Deputy Head Academic

Teaching careers in HMC independent schools Due to a promotion to Headship, the Headmaster of Shiplake College is looking to appoint a dynamic, forward-thinking and dedicated Deputy Head Academic to start in September 2026. Deputy Head Academic Starting September 2026 A significant opportunity exists for an outstanding academic leader to become part of our Senior Management Team in the role of Deputy Head Academic. This pivotal position sits at the centre of the College’s educational mission, providing the platform to influence curriculum design, champion teaching quality, and direct strategic growth. In your capacity as Deputy Head Academic, you will lead teaching and learning initiatives, taking charge of delivering the school’s educational vision while managing all curriculum matters, assessments and academic strategy throughout the College. This position serves as the catalyst for outstanding academic achievement through high‑quality teaching programmes and ongoing enhancement of pupil outcomes. You will oversee teaching standards and professional growth, encompassing academic performance monitoring, management of the CPD framework, and take a central role in attracting excellent educators aligned with curriculum requirements and pupil choices. Working closely with the Assistant Heads (Sixth Form, Academic and Inclusion), you will track academic progress across every year group and establish targeted intervention approaches to ensure all pupils achieve their potential. As a member of the Senior Management Team, you will partner closely with the Headmaster in bringing the school’s vision and ethos to life. You will contribute actively to developing whole‑school policies and future‑focused strategic direction, serve as the College’s public face for academic affairs, and promote the College’s fundamental objectives and principles throughout your work. Shiplake College is an independent boarding and day school for around 580 pupils aged 11 to 18. There has been a co‑educational Sixth Form since 1998 and since September 2023 girls have been welcomed into Year 7 as the College became fully co‑educational. Situated in 63 acres of beautiful countryside near Henley‑on‑Thames, we offer an outstanding education based on small class sizes, excellent facilities and dedicated teaching staff. We offer a competitive salary, excellent free lunches and a contributory pension scheme together with access to our gym and sporting facilities and an excellent working environment. Application Timeline Closing date: 10am on Thursday 27 November 2025 Longlist interviews will be held at the College on Tuesday 2 December 2025. Shortlisted candidates tour of the College will take place on Friday 5 December 2025. Final panel interviews will be held on Tuesday 9 December 2025. How to Apply Candidate pack and application form are available from the College. Commitment Shiplake College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Shiplake College is also committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. 12 The Point, Rockingham Road, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 7QU #J-18808-Ljbffr