Assistant Headteacher in Surrey

The Kingston Academy has an exciting opportunity for an experienced individual to undertake the role of Assistant Headteacher. Our new Assistant Headteacher will play a pivotal role in strengthening and extending the impact of The Kingston Academy’s already strong leadership team. This is a strategic leadership position designed to inject additional capacity at senior level, enabling the school to accelerate improvement across both pastoral and academic priorities and to continue securing exceptional outcomes for all pupils.

The post holder will be expected to lead on a number of key strategic areas, working collaboratively with senior leaders to shape whole-school direction, drive high standards, and ensure that our provision remains ambitious, inclusive, and relentlessly focused on pupils’ learning and wellbeing. With responsibility for line-managing staff, they will build leadership capacity across teams, establish clear expectations, and support colleagues through purposeful coaching, professional development, and robust accountability. The successful applicant will be expected to uphold our high standards of academic and pastoral support, including for SEND and disadvantaged pupils.

As this is a general Assistant Headteacher post, the precise portfolio will be determined upon appointment, reflecting the strengths and expertise of the successful candidate and the evolving needs of the school. The successful candidate will be an experienced middle leader, with at least five years of leadership experience in their area(s) of expertise, and will bring the credibility, strategic insight, and operational effectiveness required to lead sustained improvement at scale. They will be a visible and trusted leader who combines warmth with high expectations, communicates with clarity, and leads with integrity in service of excellent outcomes for every pupil.

The Kingston Academy is a high-performing, inclusive secondary school founded in 2015. Today we educate over 1,400 pupils from Year 7 through to Sixth Form and are proud to serve our diverse and vibrant community. In 2025, we were recognised as one of the Top 10 best non-selective state schools in the UK based on GCSE outcomes, reflecting our strong culture of aspiration, exceptional teaching, and commitment to every child’s success. The school was also named among the Top 50 happiest schools in the UK in Ofsted’s official wellbeing survey — a testament to the positive relationships, high standards of behaviour and supportive environment that underpin our ethos.

We are proudly inclusive, with a specialist resource provision (SRP) for pupils whose primary need is Autism Spectrum Condition, ensuring that all young people are able to learn, thrive and belong. Our commitment extends not only to pupils but also to the people who work with them every day. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and sustaining an expert workforce through high-quality talent development, ensuring that our staff are skilled, motivated and well supported. By investing in professional learning, coaching, wellbeing and leadership pathways, we ensure that our teachers can flourish — and that our students benefit from consistently excellent teaching.

We invite applications from candidates with the following attributes for this role:

• Experience of the role of an Assistant Headteacher in current or previous role or having had relevant experience of leading areas within education;
• A proven track record of leadership and management;
• Passionate about making a difference to the lives of children;
• Is resilient, reflective and solution focused.

Benefits of working at The Kingston Academy:

• Generous pay-scales, regularly paying 1% higher than National teacher Pay Scales;
• 2-week October Half Term break;
• Access to subsidised Cycle to Work scheme;
• Weekly Professional Development sessions at whole-school and departmental level;
• Professional support sessions for ECTs;
• Staff Laptop or Chromebook;
• Support with access to NPQH/NPQML/NPQSL qualifications;
• Subsidised study at Kingston University at Masters and Doctorate Level;
• Flexible working arrangements may be considered on request;
• Access to the Employees Assistance Programme, subsidised eye test and flu vaccinations;
• Work in a vibrant, supportive school environment where staff wellbeing is prioritised.

More details on the job description and person specification are provided in the candidate information pack.

Our selection procedure will aim to identify with rigour whether the candidate fulfils the requirements of the post and will include the consideration of the candidate’s suitability to work with children and young people. The process will include:

• Designated activities with the SLT
• Lesson Observation
• Pupil and Staff Panels
• Presentation and interview with Head Teacher, Senior Staff and Trustees

Early applications are welcome, and we reserve the right to appoint before the closing date if we find a suitable candidate.

Closing Date for Applications: Sunday 22nd February 2026

Interview Date: To be confirmed

The Kingston Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks (with a barred list check for regulated activity), checks with past employers and eligibility to work in the UK. Identity and qualification documents will be checked prior to any offer being made.

At The Kingston Academy, we believe that diversity enriches our school community and enhances the educational experience for all. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that respects and celebrates the unique background, perspectives, and talents of our staff and students. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and are dedicated to providing equal opportunities for everyone. Join us in fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion where every individual is valued and empowered to thrive.

We look forward to receiving your application.