Deputy Head Academic in Oundle

To start in September 2026 or January 2027, we are seeking an exceptional Deputy Head Academic who is able to provide strategic academic leadership and contribute to the life of the School as a whole.

The Deputy Head Academic reports to the Head, supported by the Senior Deputy Head, and forms part of the Oundle School Leadership Team. The Leadership Team comprises the Head, Bursar, Senior Deputy Head and the Deputy Heads Academic, Admissions, Co-curricular, Partnerships & Outreach, Pastoral and Safeguarding. All members of the Leadership Team are responsible for promoting the wellbeing of pupils both directly and through delegation to their reports.

The post-holder’s responsibility is to set the strategic academic direction for the School, in conjunction with the Head, and to ensure excellent, innovative standards of teaching and learning are achieved across all academic departments. It requires the ability to grasp the bigger picture and the tiniest detail at the same time, and to command the respect of staff, pupils, parents and Governors. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Deputy Head Academic contributes to the wider operations and strategic planning of the School.

Oundelians are able and curious. They expect to work hard and are encouraged to aim high across the full range of curricular and co-curricular opportunities. They are also decent, grounded young people who deserve the very best from us as their school in preparing them for fulfilling lives. We do not take for granted our strong reputation for excellence in every aspect of the education we offer, within and beyond the classroom, and seek always to improve what we do.

We are fortunate in our location at the heart of a beautiful market town. School and town are part of the same community; our pupils take their place within this community, not isolated from it. The town has a spirited cultural life, with an annual international festival, literature festival, and frequent performances of nationally touring shows at the School’s Stahl Theatre. For those moving into the area, accommodation may be available at a discounted rate to support this transition. Other benefits include a salary commensurate with the seniority of the position and generous fee remission for qualifying children at Oundle School and Laxton Junior School.

If you are excited by this opportunity, complete and return an application form and the supplement to the application form before the closing date. Please note CV submissions cannot be accepted.

Application closing date: Wednesday 15 April 2026, (9am) Interview date: Wednesday 22 April 2026 (first round) and Wednesday 29 April (second round).

Oundle School and Laxton Junior School are proud to be equal opportunity employers and we welcome applications from all. We aim to ensure that all applicants are provided with the same opportunities during the recruitment process, and we endeavour to comply with the duties placed upon us to make reasonable adjustments as prescribed by the Equality Act 2010. Should you need to request a particular adjustment to enable you to participate fully in the recruitment process, please ensure that this is made known to the HR Department.

Both Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

The Corporation of Oundle School has an internal recruitment department, but where agency support is required, we will engage our trusted partners. Our adverts are intended to encourage direct interest from potential applicants, not recruitment agencies. Speculative CVs sent from sources other than directly from a candidate will not be acknowledged or considered.