Deputy Head Academic

RSAcademics is delighted to assist the Head in appointing a Deputy Head Academic to succeed Fiona Allen who is retiring from the school after a decade’s extremely successful tenure. For September 2026, St Benedict’s School is proud to offer an education that blends tradition with innovation, rooted in Benedictine values while preparing pupils for the future. As a leading independent co‑educational Catholic school situated in leafy Ealing, West London, St Benedict’s offers the distinct advantage of a seamless education from Nursery through to Sixth Form, within one supportive, values‑driven community. With a roll of 1150 pupils, the school is thriving.

The Deputy Head Academic is a senior leader with overall responsibility for academic standards, outcomes and the quality of teaching and learning across the Senior School. The post-holder will shape and deliver an ambitious academic vision that is faithful to the ethos of St Benedict’s, ensuring that every pupil is known, supported and challenged to achieve personal excellence.

A defining priority of this role is the strategic oversight of academic stretch and challenge across the Senior School — embedding a culture where scholarly ambition, intellectual curiosity and high expectations are consistent features of everyday classroom practice, curriculum design, assessment and academic enrichment.

The Deputy Head Academic will also lead the school’s pioneering work in AI and digital innovation, ensuring that new technologies enhance learning and teacher effectiveness in a way that is ethical, well‑governed, workload‑conscious, and aligned with the school’s values and safeguarding responsibilities.

St Benedict’s is more than just a school; it is a community. Inclusive and welcoming, working in partnership with families, and its pupils benefit from the unique opportunities of being part of a through school from Nursery to Sixth Form.

If you are a dynamic and observant individual, who enjoys generating and executing initiatives, can remain calm and optimistic in the ever surprising world of schools, you are encouraged to have an initial confidential conversation with the search consultants handling this appointment.

Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange a confidential discussion with one of the consultants handling this appointment. The deadline for receipt of applications is 10.00am on Thursday 26th February 2026. Applications should be made electronically to RSAcademics. To submit your application, please click on “Apply Now” and upload your documents according to the instructions provided. You should submit the following (both in PDF format):

• a completed application form
• a covering letter addressed to Mr Joe Smith, Headmaster. The letter should explain your reasons for applying.

If you have any questions about uploading your application documents, please contact Jonathan Barnes, Head of Operations (Leadership Appointments) at: applications@rsacademics.com. Jonathan can also be reached by calling our Head Office on +44 (0) 204 6269 791.

N.B. Safer recruitment checks will be made at all stages in the recruitment process. St Benedict’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and 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 deadline for receipt of applications is 10.00am UK time on Thursday 26th February 2026. Preliminary interviews will take place with RSAcademics on Monday 2nd, Tuesday 3rd or Wednesday 4th March via Teams. Long List interviews with a panel will take place at the School on either Tuesday 10th, Wednesday 11th or Thursday 12th March. Short List interviews will take place at the School on Monday 23rd or Tuesday 24th March.