Deputy Head Academic

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

Job summary

An independent co-educational school is seeking a Deputy Head Academic to lead academic excellence and innovation. The successful candidate will shape the school's academic vision and ensure every pupil achieves personal excellence. Responsibilities include strategic oversight of curriculum and fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity. Located in Greater London, this role offers a unique opportunity to lead pioneering initiatives in education. Applications close on 26th February 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience in a senior leadership role in an educational setting.
• Ability to shape and deliver academic vision.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare of children.

Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver an ambitious academic vision.
• Strategic oversight of academic stretch and challenge.
• Lead school’s work in AI and digital innovation.

Skills

Dynamic leadership

Strategic oversight

Innovation in education

Effective communication

Education

Advanced degree in education or related field

Job description

September 2026

St Benedict’s School is proud to offer an education that blends tradition with innovation, rooted in Benedictine values while preparing pupils for the future. As a leading independent co-educational Catholic school situated in leafy Ealing, West London, St Benedict’s offers the distinct advantage of a seamless education from Nursery through to Sixth Form, within one supportive, values-driven community. With a roll of 1150 pupils, the school is thriving.

RSAcademics is delighted to assist the Head in appointing a Deputy Head Academic to succeed Fiona Allen who is retiring from the School after a decade’s extremely successful tenure.

The post-holder will shape and deliver an ambitious academic vision that is faithful to the ethos of St Benedict’s, ensuring that every pupil is known,supportedand challenged to achieve personal excellence.

A defining priority of this role is the strategic oversight of academic stretch and challenge across the Senior School — embedding a culture where scholarly ambition, intellectual curiosity and high expectations are consistent features of everyday classroom practice, curriculum design,assessmentand academic enrichment.

The Deputy Head Academic will also lead the school’s pioneering work in AI and digital innovation, ensuring that new technologies enhance learning and teacher effectiveness in a way that is ethical, well-governed, workload-conscious, and aligned with the school’s values and safeguarding responsibilities.

St Benedict’s is more than just a school; it is a community. Inclusive and welcoming, working in partnership with families, and its pupils benefit from the unique opportunities of being part of a through school from Nursery to Sixth Form.

If you are a dynamic and observant individual, who enjoys generating and executing initiatives, can remain calm and optimistic in the ever surprising world of schools, you are encouraged to have an initial confidential conversation with the search consultants handling this appointment:

Sarah Glencross, Head of Senior School Search: [e-mail]

Charlotte Faber, Senior Advisor: [e-mail]

The closing date for applications is Thursday 26th February 2026 at 10.00am UK time.

To apply please visit the RSAcademics website.

N.B. Safer recruitment checks will be made at all stages in the recruitment process.

St Benedict’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure.

RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.