regarding academic delivery and student progress
- To respond to parental concerns as needed
- To be available from the day prior to public examination results and subsequently offer advice to students and parents