Reading Blue Coat School is seeking to appoint an outstanding Senior Deputy Head from September 2027.
Situated on a beautiful 46-acre riverside campus in Sonning, the School educates approximately 890 pupils aged 11 to 18 and combines academic ambition with a strong commitment to character, service, creativity, inclusion and personal development.
This is an excellent moment to join Reading Blue Coat School. The School is thriving academically, pastorally and culturally as it enters a significant new phase in its development. It is completing its transition to full co-education, opening a major new Performing Arts Centre and preparing to introduce a new structure for the School day from September 2027. Rooted in its Christian foundation, the School is a warm and purposeful community shaped by aspiration, compassion, courage, integrity and service.
The Senior Deputy Head will be the Head’s principal deputy and a trusted partner in leadership. Reporting directly to the Head and serving on both the Executive Team and Senior Leadership Team, they will oversee the day-to-day life of the School and help translate its educational vision into consistently excellent practice. The role encompasses educational quality, operational effectiveness, pastoral oversight, safeguarding, compliance, staffing and the experience of pupils, colleagues and families.
The successful candidate will be a thoughtful, confident and strategically minded educational leader with significant senior leadership experience. They will combine intellectual credibility and operational discipline with emotional intelligence, warmth and sound judgement. Visible and approachable, they will build strong relationships across the community, uphold high standards and help the School navigate change while protecting the distinctive ethos and strengths on which its success is built.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon UK time on Monday 9 November 2026.
- Reading Blue Coat School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service.
- This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
- The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure.
- RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon UK time on Monday 9 November 2026
Preliminary interviews with RSAcademics will take place via MS Teams on Wednesday 11, Thursday 12 and Friday 13 November 2026
Long List interviews will take place at the School during the week commencing 23 November 2026
Final interviews will take place at the School during the week commencing 7 December 2026
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Senior Deputy Head – Reading Blue Coat School employer: RS Academics Ltd.
Queen Anne’s School is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing environment where educational leaders can thrive and make a meaningful impact on the lives of young girls. With a strong commitment to academic excellence and personal growth, the school fosters a collaborative culture that values each individual's contributions while providing ample opportunities for professional development. Set in a beautiful 35-acre campus in Caversham, Berkshire, the school not only boasts impressive facilities but also a close-knit community that supports both staff and students in their journey towards success.
