Deputy Head (Academic)

ISC group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution is seeking a Deputy Head (Academic) to join its Senior Leadership Team. This pivotal role involves providing strategic leadership in teaching and learning, managing academic standards, and leading curriculum development. The ideal candidate will have a strong academic background with proven leadership capabilities and be an excellent communicator. This position offers a rewarding environment focused on educational excellence and student wellbeing.

Benefits

Generous PPA

Supportive work-life balance

Diverse and inclusive workplace

Qualifications

• Strong academic track record with leadership experience.
• Proven ability in curriculum and assessment.
• Excellent communicator, able to collaborate with various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for teaching and learning.
• Manage Heads of Department and oversee academic standards.
• Lead curriculum development and assessment processes.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum Development

Assessment

Communication

Education

Qualified Teacher Status

Teaching and Learning Role in Senior Leadership Team

Job description

Required for September 2026

Bolton School Girls’ Division is seeking to appoint an outstanding and forward‑thinking Deputy Head (Academic) to join its Senior Leadership Team. This is a pivotal role, providing strategic leadership of the School’s academic life and playing a key part in shaping teaching and learning across the Senior School.

Reporting directly to the Head of Girls’ Division, the successful candidate will have overall responsibility for academic standards, curriculum development, assessment and reporting, and the professional leadership of Heads of Department. This role offers an exciting opportunity for an experienced school leader to influence whole‑school strategy within a thriving and ambitious independent school.

With some 2,500 pupils, Bolton School is a large, thriving, academically selective day school situated a mile or so from the town centre on a stunning 32 acre campus and within easy reach of some of the nation’s finest cities and countryside.

Deputy Head (Academic) Responsibilities

• Provide inspirational and strategic leadership of teaching and learning, ensuring the highest academic standards.
• Line‑manage Heads of Department, the Head of Learning Support, the Head of Assessment and Achievement, and the Examinations Officer.
• Lead curriculum development, review and innovation, informed by national developments and student voice.
• Oversee assessment, reporting, setting and option processes, using data intelligently to inform decision‑making and pupil progress.
• Lead lesson observation, work scrutiny and the sharing of best practice.
• Play a key role in inspection preparation and compliance (ISI and other statutory bodies).
• Contribute fully to staff development, INSET and whole‑school strategic planning.
• Be a visible and supportive presence within the school community, promoting pupil wellbeing and the School’s ethos.
• The role includes a teaching commitment and active involvement in the wider life of the school.

Deputy Head (Academic) Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be an experienced and highly effective teacher with a strong academic track record, a proven leader with experience of curriculum, assessment and data‑informed school improvement as well as being an excellent communicator, able to work collaboratively with staff, pupils, parents and governors.

They will have a background that includes leadership of an academic department and would currently hold a Teaching and Learning role within a Senior Leadership Team, either at Assistant Head or Deputy Head level. Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate a track record of success in those leadership roles, and part of the interview process will focus on their vision for Teaching and Learning.

Application Details

Closing date for applications: Monday 19 January 2026 at 12:00 noon.

Interviews will be held week commencing 26 January 2026.

A generous level of PPA is provided which allows members of staff, as valued professionals, to manage their time appropriately and maintain a healthy work‑life balance.

Equality, Diversity & Safeguarding

We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace to reflect the diversity of our pupils and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and to join Bolton School. As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all sections of the community and are committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees. We do not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

Bolton School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Criminal Records Check for Regulated Activity.