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- Tasks: Lead academic strategy and inspire excellence in teaching and learning.
- Company: Cranleigh Prep, a top UK prep school with a commitment to academic success.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive community.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education and make a real impact on young learners.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in academic management and a passion for teaching.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to safeguarding and promoting student welfare.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Shape the future of academic excellence at one of the UK’s leading prep schools. Cranleigh Prep is seeking an inspiring and visionary Deputy Head (Academic) to lead our teaching, learning, and curriculum strategy. This is a pivotal senior leadership role designed for an ambitious educator who balances a passion for evidence-informed pedagogy with the operational expertise to manage a high-performing academic environment.
As Deputy Head (Academic), you will be the driving force behind a curriculum that is ambitious, coherent, and forward-thinking. Reporting directly to the Head of Cranleigh Prep, you will ensure every pupil—from those requiring learning support to our most able—is challenged and prepared for a seamless transition to senior education and beyond.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement the Academic Development Plan, using research-driven data to enhance pedagogy and pupil outcomes.
- Academic Operations: Oversee the school timetable, assessment cycles (including ISEB), and the robust use of MIS (iSAMS).
- Staff Development: Lead CPD and INSET programmes, mentor Heads of Department, and nurture leadership potential across the academic staff.
- Quality Assurance: Drive a culture of excellence through lesson observations, work scrutiny, and pupil voice initiatives.
- Digital Innovation: Spearhead the strategic development of digital learning and the school’s VLE.
- Teaching: Maintain a visible presence in the classroom with a teaching load of approximately 50%. Please make your specialism(s) clear in your application.
About You
You are a collaborative leader with a proven track record of academic management. You possess the emotional intelligence to lead a talented staff body and the analytical skills to translate data into actionable school improvements. Whether you are an experienced Deputy or a high-achieving Head of Department looking for the next step, you will be committed to the holistic values and rigorous standards of the Cranleigh community.
Apply Now
Candidates are requested to submit a brief letter of application (no more than one side of A4), together with the online application and supported by a full CV (via the ‘Apply now’ button on the website) as soon as possible and no later than 9:00 am Thursday 29th January 2026. Applications are considered as they are received and therefore the vacancy may close sooner than advertised. Interviews will be held on Thursday 5th and Friday 6th February 2026.
Cranleigh School recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. The 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 holder will be subject to a DBS check.
Deputy Head in Cranleigh employer: Cranleigh School
Contact Detail:
Cranleigh School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head in Cranleigh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, attend relevant events, and engage with online communities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities at schools like Cranleigh Prep.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Tailor your responses to show how your vision aligns with their goals. Remember, they want to see your passion for academic excellence and how you can contribute to their community.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during the interview. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've driven academic improvements or supported staff development. This is your chance to shine as a collaborative leader!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Cranleigh Prep team and shaping the future of education.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head in Cranleigh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure it reflects your passion for education and outlines how your experience aligns with the role. Keep it concise, ideally one side of A4, and don’t forget to mention your specialism.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Deputy Head (Academic), we want to see your leadership style in action. Highlight specific examples where you've led teams or initiatives that improved teaching and learning outcomes. This will show us you’re ready for this pivotal role!
Tailor Your CV: Your CV should be a tailored fit for this role. Focus on relevant experiences that demonstrate your academic management skills and your ability to drive curriculum development. Remember, we love data-driven results, so include those where possible!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website using the ‘Apply now’ button! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered as soon as possible. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cranleigh School
✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out
As a Deputy Head (Academic), you'll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of the curriculum. Familiarise yourself with Cranleigh Prep's current academic strategies and be ready to discuss how you can enhance them using evidence-informed pedagogy.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to articulate your leadership philosophy and how it aligns with the school's values. Think about examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or initiatives, especially in staff development and mentoring.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role involves using research-driven data to improve pupil outcomes, come prepared with examples of how you've used data in previous roles. Discuss specific metrics you've improved and how you plan to implement similar strategies at Cranleigh Prep.
✨Engage with Digital Innovation
With a focus on digital learning, be ready to discuss your experience with technology in education. Share ideas on how you can spearhead the strategic development of digital tools and the school's VLE to enhance teaching and learning.
