At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teaching and learning improvements in a dynamic school environment.
- Company: Join a historic and successful co-educational boarding and day school in Cambridge.
- Benefits: Be part of a dedicated team with a strong community focus and excellent career development.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and promotes a caring community.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while making a real impact on students' lives.
- Qualifications: Passion for education, leadership skills, and experience in teaching.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity for a highly-qualified, talented and dynamic leader to join our Senior Management Team from September 2026. The successful candidate will have a passion for improving teaching and learning, and the ability to drive change. You will possess the leadership and communications skills necessary to support and motivate others, and the organisational skills to manage the breadth of work that this role encompasses.
Working with the Deputy Head (Academic), you will play an integral role in shaping the future of teaching and learning in our historic and successful school. Applications are welcome from colleagues across all teaching disciplines. The Leys is an inclusive and inspiring co-educational boarding and day school offering an incredible learning environment and pupil experience in Cambridge. Putting pupils at the heart of everything we do, our shared values create a strong, caring, and cohesive community.
The successful candidate will be joining a dedicated, successful, and welcoming team of teaching and business professionals, committed to working together to combine their skills, experience, and insights to deliver an excellent education to our pupils. This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Before appointment to any role in the school, checks including an Enhanced DBS Check and workplace references will be undertaken in accordance with current statutory guidance. Evidence of eligibility to work in the UK is required. A one-year probationary period will also apply.
The Foundation is committed to fostering an inclusive culture that promotes and values diversity and celebrates the diverse voice of our community.
For further details or an informal conversation about the role, please call 01223 508955 or email [emailprotected]. If you are interested in applying, please submit a completed application form including one page covering letter addressed to The Head, The Recruitment Team, The Leys School, Cambridge, CB2 7AD ([emailprotected]) by 09.00 am on 18 March 2026. Interviews for this role are anticipated to be held on 24/25 March 2026. This role has the opportunity for regular contact with pupils and therefore is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Assistant Head (Academic) | Full-time, Permanent | Closing Date: Wednesday 18th March 2026 in Cambridge employer: The Leys
Contact Detail:
The Leys Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Head (Academic) | Full-time, Permanent | Closing Date: Wednesday 18th March 2026 in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at The Leys School on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just put your application on the top of the pile.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school's values and recent initiatives. Show us how your passion for teaching and learning aligns with their mission. Tailor your examples to demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to drive change.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend or mentor to do a mock interview with you. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and boost your confidence when it’s time to shine in front of the interview panel.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Head (Academic) | Full-time, Permanent | Closing Date: Wednesday 18th March 2026 in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Make sure to express your passion for improving teaching and learning in your application. We want to see how you can drive change and inspire others, so share specific examples of your experiences that highlight this.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: When writing your cover letter, address it directly to The Head and make it personal. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their skills and experiences with our school's values and mission.
Highlight Leadership Skills: Since this role is all about leadership, don’t forget to showcase your leadership and communication skills. We’re looking for someone who can motivate and support others, so include examples of how you've done this in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. Make sure to submit your completed application form and cover letter by the deadline, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Leys
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the school's values and mission. Research The Leys School, its teaching philosophy, and recent initiatives. This will help you demonstrate your passion for improving teaching and learning during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or driven change in previous roles. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you motivated others to achieve common goals. This will highlight your ability to support and inspire colleagues.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since this role requires strong communication skills, consider doing mock interviews with a friend or mentor to refine your delivery and ensure your ideas come across effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the school. You might ask about their approach to fostering an inclusive culture or how they envision the future of teaching and learning at The Leys.