Junior School Deputy Head (Academic)

JAMES ALLENS GIRLS SCHOOL; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent girls' school in London is seeking a Junior School Deputy Head (Academic) to lead academic development and ensure the wellbeing of students. The ideal candidate will possess excellent subject knowledge, a passion for teaching, and a commitment to inclusiveness in education. The role offers a competitive salary and a diverse benefits package, including pension schemes and professional development opportunities. Applications are open until midday on 19 January 2026.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Teachers’ Pension Scheme or alternative defined contribution scheme

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

Free onsite parking

Free lunches, tea and coffee

Free access to the Dulwich Picture Gallery

School fee discount

Cycle to work scheme

Interest-free computer loans

Free gym membership

Employee Assistance Programme

Interest-free transport season ticket loans

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of the curriculum and educational practices.
• Proven ability to motivate and enthuse students.
• Commitment to safeguarding and well-being of students.

Responsibilities

• Lead academic development in the Junior School.
• Work collaboratively with other Deputy Heads.
• Ensure smooth running of educational operations.

Skills

Excellent subject knowledge

Passion for teaching

Motivating students

Team-working abilities

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Job description

Do you have a passion for life and learning? If so, our inspirational teaching team at JAGS is looking for a colleague to join our Junior School. Your dynamic and creative approach will help encourage and champion today’s young learners in this, one of the UK’s leading independent schools.

With its distinctive heritage as the oldest independent girls’ school in London, James Allen’s Girls’ School, JAGS, provides a forward-thinking and contemporary education for over 1100 girls aged 4 to 18. Located in the London borough of Southwark, JAGS has a diverse school community and is committed to inclusive recruitment and inclusion in the workplace.

The Junior School Deputy Head (Academic) is an outstanding leader who is a convincing ambassador for this exceptional school. The Junior School Deputy Head (Academic) will be a well-qualified and dynamic teacher with vision and gravitas who works positively within all areas of the school. They must have complete commitment to the welfare of young people and be passionate about providing outstanding academic provision for both pupils and staff.

The post holder takes key responsibility for the day-to-day academic development of the Junior School pupils and forms one part of a team of three Junior School Deputy Heads who work closely and collaboratively to ensure the smooth running of the school's educational operations to promote the academic development and wellbeing of all young people in the Junior School.

We offer:

• The opportunity to join our outstanding school where public examination results consistently place JAGS amongst the leading schools in the UK
• A community of considerate, creative and compassionate students and staff
• A highly diverse and inclusive school community, committed to our bursary provision
• An inspiring and enthusiastic team of colleagues across the teaching and support staff
• Excellent facilities, including the latest resources to support learning
• A diverse benefits package including:
  • Competitive salary
  • Choice of Teachers’ Pension Scheme or generous alternative defined contribution scheme
  • Enhanced sickness, maternity and paternity pay
  • Free onsite parking
  • Free lunches, tea and coffee all year round
  • Free access to the Dulwich Picture Gallery
  • School fee discount
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Interest-free computer loans
  • Free gym membership with discounted family rates
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Interest‑free transport season ticket loans

What you can offer us:

• Excellent subject knowledge and a passion for teaching young people
• A talent for motivating and enthusing young learners to achieve their best
• Kindness and open-mindedness
• Intellectual curiosity, enthusiasm and a personal ethos of lifelong learning
• Resilience and optimism; someone who is willing to go the extra mile in the busy life of the school
• Team‑working abilities and a keenness to enable all colleagues to contribute ideas and be part of positive change
• Commitment to the well‑being and safeguarding of all students and staff
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion and anti‑racism in the school community

Our school aims, both in and out of the classroom, are clear:

• To celebrate our diverse and inclusive community
• To champion social awareness and sustainability
• To empower courage, creativity and compassion in each student
• To inspire aspirational and authentic lifelong learners and leaders
• To nurture respectful, resilient and kind individuals

If this matches your educational vision, then this is the perfect time to join us.

How to apply:

We recognise that celebrating the full diversity of staff and students has a positive impact on all and invite applications from candidates from a broad range of backgrounds. To enable us to make any reasonable adjustments, please let us know when you submit your application whether you have any special requirements.

The school operates its own generous and competitive pay scales and will offer a salary commensurate with experience and the nature of this role.

Please visit our website via the button below to view the candidate pack and for details on how to apply.

Please note that applications must be submitted via MyNewTerm. CVs and letters sent via email will not be accepted.

For further information please contact [e-mail] or telephone the Recruitment team on 020 86931181.

Closing Date: Midday on Monday 19 January 2026.

Interview Dates:

• Round 1: Monday 26 January 2026.
• Round 2: Monday 2 February 2026.

Required from April 2026 or September 2026.