At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead academic initiatives and support teaching excellence in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: St Margaret's School for Girls, a forward-thinking independent school.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical insurance, and fee remission for staff's daughters.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while making a real impact on students' lives.
- Qualifications: Strong academic background and leadership experience in education.
The predicted salary is between 33865 - 41391 £ per year.
Applications are invited for the post of Deputy Head (Academic). This post will offer an exciting leadership opportunity to a dynamic, well-qualified, experienced and forward-looking candidate.
Remuneration and benefits
- Annual salary for this position is £74,154.
- Automatic enrolment into the STPS with the right to opt out with the alternative option of joining the school’s Defined Contribution arrangement.
- Private medical insurance.
- Daughters of staff who attend the school will be eligible for a 30% remission on school fees after a year’s service.
- St Margaret’s has an Employee Assistance Programme which offers free and confidential advice on both work and personal issues.
Application process
- All appointments are subject to receipt of a satisfactory PVG Scheme Record or Scheme Record Update from Disclosure Scotland.
- Closing date for applications: Friday 25th September 2026
- Likely Interview Dates: Thursday 1st October, Friday 2nd October 2026
- Start date: Monday 4th January 2026
Deputy Head (Academic)
The Deputy Head (Academic) will be a member of the Senior Leadership Team, which will also include the Deputy Head (Pastoral) and the Head of Finance and Operations. Reporting to the Head, the Deputy Head (Academic) will focus primarily on matters relating to senior school curriculum, internal and external assessment, and learning and teaching. The specific remit of the successful candidate may vary according to their specific strengths and experience, but is likely to include the following:
- Co-ordinator of Qualifications Scotland arrangements and internal assessment diets.
- Leadership of the subject choice process and development of the annual whole school timetable.
- Daily management of cover requirements.
- Supporting heads of department in their role as leaders of learning and teaching.
- Promoting the sharing of good practice by, among other things, leading in-service training and facilitating collaboration between teachers.
- Leading the ICT group in steering the development of the school’s digital strategy.
- Developing and reviewing school policies relating to the curriculum, assessment, learning and teaching, digital learning and staff professional learning to ensure that they meet the developing needs of pupils and staff.
- Maintaining our strong systems relating to the tracking and analysis of attainment data.
- Making a significant contribution to the school’s quality assurance, self-evaluation and improvement planning processes.
- Contributing to meetings of the School Council with respect to curriculum, assessment, learning and teaching and professional development matters.
- Contributing to activities relating to the marketing and promotion of the school.
- Sharing in Senior Leadership Team cover during weekends and school holidays.
- Deputising for the Head as required.
Person specification
It is likely that the successful candidate will demonstrate evidence of the following skills, qualifications and experience:
- A strong academic record and degree in a relevant academic discipline; registration with the General Teaching Council of Scotland.
- A strong teaching portfolio together with experience as a head of department or existing senior leadership team member in another school.
- An up-to-date knowledge of curriculum, assessment and learning and teaching developments.
- An understanding of the nature of an independent girls’ school and a commitment to meeting the intellectual, personal and social needs of girls of a range of backgrounds and abilities.
- The ability to work with calmness and good cheer when under pressure; to be capable of discussing issues and ideas constructively and sensitively, and of working loyally as part of a team.
- Well-developed communication skills both orally and in writing and the ability to relate well to girls and parents individually, in small groups or in larger gatherings.
- A strong commitment to the professional development and welfare of staff and the ability to lead in-service training when required.
- Well-developed organisational, administrative, time management, numerical and problem-solving skills, with a high degree of digital literacy and an eye for detail.
Teaching commitment
It is expected that the successful candidate will teach approximately 10 periods each week and will contribute to the extra-curricular life of the school.
Deputy Head (Academic) - St Margaret's School for Girls employer: The Independent Schools Council
The Edinburgh Academy Junior School and Nursery is an exceptional employer, fostering a warm and inclusive community where every staff member's contribution is valued. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees benefit from access to training, a generous pension scheme, and a range of employee perks including discounted health insurance and a three-course lunch during term time. This role not only offers meaningful work with young children but also the opportunity to engage in co-curricular activities, making it a rewarding environment for personal and professional growth.
Contact Details:
The Independent Schools Council Recruitment Team
