At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead academic standards and inspire excellence in teaching and learning.
- Company: St Benedict’s School, a vibrant independent Catholic school in Ealing.
- Benefits: Join a supportive community with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while embracing innovation and tradition.
- Qualifications: Experience in educational leadership and a passion for academic excellence.
- Other info: Be part of a thriving school community from Nursery to Sixth Form.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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 and 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.
St Benedict’s School, Ealing – Deputy Head Academic employer: RSAcademics Ltd
Contact Detail:
RSAcademics Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land St Benedict’s School, Ealing – Deputy Head Academic
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school’s ethos and values inside out. When you’re chatting with the consultants or during interviews, weave in how your vision aligns with St Benedict’s commitment to academic excellence and community spirit.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your innovative side! Talk about any past experiences where you’ve successfully integrated new technologies into teaching. This is a big deal for the Deputy Head Academic role, so let your creativity shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some thoughtful questions for your conversations with RSAcademics. This shows you’re genuinely interested and engaged. Ask about their vision for the future of the school and how you can contribute to that journey.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it keeps everything organised and straightforward for both you and the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace St Benedict’s School, Ealing – Deputy Head Academic
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Covering Letter: Make sure your covering letter is personalised and speaks directly to the ethos of St Benedict’s. Highlight your passion for education and how your values align with the school's mission.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Deputy Head Academic, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Use your application to share specific examples of how you've successfully led initiatives or improved academic standards in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure that your responses are easy to read, showcasing your communication skills effectively.
Submit Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website by clicking 'Apply Now'. This ensures your application is received correctly and allows us to process it efficiently. Don’t forget to double-check your documents before uploading!
How to prepare for a job interview at RSAcademics Ltd
✨Understand the School's Ethos
Before your interview, take some time to really understand the values and ethos of St Benedict’s School. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to academic excellence and the Benedictine values they uphold. This will help you align your responses with what they are looking for in a Deputy Head Academic.
✨Showcase Your Vision
Prepare to articulate your vision for academic standards and teaching quality. Think about how you can embed a culture of scholarly ambition and intellectual curiosity. Be ready to discuss specific initiatives you've led in the past that demonstrate your ability to drive academic success.
✨Emphasise Innovation in Education
Given the school's focus on AI and digital innovation, be prepared to discuss how you would integrate new technologies into the curriculum. Share examples of how you've successfully implemented tech-driven solutions in previous roles, ensuring they align with ethical practices and enhance learning.
✨Engage with the Community Aspect
St Benedict’s prides itself on being a community-focused school. Be ready to talk about how you would work with families and foster partnerships within the school community. Highlight any experience you have in building relationships and creating inclusive environments that support every pupil's journey.