Deputy Head (Academic)

Farleigh School is seeking an outstanding and enthusiastic Deputy Head (Academic) to join our Senior Management Team from September 2027.

The Deputy Head (Academic) is a key member of the Senior Management Team, and is responsible for the strategic development, leadership and management of teaching, learning and academic standards throughout the school. As a reserved role, the successful candidate must be a Practising Catholic and will promote academic excellence while ensuring the school’s Catholic ethos and values are embedded in all aspects of educational provision.

The Deputy Head (Academic) will oversee curriculum design and delivery, assessment and reporting, staff development, academic tracking, educational innovation and compliance with inspection requirements. Working closely with pupils, staff and parents, the Deputy Head (Academic) will ensure that every child is supported and challenged to achieve their full potential within a nurturing and aspirational environment.

The Deputy Head (Academic) will deputise for the Headmaster if the Head of Prep is unavailable.

Key Responsibilities (a full breakdown can be provided on application to hr@farleighschool.com):

• Strategic Leadership – lead on academic matters within the SMT and across the school
• Teaching and Learning – lead, monitor and evaluate teaching and learning across the school
• Curriculum Leadership – lead the design, implementation and review of the curriculum
• Assessment, Reporting and Tracking – lead the monitoring and development of pupil progress
• Staff Leadership, Development and Wellbeing – to line manage HoDs and academic staff
• Scholarship and Senior School Transfer – lead scholarship / senior school entrance preparation
• Catholic Ethos – uphold and promote the Catholic mission, ethos and values of the school
• Safeguarding, Compliance, Pastoral and Boarding – ensure the highest standards
• External Relations and School Development – support marketing, admissions and business development

Candidate Specification

Essential

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent teaching qualification.
• A degree in a relevant subject.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.

Experience

• Significant successful teaching experience of Key Stage Two and Three within a prep/Independent setting.
• Significant leadership experience within a school environment.
• Experience of curriculum development and academic leadership.
• Experience of monitoring teaching and learning.
• Experience of analysing pupil performance data to improve outcomes.
• Experience of working with staff and being assertive in ensuring high teaching standards are maintained.
• Experience of working effectively with parents.

Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent understanding of curriculum and assessment.
• Strong understanding of effective pedagogy.
• Knowledge of inspection frameworks and educational compliance requirements.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to inspire, motivate and develop staff.
• Strong organisational and strategic planning skills.

Personal Qualities

• Practising Catholic with a commitment to the Catholic ethos and mission of the school.
• Integrity, warmth and professionalism.
• Resilience and adaptability.
• Collaborative leadership style with a willingness to innovate
• High expectations of self and others.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• A sense of humour with a low-ego, team-player approach.

Desirable

• Experience within an independent preparatory school.
• Experience of boarding education.
• Experience of Common Entrance, scholarship preparation and senior school admissions.
• Experience of the ISI inspection processes.
• Experience of the Catholic Diocesan Inspection process.
• Awareness of Key Stage One and Early Years’ curriculum content.

Safeguarding, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Farleigh School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant must be willing to undergo appropriate Child Protection Screening, including references from past employers, an enhanced DBS disclosure and an online search in line with safer recruitment.

Farleigh School is a co-educational organisation that believes strongly in equal opportunity for all.