Deputy Head (Academic)

Bolton School; Farnworth; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A large independent school in the United Kingdom is seeking a Deputy Head (Academic) to provide strategic leadership in academic standards and curriculum development. This role involves managing department heads and enhancing teaching quality through data-informed decision-making. The ideal candidate will have a strong academic background, proven leadership abilities, and a commitment to achieving high educational outcomes for students. Applicants should demonstrate effective communication skills and the ability to promote wellbeing within a supportive school community.

Benefits

Generous PPA time

Supportive school environment

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role within education.
• Strong academic record and ability to enhance teaching standards.
• Experience of curriculum development and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for teaching and learning.
• Manage Heads of Department and support staff development.
• Lead innovation in curriculum development and enhancement.

Skills

Leadership ability

Strategic planning

Curriculum development

Excellent communication

Education

Qualified Teacher Status

Relevant teaching qualifications

Job description

Bolton School Girls’ Division is seeking to appoint an outstanding and forward-thinking Deputy Head (Academic) to join its Senior Leadership Team. This is a pivotal role, providing strategic leadership of the School’s academic life and playing a key part in shaping teaching and learning across the Senior School.

Reporting directly to the Head of Girls’ Division, the successful candidate will have overall responsibility for academic standards, curriculum development, assessment and reporting, and the professional leadership of Heads of Department. This role offers an exciting opportunity for an experienced school leader to influence whole‑school strategy within a thriving and ambitious independent school.

Responsibilities

• Provide inspirational and strategic leadership of teaching and learning, ensuring the highest academic standards.
• Line‑manage Heads of Department, the Head of Learning Support, the Head of Assessment and Achievement, and the Examinations Officer.
• Lead curriculum development, review and innovation, informed by national developments and student voice.
• Oversee assessment, reporting, setting and option processes, using data intelligently to inform decision‑making and pupil progress.
• Lead lesson observation, work scrutiny and the sharing of best practice.
• Play a key role in inspection preparation and compliance (ISI and other statutory bodies).
• Contribute fully to staff development, INSET and whole‑school strategic planning.
• Be a visible and supportive presence within the school community, promoting pupil wellbeing and the School’s ethos.
• Have a teaching commitment and active involvement in the wider life of the school.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be an experienced and highly effective teacher with a strong academic track record, a proven leader with experience of curriculum, assessment and data‑informed school improvement, and an excellent communicator able to work collaboratively with staff, pupils, parents, and governors.

They will have a background that includes leadership of an academic department and would currently hold a Teaching and Learning role within a Senior Leadership Team, either at Assistant Head or Deputy Head level. Applicants will need to demonstrate a track record of success in those leadership roles, and part of the interview process will focus on their vision for Teaching and Learning.

With some 2,500 pupils, Bolton School is a large, thriving, academically selective day school. It is situated a mile or so from the town centre in a stunning 32‑acre campus and is within easy reach of some of the nation’s finest cities and countryside.

Academic results at GCSE and A Level consistently place Bolton School amongst the top schools in the North of England and often within the top 100 nationally. The School also provides a wide range of enrichment activities, serves a broad area of the North West, and offers fee assistance to a substantial proportion of pupils.

The vast majority of students progress to their first choice university and the School supplies a regular stream of Sixth Formers to highly competitive courses and universities.

Application Details

Closing date for applications: Monday 19 January 2026 at 12.00 noon.

Interviews will be held the week commencing 26 January 2026.

A generous level of PPA is provided which allows members of staff, as valued professionals, to manage their time appropriately and maintain a healthy work‑life balance.

Safeguarding Statement

Bolton School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Criminal Records Check for Regulated Activity.

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace to reflect the diversity of our pupils and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and to join Bolton School. As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all sections of the community and are committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees. We do not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.