Academic Head

Roles and responsibilities

• Curriculum Leadership: Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of the school’s curriculum, ensuring that it meets the needs of all students and aligns with national standards and educational best practices.
• Assessment and Evaluation: Oversee the school’s assessment systems, ensuring that assessments are fair, rigorous, and used to inform teaching and learning. Lead efforts to track student progress and implement interventions where necessary.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure that the quality of teaching and learning is continually reviewed and improved. Conduct regular evaluations of academic performance and implement changes as needed to raise standards.
• Academic Data Analysis: Analyze student performance data at all levels and use it to guide decisions regarding curriculum design, teaching strategies, and individual student support.
• Teacher Development and Support: Lead professional development initiatives for teachers, ensuring that they are supported in their practice and have opportunities to develop new skills and knowledge.
• Coaching and Mentoring: Provide coaching and mentoring to staff to support their development, particularly for new teachers or those in need of targeted support.
• Academic Strategy Development: Work with the senior leadership team to develop and implement strategies to enhance the school’s academic standing, including academic interventions, enrichment opportunities, and resources.
• Pastoral and Academic Well-Being: Ensure that academic support is well integrated with pastoral care, working alongside pastoral teams to monitor student well-being, engagement, and academic progress.
• Parent and Stakeholder Communication: Act as a key point of contact for parents regarding academic progress, curriculum changes, and assessments. Communicate academic policies and results clearly to ensure transparency and engagement.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that the school complies with all relevant national curriculum guidelines and regulatory requirements related to academic standards and assessments.

Desired candidate profile

• Leadership and Team Management: Strong leadership abilities to motivate and guide academic staff, ensuring effective collaboration and professional growth. Ability to manage a team of department heads or subject leaders to maintain high standards of teaching and learning.
• Curriculum Development and Delivery: Deep understanding of curriculum design, pedagogical strategies, and assessment techniques. Ability to lead curriculum development to meet the needs of all students while maintaining academic rigor.
• Strategic Thinking and Planning: Ability to contribute to the long-term academic strategy of the school, ensuring continuous improvement and adapting to changes in educational policies and practices.
• Student Achievement Focused: Ability to drive improvement in student outcomes, focusing on high academic standards, effective assessment, and targeted interventions to support all learners.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Skilled in using data to monitor the effectiveness of teaching and learning, ensuring the school’s academic goals are met, and implementing corrective actions as necessary.
• Effective Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, essential for engaging with students, parents, teachers, and external stakeholders. Capable of presenting ideas and strategies clearly and persuasively.
• Professional Development: Committed to the continuous professional development of both themselves and their staff. Ability to identify areas for growth and ensure teachers have access to the necessary resources, support, and training.
• Understanding of Educational Policy: Strong understanding of national educational policies and curriculum changes, ensuring the school remains compliant while innovating in teaching and learning.
• Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Ability to address academic challenges proactively and develop solutions that benefit both teachers and students.
• Innovative Teaching Practices: Familiarity with innovative teaching and learning methodologies, including the use of educational technology and digital learning platforms.