Assistant Headteacher– Curriculum, Innovation & Futures
Assistant Headteacher– Curriculum, Innovation & Futures

Assistant Headteacher– Curriculum, Innovation & Futures

Full-Time 47000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Cognita Schools

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead curriculum innovation and support student achievement in a dynamic learning environment.
  • Company: Join Cognita, a global leader in independent education with a commitment to nurturing unique talents.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension scheme, free lunches, and ongoing professional development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on students' futures in a supportive and enriching school setting.
  • Qualifications: Good degree in teaching subject and a passion for education are essential.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse community dedicated to safeguarding and promoting student welfare.

The predicted salary is between 47000 - 65000 £ per year.

About the School - NBH Canonbury: NBH Canonbury Senior School & Sixth Form serves children aged 11-18 years. As Islington’s first independent Senior School & Sixth Form, and judged ‘excellent’ by ISI, we create a dynamic learning environment in which all children, regardless of where their strengths may lie, can discover their individual path to academic success. Our students achieve outcomes way beyond starting point expectations, thriving on our personalised approach to teaching and learning within a small, close-knit school environment. Surrounded by and built on centuries-old heritage in leafy Canonbury Square, Islington, our school provides the ultimate backdrop against which young people find their True North, rigorously prepared to pursue their talents at university and in the world of work. With a wide range of enrichment opportunities that complement our academic provision, all of our students will leave NBH Canonbury well-rounded and highly qualified. With specialist teachers from highly successful academic backgrounds, we will help our students to achieve the high aspirations we have for them.

About Cognita: Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 90 schools in 21 countries – in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East – serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools is proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, “Thrive in a rapidly evolving world”. At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world, wherever they’re starting from. And each and every one of our schools is unique too. We protect what’s special about them, while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. They get to be part of something bigger. We open their classrooms to the collective wisdom of 90 schools in 21 countries, ensuring every child gets an education that’s, quite literally, world class. It’s an individual approach that empowers every school, teacher and student to focus on what they do best and thrive.

About the Role: To contribute to raising standards of student achievement by teaching lessons and supporting the subject leaders. Further, to support the academic teaching and pastoral functions across the school. In a typical day, you may be:

  • Delivering high‑quality lessons that support the development of knowledge and understanding of students
  • Supporting subject leaders in ensuring high‑quality lesson plans and schemes of work that engage and enrich students’ learning
  • Reporting on internal and external assessments to help determine students’ progress and attainment
  • Working with the Head of Year to support and deliver high‑quality pastoral care to students
  • Supporting the faculty and whole school development priorities
  • Undertaking appropriate supervision before school, at break, after school and at lunch time as per the whole school duty rota
  • Attending and engaging with continuous professional development sessions with key stakeholders to support the development of the best possible quality of teaching and learning

Who We Are Looking For: The ideal candidate would have:

  • A good undergraduate degree in their teaching subject
  • Commitment and passion for teaching
  • Good communication and organisation skills
  • Effective management of student behaviour
  • Digital competence to utilise technology essential in lesson delivery

Benefits at Cognita:

  • Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
  • Enrolment in Teachers' Pension Scheme
  • Free lunch provided during Term Time
  • School holidays and public holidays
  • School fee discount
  • Exclusive third‑party discounts
  • Ongoing professional development

How to Apply: Complete this application before the closing date: Sunday 19th April 2026. Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex‑Offenders is included within the Application Guidance. We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background. Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.

Assistant Headteacher– Curriculum, Innovation & Futures employer: Cognita Schools

Cognita is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment at NBH Canonbury, where educators can thrive alongside motivated students in a stunning London setting. With a commitment to professional development, competitive salaries, and a strong focus on individual growth, Cognita empowers its staff to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young learners while enjoying a rich array of benefits, including school fee discounts and free lunches during term time.
Cognita Schools

Contact Detail:

Cognita Schools Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Headteacher– Curriculum, Innovation & Futures

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at NBH Canonbury through LinkedIn or other platforms. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the school culture and what they really value in candidates.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching the school's ethos and values. We want to show that we align with their mission of nurturing individual strengths and fostering academic success. Tailor our responses to reflect this!

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or colleagues. This will help us articulate our teaching philosophy and how we can contribute to raising student achievement at NBH Canonbury.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the Cognita community and contributing to their unique educational environment.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Headteacher– Curriculum, Innovation & Futures

Teaching Skills
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Student Behaviour Management
Digital Competence
Lesson Planning
Assessment Reporting
Pastoral Care
Collaboration with Subject Leaders
Continuous Professional Development
Adaptability
Commitment to Student Achievement
Engagement in Enrichment Opportunities

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for education shine through! We want to see how committed you are to helping students thrive and achieve their best. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role of Assistant Headteacher. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with our school's values and mission. This shows us that you understand what we're all about!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured writing that gets straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you the perfect fit for our team.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our school and what we stand for.

How to prepare for a job interview at Cognita Schools

Know the School Inside Out

Before your interview, take some time to research NBH Canonbury thoroughly. Understand its ethos, values, and what makes it unique. Familiarise yourself with their approach to personalised learning and how they support student achievement. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their mission.

Showcase Your Passion for Education

As an Assistant Headteacher, your passion for teaching and learning is crucial. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've inspired students or improved educational outcomes in your previous roles. Highlight any innovative teaching methods you've implemented that resonate with the school's focus on curriculum and innovation.

Prepare for Behaviour Management Scenarios

Effective management of student behaviour is key in this role. Think of scenarios where you've successfully managed challenging situations or fostered a positive classroom environment. Be ready to discuss your strategies and how they align with the school's commitment to high expectations for children's learning.

Engage with Continuous Professional Development

Cognita values ongoing professional development, so be sure to mention any relevant training or workshops you've attended. Discuss how you've applied what you've learned to enhance your teaching practice. This shows that you're committed to growth and ready to contribute to the school's development priorities.

Assistant Headteacher– Curriculum, Innovation & Futures
Cognita Schools

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