Assistant Headteacher: Teaching & Learning in Canterbury

The Trust Barton Court Academy Trust (BCAT) is a multi‑academy Trust which was established in 2017. It currently consists of three secondary schools: Barton Court Grammar School, an 11‑18 years, mixed selective school in the heart of Canterbury, rated “Good” with many outstanding features by Ofsted in February 2020 and November 2024; The Charles Dickens School, an 11‑16 years mixed non‑selective school in Broadstairs, rated “Good” by Ofsted in March 2023; and Barton Manor Free School, an 11–18 years non‑selective mixed school in the heart of Canterbury which opened to Year 7 in September 2022 and as the school grows now has Y7, 8, 9 and 10 from September 2025, rated as “Good” with many outstanding features by Ofsted in May 2025.

Our School Barton Court Grammar School (BCGS) is a state, selective, co‑educational school with a strong reputation for its high academic standards and its caring and supportive ethos. In February 2020 Ofsted judged the school to be ‘good’ and it possessed many ‘outstanding’ features, this was confirmed again in our recent inspection in November 2024. The School is an accredited ‘Advanced Thinking School’ and has recently been re‑accredited by The University of Exeter in November 2025. Students perform very highly in both Year 11 at GCSE and in Year 13 at Advanced Level or BTEC. Students are prepared very well for their next stage of education and in 2025 45% of our Year 13 students who progressed to university went to a Russell Group establishment.

The School is committed to excellence in professional development and an extensive well‑being programme is in place with many benefits including reduced gym membership at CCCU, event afternoons throughout the year and other benefits offered by BCAT and Kent Rewards.

The Post Trustees are seeking to appoint a senior leader to the post of Assistant Headteacher: Teaching & Learning who is passionate about Teaching and Learning; pedagogical knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge, cognitive education and Thinking Schools. Candidates will be required to deliver our Trust ethos of high academic standards within a caring and supportive school community. Our focus is on achieving excellence in all that we do to support outstanding outcomes for our students.

The successful candidate will have the potential and desire to be active and influential across the whole leadership spectrum. As such it will provide a first‑rate preparation for those considering going on to Deputy Headship. Candidates should be able to demonstrate the Trust and School’s vision and values and promote excellence in all aspects of school life. You will be joining a highly effective senior leadership team and our aim is to ensure that the successful candidate will be central to all major strategic decisions and will be leading some of these, working with the Executive Headteacher, Headteacher, Governors, staff and students.

Deadline: Friday 23 January 2026 at 9am. Early applications are encouraged and we retain the right to fill the vacancy before the deadline date. Interview date: w/c 2 February 2026.

How To Apply Applications for this post should be made online only using the School’s application form. CVs will not be accepted. Visit the website and click on Recruitment for more information. Please email your application to recruitment@bartoncourt.org. If you wish to discuss the post or to arrange a visit, please contact the HR Department on recruitment@bartoncourt.org.

Barton Court Grammar School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure application via the Disclosure & Barring Service and a check against the ISA Barred List for Children. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early and proceed to interview upon receipt of a number of suitably qualified applications. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.

In line with KCSIE 2023 guidance, as part of the shortlisting process, the Trust reserves the right to conduct an online search on shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence and any relevant information found concerning a candidate's suitability to work with children will be discussed at interview stage. Our safeguarding practices prevent us from accepting CVs. Barton Court Academy Trust embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part‑time and flexible working opportunities will be considered. Further details and information about the Trust can be found on our website page. A commitment to staff welfare and promoting BCAT core values is at the heart of this role.