Assistant Headteacher (Teaching & Learning)

Barton Court Grammar School; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A selective co-educational school in Canterbury is seeking an Assistant Headteacher: Teaching & Learning. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong passion for teaching, strategic decision-making, and a commitment to high academic standards. Responsibilities include delivering the school's ethos within a supportive community, leading curriculum development, and promoting excellence across all dimensions of school life. This role offers significant career advancement opportunities for future leadership positions.

Benefits

Extensive professional development

Well-being programme

Reduced gym membership

Qualifications

• Passion for teaching and learning is essential.
• Strong pedagogical knowledge and cognitive education skills required.
• Experience in a leadership role in a school environment.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high academic standards within a supportive community.
• Promote excellence across all school aspects.
• Lead strategic decisions with the leadership team.
• Influence and support teaching quality and learning outcomes.

Skills

Teaching and learning passion

Pedagogical knowledge

Strategic decision-making

Curriculum development

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Job description

About the Trust

Barton Court Academy Trust (BCAT) was established in 2017 and runs three secondary schools: Barton Court Grammar School, The Charles Dickens School, and Barton Manor Free School. The Trust is a multi‑academy Trust committed to high standards and a caring ethos. BCGS, a mixed selective school in Canterbury, was rated "Good" with many outstanding features by Ofsted in February 2020 and November 2024. The Charles Dickens School, a mixed non‑selective school in Broadstairs, was rated "Good" by Ofsted in March 2023. Barton Manor Free School, a mixed non‑selective school in Canterbury, opened to Year 7 in September 2022 and now serves Years 7‑10 from September 2025; it was rated as "Good" with many outstanding features by Ofsted in May 2025.

About the School

Barton Court Grammar School (BCGS) is a state, selective, co‑educational school with a strong reputation for its high academic standards and supportive ethos. In February 2020 Ofsted judged it to be "good" and identified many "outstanding" features; this was confirmed again in our recent inspection in November 2024. BCGS is an accredited Advanced Thinking School and was re‑accredited by the University of Exeter in November 2025. Students perform very highly in Year 11 GCSEs and Year 13 Advanced Levels or BTECs, and in 2025 45% of our Year 13 students who progressed to university went to a Russell Group establishment. The school offers extensive professional development and a well‑being programme, including reduced gym membership at CCCU, event afternoons, and other benefits provided by BCAT and Kent Rewards.

The Post – Assistant Headteacher: Teaching & Learning

Trustees are seeking to appoint a senior leader to the post of Assistant Headteacher: Teaching & Learning who is passionate about teaching and learning, pedagogical knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge, cognitive education and Thinking Schools. The successful candidate will deliver the Trust ethos of high academic standards within a caring and supportive school community, and will be central to major strategic decisions. The role provides a first‑rate preparation for those considering moving on to Deputy Headship.

Responsibilities

• Deliver BCAT and BCGS ethos of high academic standards within a caring and supportive community.
• Promote excellence in all aspects of school life and demonstrate the Trust and School vision and values.
• Lead some of the major strategic decisions, working with the Executive Headteacher, Headteacher, Governors, staff and students.
• Be active and influential across the whole leadership spectrum.
• Support teaching quality, curriculum development and learning outcomes.

How to Apply

Applications for this post should be made online only via the School's application form. CVs will not be accepted. Visit the website, click on Recruitment for more information, and please email your application to [e-mail]. If you wish to discuss the post or arrange a visit, please contact the HR Department at [e-mail].

Safeguarding

Barton Court Grammar School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure application via the Disclosure & Barring Service and a check against the ISA Barred List for Children. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early and proceed to interview upon receipt of a number of suitably qualified applications.

Diversity and Equality

Barton Court Academy Trust embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part‑time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

Deadline & Interview

Deadline: Friday 23 January 2026 at 9 am. Early applications are encouraged and we retain the right to fill the vacancy before the deadline date. Interview is scheduled for w/c 2 February 2026.

Further details and information about the Trust can be found on our website page.