At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead academic initiatives and inspire a collaborative learning environment.
- Company: Thomas’s College, a new innovative school in Richmond.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time permanent role, and supportive community.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to student success and well-being.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education with a fresh approach and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in academics and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Thomas’s College is a brand-new selective co-educational day and weekly boarding school for students from 11 to 18. Our school sits on a five-acre campus at the top of Richmond Hill, 15 minutes’ walk from Richmond Station, with surrounding buildings and a central garden. We offer a family atmosphere combined with an entrepreneurial start-up mindset, aiming to support students’ success, happiness and values for life. For staff, we seek an experience to treasure throughout their careers. We aim to provide a new approach to London independent education, combining traditional excellence with radical innovation. We teach psychology to all students, offer alternative qualifications alongside GCSE and A Level, and have introduced a three-year Sixth Form as part of our evolving student journey.
Thomas’s College is seeking a dedicated and inspiring Head of Academics to join our dynamic and forward-thinking school. This is a great opportunity for an innovative academic leader to join our collaborative community. We are looking for someone who can quickly generate vision, confidence and respect and who is capable of fostering highly positive working relationships with children, parents and colleagues.
Closing Date: 7 June 2026 at midday. Applications will be considered upon receipt, so early application is encouraged. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
First round interviews: week commencing 15 June 2026.
Second round interviews: week commencing 22 June 2026.
Start Date: September 2026 or January 2027.
Salary: Competitive salary and conditions are offered.
Contract: Full Time, Permanent.
Location: Thomas’s College, Richmond.
How to Apply: Thomas’s will only accept applications from candidates completing the relevant Application Form in full. Please note that, given the large number of applications we receive for each post, only longlisted applicants will be contacted. For further details please go to the Thomas’s London Day Schools website.
Safeguarding: Thomas’s London Day Schools are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment and work in accordance with our child protection policies and procedures. All posts are subject to screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the DBS service. The school will undertake online searches on shortlisted applicants and may require applicants to provide details of their online profile, including social media accounts. For details of the checks which will be undertaken as part of our recruitment process, please see our Safer Recruitment Policy.
Equal Opportunities: As an equal opportunities employer, Thomas’s is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity or marriage and civil partnership. Thomas’s aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workspace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join the Group.
Head of Academics in London employer: The Independent Schools Council
Thomas’s College offers a unique and enriching work environment where academic leaders can thrive in a supportive, family-oriented atmosphere. Located on the picturesque Richmond Hill, our school combines traditional educational excellence with innovative practices, providing staff with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking community dedicated to shaping the future of education while enjoying competitive salary packages and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Contact Details:
The Independent Schools Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Academics in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education, attend relevant events, and engage with online communities. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Head of Academics role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Thomas’s College thoroughly, understand their ethos, and think about how your vision aligns with theirs. Practise common interview questions and be ready to showcase your innovative ideas.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share examples of how you've fostered positive relationships in previous roles. Highlight your ability to inspire confidence and respect among students, parents, and colleagues.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, early applications are encouraged, so get your materials in as soon as possible to stand out from the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Academics in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us:Before you start your application, take a moment to explore our website and get a feel for what we’re all about. Understanding our values and mission will help you tailor your application to show how you fit into our vibrant community.
Be Authentic:When filling out the application form, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences and insights that make you a great fit for the Head of Academics role.
Show Your Vision:As an innovative academic leader, it’s crucial to articulate your vision for education clearly. Use your application to outline your ideas on fostering positive relationships and driving academic success in our school environment.
Apply Early:Don’t wait until the last minute! We encourage early applications as we review them on a rolling basis. Plus, applying early gives you a better chance to stand out in a competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council
✨Know the School's Vision
Before your interview, dive deep into Thomas’s College's mission and values. Understand their approach to education, especially their blend of traditional excellence and innovation. This will help you align your vision as a Head of Academics with theirs, showing that you're not just a fit for the role but also passionate about their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership philosophy and how it fosters positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues. Think of specific examples where you've successfully built a collaborative environment or implemented innovative academic strategies. This will demonstrate your capability to inspire and lead in a dynamic setting.
✨Engage with Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your interest in the school's culture and future. Ask about their plans for integrating alternative qualifications or how they envision the three-year Sixth Form evolving. This shows you're not only interested in the position but also invested in the school's development.
✨Be Ready for Safeguarding Discussions
Given the importance of safeguarding in education, be prepared to discuss your understanding of child protection policies and how you would implement them in your role. Highlight any relevant experience you have in this area, as it will reassure the interviewers of your commitment to student welfare.
