Deputy Head Academic

Role Overview

The Deputy Head Academic leads the everyday academic work of the Prep School, helping ensure strong teaching, meaningful assessment and steady progress for pupils from Little Durham through Year 6. Working closely with the Head of Prep and colleagues across the school, the postholder will shape curriculum development, strengthen professional practice and support a coherent pathway into the Senior School.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and develop the Prep curriculum, ensuring that learning builds progressively across year groups and phases.
• Oversee assessment practices and the use of pupil progress information to identify needs, guide teaching and improve outcomes.
• Monitor the quality of teaching and learning, offering constructive feedback and supporting improvement where needed.
• Work with Year Group Leads, the Learning Enrichment Team and teachers to support pupils’ learning and development.
• Promote effective teaching approaches suited to children’s learning across Early Years and the primary years.
• Contribute to professional learning and help colleagues strengthen their skills and classroom practice.
• Develop the confidence and capability of middle leaders as the Prep School grows.
• Support effective academic organisation and smooth transition from Prep into Senior School.

Requirements & Qualifications

• UK Honours degree or equivalent, together with a recognised teaching qualification.
• Teaching experience with primary-age pupils and strong knowledge of learning and development across Early Years and primary phases.
• Successful middle- or senior-leadership experience, with the ability to motivate, guide and develop colleagues.
• Thorough understanding of curriculum design, assessment and effective pedagogy.
• Experience evaluating and improving teaching and learning, and using assessment evidence to support better pupil outcomes.
• Experience supporting colleagues and contributing to high-quality professional development.
• Strong organisational ability, combining strategic perspective with hands-on academic leadership.
• Confidence using digital technology to support teaching, learning and academic systems.
• An NPQH or relevant postgraduate qualification would be an advantage.