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- Tasks: Lead staff development and inspire a passion for education in a supportive environment.
- Company: Join JAGS, the oldest independent girls' school in London, known for its inclusive community.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension options, free gym membership, and more perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while working with a dynamic teaching team.
- Qualifications: Passion for education and ability to motivate students across various subjects.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community committed to lifelong learning and positive change.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Permanent, Full Time JAGS Teaching Salary Scale – commensurate with experience
Required from September 2026
Do you have a passion for life and learning? If so, our inspirational teaching team at JAGS is looking for a colleague to join the Senior School Leadership Team as Assistant Head (Staff Development). Your dynamic and creative approach will help encourage and champion our Staff to provide an outstanding educational experience for our students in this, one of the UK’s leading independent schools.
With its distinctive heritage as the oldest independent girls’ school in London, James Allen’s Girls’ School, JAGS, provides a forward-thinking and contemporary education for over 1100 girls aged 4 to 18. Located in the London borough of Southwark, JAGS has a diverse school community and is committed to inclusive recruitment and inclusion in the workplace.
The Assistant Head (Staff Development) will be an inspiring and effective leader, serving as a compelling ambassador for this exceptional school. Working alongside the Deputy Head Academic, you will play a central role in leading the Senior School teaching staff Professional Development programme. You will also articulate and embed the school’s teaching and learning philosophy, ensuring a sustained focus on the power of research-led practice as we further inspire a passion for life and learning in our student body.
The successful candidate will bring their own individuality to this warm and supportive team. You will share our vision and be committed to full and broad educational opportunities for young people. The talent and dedication of our staff team make JAGS an outstanding place to work, and we are committed to providing a stimulating and supportive environment for our staff.
Teamwork plays an important role within our staff body: the staff love to enhance the experience of the students by sharing good practice, resources and innovative ideas. Our GCSE and A Level results are outstanding, as you would expect from this highly selective school. At JAGS, however, we believe there is so much more to education than simply exam results. Our staff believe strongly in enrichment and extension and in all our teaching we aim to build critical thinking, confidence, independence and a love of each subject.
In addition, any prospective candidate must show an active commitment to the values and expectations of our school community and to the welfare of the pupils within it. The enthusiasm to assist in a strong co-curriculum is an important quality of all who work at JAGS.
We offer:
- The opportunity to join our outstanding School where public examination results consistently place JAGS amongst the leading Schools in the UK
- A community of considerate, creative and compassionate students and staff
- A highly diverse and inclusive School community, committed to our bursary provision
- An inspiring and enthusiastic team of colleagues across the teaching and support staff
- Excellent facilities, including the latest resources to support learning
- A diverse benefits package including:
- Competitive salary
- Choice of Teachers’ Pension Scheme or generous alternative defined contribution scheme
- Enhanced sickness, maternity and paternity pay
- Free onsite parking and bicycle storage
- Free gym membership with discounted family rates
- Employee assistance programme
- Free lunches, tea and coffee all year round
- Free access to the Dulwich Picture Gallery
- School fee discount
- Cycle to work scheme
- Interest-free computer loans
- Interest-free transport season ticket loans
What you can offer us:
- A passion for education in its broadest sense
- The ability to teach your specialist subject to highly able Students across KS3, GCSE and A Level
- A talent for motivating and enthusing young learners to achieve their best
- Kindness and open-mindedness
- Intellectual curiosity, enthusiasm and a personal ethos of lifelong learning
- Resilience and optimism; someone who is willing to go the extra mile in the busy life of the School
- Team-working abilities and a keenness to enable all colleagues to contribute ideas and be part of positive change
- Commitment to the well-being and safeguarding of all students and staff
- Commitment to diversity, inclusion and anti-racism in the school community
Our school aims, both in and out of the classroom, are clear:
- To celebrate our diverse and inclusive community
- To champion Social awareness and sustainability
- To empower courage, creativity and compassion in each Student
- To inspire aspirational and authentic lifelong learners and leaders
- To nurture respectful, resilient and kind individuals
If this matches your educational vision, then this is the perfect opportunity for you.
How to apply:
We recognise that celebrating the full diversity of staff and students has a positive impact on all and invite applications from candidates from a broad range of backgrounds. To enable us to make any reasonable adjustments, please let us know when you submit your application whether you have any special requirements. We welcome applications from both early career and experienced teachers from the independent and maintained sectors.
The school operates its own generous and competitive pay scales and will offer a salary commensurate with experience and the nature of this role. If you are interested in joining us, please follow the instructions to complete the online application form via MyNewTerm. Please note that applications must be submitted via MyNewTerm. CVs and covering letters sent via email will not be accepted.
For further information please telephone the Recruitment team on 020 8693 1181.
Closing Date: Midday on Tuesday 03 March 2026
Interview Date: Tuesday 10 March 2026 and Friday 13 March 2026
Interviews may be held at any stage after applications are received. Interested candidates are advised to apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the specified deadline, if a suitable candidate is found.
JAGS is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to this post, including checks with past employers, the Disclosure and Barring Service, and overseas police and regulatory authorities where relevant.
Assistant Head (Staff Development) employer: JAMES ALLENS GIRLS SCHOOL
Contact Detail:
JAMES ALLENS GIRLS SCHOOL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Head (Staff Development)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at JAGS through LinkedIn or alumni groups. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching JAGS' teaching philosophy and recent initiatives. Show us how your vision aligns with ours, and don’t forget to bring your passion for education to the table!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want to see your personality shine through, so be yourself and let your enthusiasm for staff development come across!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview with a thank-you email. It’s a great way to express your appreciation and reiterate your excitement about the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in our minds!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Head (Staff Development)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for education shine through in your application. We want to see how your passion aligns with our vision at JAGS, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific role of Assistant Head (Staff Development). Highlight your relevant experience and how it can contribute to our dynamic team.
Be Authentic: We’re looking for individuality! Share your unique approach to staff development and how you plan to inspire our teaching team. Authenticity goes a long way in making your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, applications must be submitted via MyNewTerm. We won’t accept CVs or cover letters sent by email, so make sure you follow the instructions carefully to ensure your application is considered.
How to prepare for a job interview at JAMES ALLENS GIRLS SCHOOL
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into JAGS' educational philosophy and values. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the importance of staff development. This will help you articulate how your vision aligns with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for education shine through. Share specific examples of how you've motivated and inspired students or colleagues in the past. This role is all about championing staff development, so demonstrate your commitment to lifelong learning.
✨Be a Team Player
Highlight your teamwork skills by discussing how you've collaborated with others to enhance educational experiences. JAGS values a supportive environment, so be ready to share instances where you've contributed to positive change within a team.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready. Ask about the Professional Development programme or how they foster a culture of innovation among staff. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if JAGS is the right fit for you.