At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire staff while ensuring a nurturing environment for students to thrive.
- Company: Cheshire’s top independent school for girls, known for excellence in education.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, pension scheme, discounted fees, and supportive community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young girls' lives and help them reach their full potential.
- Qualifications: Experience in educational leadership and a passion for student development.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team with regular social events and small class sizes.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Deputy Head to provide strategic and operational leadership across our Lower School, ensuring a positive, secure and values driven environment helping each girl ignite her potential. The Queen’s School is Cheshire’s leading independent school for girls aged 3 to 18. Recently awarded the highest inspection rating of excellent in all areas, the school consistently achieves outstanding GCSE and A level results, placing it among the top performers nationally.
The successful candidate will lead and motivate staff, champion excellence, and ensure pupils flourish academically, socially, and personally. Queen’s offers a distinctive combination of strong academic ambition, a broad cocurricular programme, and personalised support made possible by our boutique scale. Our tight-knit, high-performing staff community works collaboratively to deliver consistently exceptional outcomes for pupils from preschool through to Year 13.
Remuneration
The salary offered will be attractive and will reflect the responsibilities of the post as well as the experience of the successful candidate.
Benefits
- A strong sense of community
- Supportive colleagues
- The School offers all eligible teaching staff a pension scheme with Legal and General with an employer pension contribution of 15% of pensionable salary
- Death in Service benefit
- Discounted school fees
- Subsidised meals and refreshments available
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to 24/7 online GP and other health and well-being experts
- On site parking if required
- Regular social events
- Small teaching classes
How to Apply
If, having read the candidate brochure, you would like to apply for this post, please complete the application form on the School website together with a covering letter. When writing your letter, you should include:
- Your career pattern to date.
- Your reasons for applying for the post at The Queen’s School.
- The experience and skills which you feel would equip you for this role.
Please submit your completed application form to recruitment@thequeensschool.co.uk by 9.00am on Monday 9 February 2026. Interviews are scheduled for Thursday 12 February 2026.
For further information, you may wish to visit our website www.thequeensschool.co.uk or contact Mrs Joanne Keville, Head (headmistress@thequeensschool.co.uk) for an informal discussion.
Safeguarding, Equality and How to Apply
The Queen’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. The post is also subject to a negative response to an enquiry as to a prohibition order that has been made by the Secretary of State. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. No recruitment agencies please.
Deputy Head - Lower School employer: Independent Schools Association (ISA)
Contact Detail:
Independent Schools Association (ISA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head - Lower School
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at The Queen’s School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just put your application on the top of the pile.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school's values and recent achievements. We want to see how you can contribute to our community, so think about how your leadership style aligns with our mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for education! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've motivated staff and supported students in their academic and personal growth. We love hearing about real-life experiences!
✨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 genuinely interested in being part of our amazing team at The Queen’s School.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head - Lower School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your covering letter, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through. We want to see why you’re excited about joining The Queen’s School and how you can contribute to our vibrant community.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the Deputy Head position. We’re looking for specific examples of how you’ve led teams or improved student outcomes in your previous roles.
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 will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on following our process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Independent Schools Association (ISA)
✨Know Your School
Before the interview, take some time to research The Queen’s School thoroughly. Understand its values, mission, and recent achievements. This will not only help you tailor your responses but also show your genuine interest in the role and the school.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Head, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or implemented a new initiative. Highlight how these experiences align with the school's goals of fostering academic and personal growth.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's culture, staff collaboration, and future initiatives. Engaging with the interviewers shows that you're not just interested in the position, but also in contributing positively to the school community.
✨Reflect on Your Values
The Queen’s School emphasises a values-driven environment. Be ready to discuss your own educational philosophy and how it aligns with the school's values. Reflecting on this will help you articulate why you're the right fit for the role and how you can help ignite each girl's potential.