Deputy Head (Academic) - Prep School

The Role

St Andrew’s Prep School is seeking to appoint a Deputy Head Academic (DHA) who will provide strategic direction and leadership of the academic provision in the Prep School.  Reporting to the Head, the DHA is responsible for the successful organisation, administration and development of the academic life of the Prep School and will collaborate closely with the Deputy Head Academic of the Senior School. He/ she will also liaise with the Director of Admissions & Marketing in relation to student admissions and progression.

The role has a significant strategic element to it and the appointee will be expected to play a leading part in shaping the future of the School’s academic provision as we strive to provide a world-class education. In particular, the appointee will be involved in continuing to shape our Key Stage 3 curriculum; establishing and driving our digital learning platforms; and leading the academic parts of the School to ensure outstanding academic outcomes. This is a wide-ranging and complex role requiring a clear understanding of academic provision, management systems and leadership, ideally in a Prep School setting, within a Christian context.

The DHA will most likely be someone who has experience at Senior Management level in the independent sector who is seeking a fresh challenge. Alternatively, the role might suit an exceptional individual with experience gained as a Head of Department and who has an instinctive feel for School Leadership.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Deputy Head (Academic) will promote the Christian ethos of the School.
• She/he will hold principal responsibility for all aspects of the School’s academic life;
• Facilitating the ensured academic success of Prep School pupils on transition to Senior School as well the integration of the academic vision between both the Preparatory and Senior School is an important element of the role.

The post holder will be a member of the Senior Leadership and Management Team and will report on the following to the Head, as required;

STRATEGIC PLANNING

• Provide innovative educational vision for all pupils
• and exam arrangements in co-operation with the Assistant Head Academic, and colleagues by leading academic development and quality teaching and learning;
• To anticipate educational trends and development and lead on the opportunities that build academic outcomes for both staff and pupils at St Andrew’s School;
• To be responsible for the development and implementation of all academic and curriculum policies and practises, working closely with the Head, Assistant Head Academic, Assistant Head Primary and Heads of Department;
• To overview the academic enrichment programme;
• To work closely with the Director of IT and Head of Computing to overview the pedagogical development of the IT Plan to provide a suitable education for St Andrew’s pupils; blending School values and the need for global and social awareness within Government guidelines.

ACADEMIC ORGANISATION

• Devise and adjust the curriculum in line with the School’s needs, changing opportunities and regulations;
• Work with the Assistant Head Academic to ensure a fair and balanced timetable is prepared;
• Deploy staff efficiently and effectively taking account of their skills, knowledge, attitudes, and career development
• Advise the Head on staffing needs in a timely manner;
• Delegate and monitor use of the Academic budgets;
• Manage Scholarship,  internal  assessment
• Oversee, train staff and use pupil tracking and assessment results and analysis to improve learning experiences and outcomes;
• Ensure academic reports are written in a timely, informative and attitudinally correct manner;

CLASSROOM ACTIVITY

• Monitor and set the quality and pace of learning;
• Monitor and manage the classroom environment and displays; advise the Director of Finance and Operations about maintenance and classroom development issues;
• Monitor and promote the effective use of
• Maintain oversight of the Learning Success Centre, EAL and Extension opportunities and the use of IT in the classroom

STAFF MANAGEMENT

• Undertake formal Departmental
• Ensure Heads of Departments are fulfilling their roles and provide support as necessary.
• Chair Heads of Department meetings and other academic working groups or meetings, as required.

TO SHARE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FOLLOWING:

• Deputise for the Head as may be required and take on delegated tasks as directed.
• Contribute to School marketing, promotion and recruitment.
• Set high standards and maintain School
• Preparation for and management of School

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES 

• A strong personal connection with the School’s Christian ethos
• Proactive, sound judgement combined with the highest standards of personal integrity, energy, stamina, resilience, empathy, enthusiasm, and a sense of humour
• Ability to work dynamically and flexibly as part of a leadership team, to show initiative and imagination and the ability to inspire others
• Ability to work at both a strategic and operational level
• The presence, intellect, tact and credibility to represent the Prep School at all levels and to a variety of audiences, both internal and external
• Vision, creativity, imagination, and academic curiosity combined with the ability to operate at a strategic level
• First class oral and written communication and presentation skills
• High levels of discretion and confidentiality
• The ability to manage and prioritise a diverse workload, meet deadlines, and work calmly under pressure
• Impressive personal presence and presentation
• Highly literate and numerate, excellent in the use of IT and with a keen eye for detail
• High work standards evidenced by a consistently thorough detailed and organised approach