At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire staff while ensuring a nurturing environment for students to thrive.
- Company: The Queen’s School, Cheshire’s top independent school for girls aged 3 to 18.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, pension scheme, discounted fees, and supportive community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and champion excellence in education.
- Qualifications: Experience in educational leadership and a passion for student development.
- Other info: Join a tight-knit team dedicated to exceptional outcomes and personal growth.
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 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 or contact Mrs Joanne Keville, Head, 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 in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at The Queen’s School on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give us insider info and might just put your name on the radar.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school's values and recent achievements. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role, but also in how we can contribute to the school's mission of helping each girl ignite her potential.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. This will help us articulate our experiences and skills confidently, making sure we shine when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows that we’re genuinely interested in the position. Plus, it keeps us on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head - Lower School in London
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 role. We’re looking for leaders who can motivate staff and support pupils, so be specific about how your background prepares you for this challenge.
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 for our team!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials correctly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining us at The Queen’s School.
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 Experience
As a Deputy Head, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership skills. Prepare specific 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.
✨Emphasise Values and Well-being
The Queen’s School prioritises a positive and secure environment for its pupils. Be ready to discuss how you would champion this ethos. Share your ideas on promoting well-being and inclusivity within the school, as this aligns with their commitment to safeguarding and supporting every student.