At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead co-curricular activities and partnerships to enrich student experiences.
- Company: Sydenham & Dulwich Girls School, part of the GDST network.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, generous pension, and discounts for children’s fees.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking school dedicated to empowering young women.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' holistic development and community engagement.
- Qualifications: Experience in education and a passion for enriching student lives.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 131056 £ per year.
This is a senior role with strategic and operational responsibility for the school’s academic and co-curricular enrichment provision, educational visits, and outward-facing partnerships. The postholder will ensure that enrichment at SDG is purposeful, inclusive, ambitious and central to pupils’ intellectual, personal and moral development. You will have a particular focus on broadening participation for all in areas that reach beyond the curriculum, having the potential to make an enormous impact in this aspect of our educational offer.
You will be given autonomy and ownership of this pivotal area of pupils’ development, ensuring dynamic cross-curricular opportunities across the Senior School including driving forward our highly valued eco commitment. Creativity flows through our school and we are keen to enhance enrichment with fresh and innovative ideas, supporting our inclusive approach to educating pupils to be real‑world ready through the holistic development of the requisite human skills, alongside an outstanding academic foundation, to prepare them for a happy, confident future.
As Assistant Head you will also further develop links within our local community and strengthen our House system, including charitable activity. September and January start dates will be considered.
Why Sydenham & Dulwich Girls School Established in 1887, SDG is an independent day school for girls aged 4‑18 with over 700 pupils. The school is part of the Girls' Day School Trust, the leading and largest group of independent girls' schools in the UK. The GDST is at the forefront of education for girls and has a strong voice in promoting opportunities for young women. Sydenham & Dulwich Girls is a selective school with a mission to ensure that every girl reaches her full academic potential.
Our rich and diverse curriculum, with a full range of subjects as well as excellent enrichment provision outside of lessons, enables our students to develop the skills and personal attributes to prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of an ever‑changing society. We are ambitious and forward thinking, looking to ensure our school continues to offer an outstanding education to our young people as well as the very best in pastoral care. Tolerance and mutual respect are a cornerstone of our ethos alongside an education which delivers a contemporary, innovative understanding of what it means to educate the ‘whole child’.
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package and a strong professional development programme. These benefits include:
- Competitive salaries and pay progression
- Access to extensive professional development opportunities
- Training grants for qualifications
- Generous pension schemes
- Free school lunches
- Financial guidance and support
- Retail and lifestyle discounts
- A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
To apply, please submit your CV, application form and a cover letter addressed to the Head stating your reasons for applying. Applications should be received by 9am on Friday 29 May 2026. We reserve the right to interview at any point during the recruitment process so early applications are encouraged.
For more details please contact hr@syd.gdst.net or the School Office on 0208 557 7000. References for candidates invited to interview will be taken before the interview. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals. To be eligible for employment, candidates must provide proof of their right to work in the UK. The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included. GDST are committed to the safeguarding of and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection checks appropriate to the post, including online searches, and checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Assistant Head Co-Curricular & Partnerships employer: The Independent Schools Council
Sydenham & Dulwich Girls School is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises the holistic development of both students and staff. With a strong commitment to professional growth, competitive salaries, and a range of benefits including generous pension schemes and discounts for children at GDST schools, this role provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young women. Located in a supportive community, you will have the autonomy to drive innovative co-curricular initiatives that enrich the educational experience and prepare pupils for a confident future.
Contact Details:
The Independent Schools Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Head Co-Curricular & Partnerships
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Sydenham & Dulwich Girls School. A friendly chat can give us insider info on the school culture and what they really value in candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to interview, come prepared with fresh ideas for co-curricular activities. We want to see how you can make a real impact on pupils’ development.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss partnerships! Think about how you can strengthen links within the local community. We love candidates who can bring innovative ideas to enhance our outreach and charitable activities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at SDG.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Head Co-Curricular & Partnerships
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how much you care about enriching students' lives and making a difference in their education.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the job description. Highlight your relevant experience in co-curricular activities and partnerships, and don’t forget to mention any innovative ideas you have for enhancing our school’s offerings!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Be specific about your motivations for applying and how your values align with our mission at Sydenham & Dulwich Girls School.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We encourage early applications as we may start interviewing before the deadline. Head over to our website to get your application in!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of Assistant Head Co-Curricular & Partnerships. Familiarise yourself with the school's ethos, its commitment to holistic education, and how co-curricular activities can enhance pupils' development. This will help you articulate your vision for the role.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Since creativity is a key aspect of this position, come prepared with innovative ideas for co-curricular programmes and partnerships. Think about how you can broaden participation and make enrichment activities more inclusive. Presenting fresh concepts will demonstrate your proactive approach.
✨Connect with the Community
Highlight your experience in building partnerships within the local community. Be ready to discuss how you can strengthen the House system and engage in charitable activities. Showing that you value community links will resonate well with the school's mission.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have some insightful questions ready. Ask about the school's future plans for co-curricular activities or how they measure the impact of these programmes on students. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the school’s vision.
