Senior Deputy Head (Academic and Co-Curricular)

Ipswich School; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious independent school in Ipswich is looking for a Senior Deputy Head (Academic and Co-Curricular) to oversee academic delivery and lead co-curricular planning. The role requires strong academic credentials, significant management experience, and the ability to inspire staff. Starting salary is competitive, with numerous benefits including access to facilities and a pension scheme. Apply by 12 noon on Wednesday 7th January 2026.

Benefits

Free lunch during term time

Access to swimming pool and gym

Employee wellbeing app with GP access

Cycle to Work Scheme

Pension scheme with employer contributions

Qualifications

• Experience in middle-management within a secondary context.
• Ability to inspire and lead others.
• Commitment to working with integrity across teams.

Responsibilities

• Run the Senior School and oversee academic delivery.
• Lead academic and co-curricular planning.
• Foster a culture of best practice and support staff.

Skills

Academic leadership

Co-curricular engagement

Interpersonal relationships

Collaboration

Education

Good Honours degree

Job description

About Ipswich School

Ipswich School is one of the country’s top 100 independent schools, with a Heritage dating back to 1399. The school counts around 1,000 pupils aged 3 months to 18 years, including a Senior School of roughly 800 pupils, a Prep School and a Day Nursery. The school prides itself on academic excellence, diverse extra‑curricular opportunities and state‑of‑the‑art facilities. It operates a five‑day week and provides a full range of co‑curricular activities including representative sports, CCF, community service and Thursday afternoon programmes.

Post and Start Date

Senior Deputy Head (Academic and Co‑Curricular) – Permanent, full‑time
Required to begin September 2026.

About the Role

The Senior Deputy Head is the senior academic and co‑curricular leader who works closely with the Head in governing the school’s strategic direction and operational management. The role includes:

• Day‑to‑day running of the Senior School and oversight of all academic delivery.
• Strategic leadership for academic and co‑curricular planning and structures.
• Lead on whole‑school change initiatives and improvement programmes.
• Deputise for the Head with credibility, ensuring smooth leadership continuity.
• Foster a culture of best practice, inspiring staff and supporting students to reach their potential.
• Maintain high standards of teacher practice and student achievement.

About You

We are looking for a technically competent, resilient and inspiring individual who is:

• Highly experienced in middle‑management within a secondary context.
• Strong in both academic leadership and co‑curricular engagement.
• Direct, collaborative, and capable of building strong interpersonal relationships.
• Ambitious, with a clear interest in eventual Headship.
• Creative, communicative and collaborative, able to nurture critical thinking and collaboration across the school.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Strong academic credentials (good Honours degree) and proven track record raising academic standards.
• Significant, varied school management experience at the middle‑management level.
• Experience leading curriculum and co‑curricular change and improvements.
• Ability to inspire and lead others, and to deputise for the Head with credibility.
• Commitment to working with integrity across teams, and a willingness to express an independent view when required.

Highly Desirable

• Additional leadership or management qualifications.
• Senior management experience.
• In‑depth knowledge of the "science of learning", including recent developments.
• Experience leading teams, managing change and delivering improvements across co‑curricular areas.
• Interest in digital technology developments, including AI.
• Evidence of managing successful, whole‑school changes.
• Understanding of marketing and development and a willingness to promote the school creatively.
• Proven interest in co‑curricular life: delivering or supporting programmes.

Hours, Salary and Benefits

This is a full‑time, permanent post subject to a 12‑month probationary period. Flexibility with working hours is essential due to the senior nature of the role.

• Starting salary competitive and dependent on skills and experience; terms discussed with shortlisted candidates at interview.
• Free lunch in the School Dining Hall during term time when the kitchen is in operation.
• Access to the School's swimming pool and fitness gym free of charge (subject to rules and regulations).
• SmartHealth employee wellbeing app with 24/7 GP access and mental health support.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Eligibility to join a pension scheme with Royal London, including employer contribution of 15% and cover for critical illness, income protection and death in service.

Closing Date and Interview Arrangements

Applications must be received by 12 noon on Wednesday 7th January 2026. Contact details for submission:

• Nick Gregory, Head of School, Ipswich School
• 25 Henley Road, Ipswich, IP1 3SG
• Email: [e-mail]

First‑round interviews: Wednesday 21st January 2026.
Final‑round interviews: Thursday 29th January 2026.
Applicants with special requirements should inform the school if alternative application formats are needed.

Safeguarding and Compliance

Ipswich School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.