Deputy Head (Academic)

Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

St Cuthbert's Catholic High School in Newcastle upon Tyne is seeking an exceptional Deputy Head: Academic to shape the school’s academic vision, curriculum, teaching, learning, assessment and outcomes. The successful candidate will work with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team to drive academic excellence while upholding the school’s Catholic mission.

We are looking for a practising Catholic with strong strategic leadership, deep subject knowledge, and a track record of improving

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in secondary education or senior leadership positions.
• Experience driving curriculum development and teaching improvement.
• Track record of improving academic outcomes and standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead curriculum innovation, teaching and learning strategies, and assessment practices.
• Drive school-wide academic outcomes and attainment targets.
• Collaborate with Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team to shape strategy.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum development

Strategic planning

Job description

St Cuthbert's Catholic High School

Gretna Road

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE15 7PX

Required from 1st January 2027

Since 1881, St Cuthbert's Catholic High School has been forming great men of competence, conscience, compassion, and commitment. As a distinctive Catholic school with a proud tradition of educating boys, we combine academic ambition with a deep commitment to developing young men of character, purpose, and integrity.

We are seeking an exceptional Deputy Head: Academic to help shape the next chapter of our success. This pivotal leadership role will provide strategic leadership for the school's academic vision, curriculum, teaching and learning, assessment, and outcomes. The opportunity arises following the promotion of our Deputy Head: Academic to Headship in a diocesan school after five years of dedicated, highly successful, and transformative leadership at St Cuthbert. Working closely with the Headmaster and Senior Leadership Team, the successful candidate will champion scholarship and academic excellence, ensuring that every pupil is challenged to fulfil his potential as part of our wider mission of forming great men.

St Cuthbert will ask much of its next Deputy Head: Academic because the school itself is worth the ask. This is a school with history, resources, ambition, and heart. It is also a school with work to do: to deepen our mission, define excellence for a new generation, extend opportunity, strengthen community, and demonstrate what Catholic education for young men can achieve in the years ahead.

We are looking for a practising Catholic with the vision, intellectual leadership, and educational expertise to lead curriculum innovation, secure outstanding academic outcomes and foster a culture of high expectations, curiosity and achievement. Above all, the successful candidate will be a committed Catholic Leader able to articulate and advance the mission of the school, helping to form great men ready to take their place in the Church and in the world.

We warmly welcome visits from prospective candidates. There is no better way to experience St Cuthbert's than by meeting the boys and the staff who bring our vision of forming great men to life each day.

If you share our ambition and believe that you can make a significant contribution to our future, we look forward to receiving your application.

St Cuthbert's is first and foremost a Catholic school. Applicants are not required to be practising Catholics but are expected to support and promote the school’s Catholic vision, mission, and values.

The Governors of St Cuthbert's Catholic High School, the Trustees of the Bishop Bewick Trust and the Diocese are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young persons. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). In accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026, an online search will be completed for shortlisted candidates.