Deputy Head, Academic at Peponi House Preparatory School

Summary of Responsibilities

Strategic Development

• Assist the Head in translating strategic objectives into actionable plans
• Lead on curriculum management and support pastoral initiatives
• Collaborate with the Head on policy development

Academic Leadership

• Develop and manage the timetable, deploying staff from Nursery to Year 8
• Lead initiatives to improve academic standards, including technology integration, data analysis, curriculum development, and progress meetings
• Lead communication with parents and pupils on academic matters
• Represent the school together with the Head at open days and special functions

Leadership and Management

• Chair the Academic Committee and line manage HODs
• Co-ordinate academic and co-curricular programmes with SLT and SMT colleagues
• Prepare and present the annual academic budget

Operational Responsibilities

• Support and deputise for the Head and SLT in the day-to-day running of the school
• Communication with senior schools
• Monitor the effectiveness of marking, record-keeping and schemes of work
• Oversee internal and external examinations
• Liaise closely with the Head and the Learning Support team

Teaching and Learning

• Lesson observations and personal classroom

Person Profile

Essential

• A fully qualified teacher (QTS) with a teaching registration
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, with a postgraduate qualification demonstrating additional study in a relevant area (e.g., Master’s, NPQ)
• Minimum 5 years’ experience teaching British or International Curriculum
• Strong awareness of curriculum and pedagogy options at primary/prep level
• Minimum 3 years’ experience of leading a department, or other relevant academic leadership experience
• Well versed in preparation for transfer to selective senior schools, including scholarship programmes
• Experienced user of technology, aware of current and emerging applications for data management, Management Information Systems and technology integration in learning
• Collegiate team player, effective in an SLT as well as leading own teams and individual staff
• Experienced at using data and systems to analyse and manage performance
• Strategic abilities and financial/budgetary awareness
• Strong organisation skills, good at planning and executing change as well as managing day to day activities
• A good communicator, able to gain the confidence of staff and parents
• An interest in education and child development, beyond the academic
• Adaptable, reliable, resilient, “can do” mentality
• You enjoy being with children and are keen to facilitate their success and happiness
• Energy, enthusiasm, drive and determination
• Considerate, kind and approachable, with patience and a sense of humour
• Professional in all respects, an expert practitioner and a role model to colleagues and children alike
• Be aware, be considerate of and follow best practice in safeguarding
• Willing to support school events and be generally visible as a key senior leader

Desirable

• Advanced qualifications in education or school leadership
• In-depth exposure to Years 7 and 8 within a prep school
• Relevant experience and able to support or participate in enrichment activities