Assistant Head (Academic)

Assistant Head (Academic)

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead teaching and learning, ensuring high-quality education for all pupils.
  • Company: Join a dynamic school committed to excellence and inclusivity.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, free lunches, and professional development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives and shape the future of education.
  • Qualifications: Experience in education leadership and a passion for student achievement.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career growth and support.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

The Assistant Head (Academic) will work closely with the Heads and Deputy Head to maintain and further develop a first-rate education for all pupils. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the postholder will contribute strategically to school development and improvement, ensuring the school's ethos and aims are fully embedded within the curriculum and wider school life. The postholder will lead teaching and learning across the school, managing a large team of professionals to secure consistently high-quality classroom practice and strong pupil outcomes. They will identify strengths and areas for development within the curriculum, research and champion new initiatives to enhance pupil achievement and enrich learning, and ensure that academic policies are well designed, implemented effectively and reviewed using evidence-informed practice.

Responsibilities

  • Support staff appraisal, performance management, recruitment and induction, including the line management of selected Heads of Subject and Department.
  • Act as a key link between academic and non-academic staff alongside the Deputy Head and Assistant Head (Pastoral), promoting collaboration and shared purpose.
  • Assist the Heads and Deputy Head in the smooth operation of daily and weekly routines, contributing to the effective running of the school and leading by example.
  • Support planning and delivery of INSET and twilight sessions; contribute to staff meetings; advise on appropriate CPD and evaluate its impact on teaching and learning.
  • Provide visible, inspirational leadership to pupils, parents and colleagues and participate in SLT meetings, training and collective decision-making.

Benefits

The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary, commensurate with experience and in recognition of the seniority of the post. You will join a highly supportive and dynamic working community, with outstanding opportunities for professional development, and where collaboration across all parts of the school is the norm. Benefits include automatic enrolment in the Aviva Pension Trust for Independent Schools (APTIS), free lunch and other refreshments during term time, cycle to work scheme, an excellent CPD program, social events for staff and staff fitness classes, held at the school during term time.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete the application via the TES ATS. You should also include a covering letter detailing your experience and suitability for the role. This is a full-time and permanent position. Closing date: 9am, Wednesday, 25th February 2026. Interviews to commence: Monday, 2nd/9th March 2026.

Supporting Information

Garden House School is fully committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusivity in its recruitment of teaching and support staff. Garden House School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children; applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening and pre-employment checks as relevant to the role. Checks include: references from past employers (requested for shortlisted candidates), the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) including a barred list check, prohibition from teaching and/or management or governance checks, identity checks, right to work checks, social media checks, overseas checks, verification of qualifications and/or professional status, and fitness to work checks. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

Support for Applicants

If you have any support requirements that require adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know in advance so that any support, aids or adaptions can be put in place to assist you. Examples include extra time, a wheelchair accessible interview room, or alternative formats for written tasks.

Assistant Head (Academic) employer: Garden House School

Garden House School is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and collaborative work environment where professional development is prioritised. As part of the Senior Leadership Team, you will have the opportunity to lead and inspire a dedicated team, while enjoying benefits such as a competitive salary, comprehensive CPD programmes, and a supportive community that values inclusivity and staff well-being.
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Contact Detail:

Garden House School Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Head (Academic)

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. The more people who know you’re on the job hunt, the better your chances of landing that Assistant Head role.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews by researching the school’s ethos and recent initiatives. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and ready to contribute to their academic excellence.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you’ve led teams, improved teaching practices, or implemented successful initiatives. This will help you stand out as a strong candidate who can inspire others.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Head (Academic)

Leadership Skills
Curriculum Development
Performance Management
Team Management
Collaboration
Strategic Planning
Evidence-Informed Practice
Staff Development
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability
Inspirational Leadership
Organisational Skills
Child Protection Awareness

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for education shine through! We want to see how much you care about making a difference in pupils' lives and how you can contribute to our school's ethos.

Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure your cover letter is specific to the Assistant Head (Academic) role. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with our goals. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their skills with what we’re looking for!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for our team!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via the TES ATS as mentioned in the job description. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at Garden House School

✨Know Your Curriculum Inside Out

As an Assistant Head (Academic), you'll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of the curriculum and how it aligns with the school's ethos. Brush up on the latest educational trends and be ready to discuss how you can enhance pupil achievement through innovative teaching strategies.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare to talk about your leadership approach and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Think of specific examples where you've inspired staff or improved classroom practices, as this will resonate well with the interviewers looking for visible, inspirational leadership.

✨Be Ready to Discuss Professional Development

Since the role involves supporting CPD and evaluating its impact, come prepared with ideas on how you would implement effective professional development initiatives. Share any experiences where you've led training sessions or workshops that resulted in measurable improvements in teaching and learning.

✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication

Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with both academic and non-academic staff. Be ready to provide examples of how you've fostered teamwork and shared purpose in previous roles, as this is crucial for maintaining a cohesive school environment.

Assistant Head (Academic)
Garden House School
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