Deputy Head Academic

Culford School; Culford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution is seeking a Deputy Head Academic responsible for overseeing the academic strategy and the quality of teaching and learning. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership abilities, a commitment to excellent pupil outcomes, and the ability to engage effectively with the school community. This role involves ensuring curriculum delivery meets the needs of all pupils and leading various academic initiatives. The school values integrity, teamwork, and a strong alignment with its guiding ethos and values.

Qualifications

• Ability to teach a relevant subject at GCSE and A level.
• Proven success in achieving excellent pupil results.
• Experience in raising achievement and leading staff.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the School's academic strategy in line with educational priorities.
• Ensure the quality of teaching and learning is consistently excellent.
• Lead the GCSE and A Level subject options protocol.

Skills

Personal integrity

Intellectual acuity

Emotional intelligence

Strong self-management

Leadership

Education

A good degree

QTS

Job description

Overview

Deputy Head Academic (Senior School). Culford’s mission is to unlock the potential of every child and develop lifelong values and a love of learning within a community that strives for excellence and nurtures compassion and resilience. The Deputy Head Academic is responsible for teaching and learning and for leading the School's academic strategy, curriculum, and quality of teaching and learning.

Start date and remuneration

• Start date: September 2026
• Salary: Culford has its own pay scale

Key responsibilities

• Oversee the School's academic strategy in line with agreed educational priorities.
• Recommend to the Head and Senior Deputy future academic priorities to meet the needs of all pupils.
• Represent Culford at relevant Governors’ committee meetings (notably the Education Committee), reporting on results, examination analysis, and significant academic matters.
• Inform the Head and Senior Leadership Team of current research, trends and issues relevant to the academic life of the School to facilitate future planning.
• Play a central role in the strategic direction, planning and implementation of School developments.
• Assist in the leadership, management and administration of the School subject to Governing body policies and in drafting and reviewing them.
• Be a core member of the Senior Leadership Team, representing the academic life of the School.
• Work with the Senior Leadership Team and senior colleagues across the Prep and Pre-Prep Schools to develop and implement the School's academic policies and procedures.
• Lead on the academic areas of the School Development Plan and chair Heads of Department meetings to set and meet agreed academic targets.
• Model exemplary practice in the classroom and in leadership roles; promote academic rigour, engagement and perseverance in a warm, supportive environment.
• Assist in investigating and resolving complaints as directed by the Head.

Role and responsibilities

• Ensure curriculum planning, development and delivery meet the needs of all pupils.
• Ensure the quality of teaching and learning is consistently excellent.
• Foster a culture of professional reflection and the sharing of best practice.
• Oversee audit and results meetings; support and challenge Heads of Department to improve academic performance.
• Lead the GCSE and A Level subject options protocol, including publication planning and timetable management.
• Coordinate planning for the School’s academic CPD programme.
• Oversee academic reporting, examinations, and assessments with high-quality communication to pupils and parents.
• Oversee academic co-curricular opportunities, including activities and visits.
• Oversee the development and use of educational technology to enhance learning; monitor departmental minutes.
• Advise on A-level choices for Upper Fifth pupils in collaboration with Head of Sixth Form and Senior Deputy.
• Staffing: oversee recruitment, induction, professional development and performance management in alignment with School policies.
• Lead and support Early Career Teachers (ECT) and ongoing staff development.

Culford School context

• Support communication with parents, participate in admissions interviews as required, and represent the School at Marketing and Foundation events.
• Teach approximately one third of the timetable; contribute to School life beyond teaching hours.
• Support the pastoral, boarding and co-curricular life of the School as appropriate.
• Ensure safeguarding and child protection obligations are met; pre-employment checks including DBS are required; complies with DBS code of practice and School safeguarding policies.

Required attributes and qualifications

• Personal integrity, wisdom, intellectual acuity and agility, and emotional intelligence.
• A commitment to teamwork, flexibility and generosity of spirit; ability to forge effective working relationships across the School community.
• A sense of humour, resilience under pressure, and strong self-management.
• Courage, energy, drive, optimism, imagination, compassion, resilience and stamina; positive and enthusiastic approach.
• Attention to detail with ability to see the big picture.
• A good degree; desirable: evidence of successful postgraduate study.
• The ability to teach a relevant subject at GCSE and A level; QTS and proven success in achieving excellent pupil results.
• A proven track record of leadership at a middle or senior level; dynamic presence with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Commitment to developing teaching and learning; experience in raising achievement and leading staff to deliver excellent results.
• Strong administrative efficiency and clear communication across contexts and media.
• Strong alignment with the School’s Methodist ethos and values; interest in pastoral, boarding and co-curricular life.

Safeguarding and equal opportunities

Culford School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to pre-employment checks and safeguarding training. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. Details of safeguarding and recruitment policies are available on request.