Senior Deputy Head

Woldingham seeks an outstanding Senior Deputy Head to take up a new and important role, co-ordinating the development of all aspects of the educational provision of the School. Reporting to the Head, the Senior Deputy Head will lead the School’s academic management team and will also line manage a talented group of Deputy and Assistant Heads. They will deputise for the Head when required. The successful candidate will combine a track record of highly successful school leadership experience with strong academic and emotional intelligence. They will have the ability to work collaboratively in such a way as to inspire students, staff and parents, as well as command their respect. They will be ready for the next step of their school leadership career and will most likely aspire to headship in due course. We warmly invite applications from candidates who are ambitious to share their experience and enthusiasm for education, whatever their background. Woldingham is a Roman Catholic School, therefore it is desirable that the postholder is Roman Catholic or, at least, has a sympathy with the School’s Catholic ethos and values.

A competitive package, reflecting the seniority of the role and experience of the candidate is available. Potential applicants who would like to find out more about this exceptional opportunity are invited to contact one of the RSAcademics team working on this project for a confidential conversation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the School’s academic management team.
• Line manage Deputy and Assistant Heads.
• Deputise for the Head when required.

Qualifications and Experience

• Track record of highly successful school leadership experience.
• Strong academic and emotional intelligence.
• Ability to work collaboratively and inspire students, staff and parents.
• Aspiration to headship in due course.
• Preference for Roman Catholic or sympathy with the School’s Catholic ethos.

Application Process

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 and a covering letter addressed to Mrs Sue Baillie, Head. The letter should explain your reasons for applying. Applications are due by Thursday 22 January 2026 at 10:00am (UK time).

To contact further information, you may email Jonathan Barnes, Head of Operations (Leadership Appointments) at applications@rsacademics.com or call +44 (0) 204 6269 791. RSAcademics’ offices are closed from lunchtime on Christmas Eve until 9:00am on Friday 2nd January.

Interview Schedule

Preliminary interviews will take place with RSAcademics via MS Teams on Wednesday 28 & Thursday 29 January 2026. Long List interviews will take place at Woldingham School on Monday 2 & Tuesday 3 February 2026. Short List interviews will take place at Woldingham School on Tuesday 10 February 2026.

Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding

We understand the need for confidentiality and all discussions and interviews will be handled with very careful regard to this. The school is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion, ensuring that our staff body reflects the diversity of our students and the local community. The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and the receipt of two satisfactory references, including one from your current employer. 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.