Deputy Head (Academic)

Cognita Schools; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension

Lunch during term

School holidays and public holidays

School fee discount

Exclusive discounts

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Cognita is partnering with Alleyn's Regent's Park to appoint an inspiring Deputy Head Academic to lead academic excellence across the school. Reporting to the Head, you will oversee curriculum development, assessment, standards, and pupil progress from Pre-Reception to Year 6, and work with Heads of Department and Curriculum Leaders.

The role requires a degree with QTS and PGCE or equivalent, a proven record of middle or senior leadership, and a strategic, collaborative approach to improving

Qualifications

• We are seeking an outstanding educational leader with a degree, QTS and a recognised teaching qualification (PGCE or equivalent).
• You will have proven leadership at middle or senior level with experience in curriculum development, raising academic standards, monitoring pupil progress and leading school improvement initiatives.
• You will be a strategic thinker with excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• You should be able to manage complex projects and operational priorities.
• Experience in an independent or preparatory school leading whole-school academic strategy is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead curriculum development, assessment, academic standards, timetabling and pupil progress from Pre-Reception to Year 6.
• Lead Heads of Department and Curriculum Leaders to drive high-quality teaching and learning.
• Foster a culture of scholarship and continuous improvement across the school.
• Collaborate with the Head and Senior Leadership Team to deliver an ambitious educational experience.

Skills

Curriculum development

Data analysis

Leadership

Timetabling

Pupil progress

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Degree

QTS

PGCE or equivalent

Job description

About the School - Alleyn's Regent's Park:

Cognita has entered into a partnership with Alleyn's to create two leading independent day schools in north London. Cognita's flagship London schools, North Bridge House Regent's Park and North Bridge House Hampstead, form part of the new Alleyn's Schools Group. Alleyn's Regent's Park opened in September 2025 and Alleyn's Hampstead opened in September 2026. Alleyn's Regent's Park is located in a historic, former convent on the edge of Regent's Park and currently educates children aged 3 to 11. The school prepares pupils for 11+ and introduced a new Pre-Reception class in September 2026. The school draws pupils from across north London from Finchley to Chelsea and Wembley to Hackney and is very well connected with Camden Town on the northern line, which is just a five-minute walk away.
The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Deputy Head (Academic) join our fantastic team. This is a permanent, full-time position with a start date of January 2027.

About Cognita:

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 90 schools in 21 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, "Thrive in a rapidly evolving world".

About the Role:

We are seeking an inspiring and strategic Deputy Head Academic to lead and shape academic excellence across the school. Reporting to the Head and working as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will oversee curriculum development, assessment, academic standards, timetabling and pupil progress from Pre-Reception to Year 6. Leading Heads of Department and Curriculum Leaders, you will drive high-quality teaching and learning, foster a culture of scholarship and intellectual curiosity, and ensure every pupil is challenged and supported to achieve its full potential. This is a pivotal leadership role, combining strategic vision with operational excellence to deliver an ambitious and rigorous educational experience for all pupils.

Who We Are Looking For:

We are looking for an outstanding educational leader with a degree, Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a recognised teaching qualification (PGCE or equivalent). The successful candidate will have a proven track record of leadership at middle or senior level, with experience of driving curriculum development, raising academic standards, monitoring pupil progress and leading school improvement initiatives. You will be a strategic thinker with excellent organisational, communication and interpersonal skills, capable of inspiring and developing leaders while fostering a culture of high expectations and continuous improvement. Strong expertise in curriculum design, assessment and data analysis is essential, alongside the ability to manage complex projects and operational priorities. Experience within an independent or preparatory school, leading whole-school academic strategy, managing complex timetables and working across multiple educational phases would be advantageous.

Benefits at Cognita:

• Competitive salary, dependent on qualifications and experience
• Teacher's Pension
• Free lunch during term time
• School holidays and public holidays
• School fee discount
• Access to exclusive third-party discounts
• Ongoing professional development opportunities

Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is included within the Application Guidance.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.