Assistant Head (Academic) | Full-time, Permanent | Closing Date: Wednesday 18th March 2026

The Leys; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Cambridge is seeking a dynamic leader to join their Senior Management Team from September 2026. This role involves improving teaching and learning, supporting staff, and shaping future educational strategies in a co-educational boarding and day school environment. The successful candidate will lead a welcoming team committed to delivering excellent education and fostering a safe, inclusive community. Interested applicants should submit an application by 18 March 2026.

Qualifications

• Highly-qualified and talented leader.
• Passion for improving teaching and learning.
• Leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive change within the school.
• Support and motivate staff.
• Shape the future of teaching and learning.

Skills

Leadership

Communications

Organisational skills

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly-qualified, talented and dynamic leader to join our Senior Management Team from September 2026.

The successful candidate will have a passion for improving teaching and learning, and the ability to drive change. You will possess the leadership and communications skills necessary to support and motivate others, and the organisational skills to manage the breadth of work that this role encompasses. Working with the Deputy Head (Academic), you will play an integral role in shaping the future of teaching and learning in our historic and successful school. Applications are welcome from colleagues across all teaching disciplines.

The Leys is an inclusive and inspiring co-educational boarding and day school offering an incredible learning environment and pupil experience in Cambridge. Putting pupils at the heart of everything we do, our shared values create a strong, caring, and cohesive community. The successful candidate will be joining a dedicated, successful, and welcoming team of teaching and business professionals, committed to working together to combine their skills, experience, and insights to deliver an excellent education to our pupils.

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Before appointment to any role in the school, checks including an Enhanced DBS Check and workplace references will be undertaken in accordance with current statutory guidance. Evidence of eligibility to work in the UK is required. A one-year probationary period will also apply.

The Foundation is committed to fostering an inclusive culture that promotes and values diversity and celebrates the diverse voice of our community.

For further details or an informal conversation about the role, please call 01223 508955 or email [emailprotected]

If you are interested in applying, please submit a completed application form including one page covering letter addressed to The Head, The Recruitment Team, The Leys School, Cambridge, CB2 7AD ( [emailprotected] ) by 09.00 am on 18 March 2026.

Interviews for this role are anticipated to be held on 24/25 March 2026.

This role has the opportunity for regular contact with pupils and therefore is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.