Deputy Head (Academic)

Deputy Head (Academic)

Job Description
The Deputy Head (Academic) is responsible to the Headmaster for providing leadership and management in all
aspects of the academic sphere. The Deputy Head (Academic) is a member of the Executive Team and the
Leadership Team and is the direct line manager for the Heads of Departments (including the Examinations
Officer, Assistant Head (Teaching and Learning) and Assistant Head (Professional Development), School
Librarian and the IB Coordinator). The Deputy Head (Academic) will deputise for the Headmaster or Deputy
Head as required. The Deputy Head (Academic) is responsible for the production of the school timetable.

The Deputy Head (Academic) will attend meetings of the Governors’ Education Committee and the Finance
Committee and will attend full governors’ meetings.

Strategy
The Deputy Head (Academic) is expected to:
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in conjunction with the Headmaster, set the strategic academic direction for the School working with the
Deputy Head and Heads of Departments as appropriate

take responsibility for the development of teaching and learning at the School

•  drive up academic standards at the School
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•  draw up the annual Academic Development Plan
•  chair the Heads of Departments meeting
•  monitor government policy in the area of education and anticipate the likely impact on Warminster
•  provide the strategic overview of staffing requirements and recruitment of Academic staff, including the

identification of skills gaps for succession planning
•  prepare the academic side of the School for Inspection
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liaise with the IB Coordinator to prepare the School for the five-year IB review

take responsibility for compiling the annual calendar of school events

Operations
The Deputy Head (Academic) is expected to:
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•  attend weekly Operations Committee meetings to ensure the smooth running of the School
•  manage the daily cover system and monitor staff absence and the impact on pupil learning
•  compile the academic timetable ahead of new academic years
•  compile the mock exam timetables and invigilation rotas in liaison with the Exams Officer
•  update academic policies annually or as required

Departmental Management
The Deputy Head (Academic) is expected to:
•  work with Heads of Departments to set, monitor and improve standards of teaching and learning across all

academic departments

•  via the Assistant Head (Teaching & Learning), take responsibility for implementing innovative and evidence-
based approaches to teaching and learning to ensure that high standards of teaching are maintained across
the School

•  meet with Heads of Academic Departments annually to review exam results, revise or implement setting
procedures, assess progress according to the Academic Development Plans, and adapt and improve
departmental performance, and report back any areas of significance or importance to the Headmaster

•  oversee the procedures for external examinations including entries, results, re-sits, estimated grades,

results day and enquiries about results.

Staff
The Deputy Head (Academic) is expected to:
•  via Heads of Department, be responsible for the day-to-day performance of the academic staff in the

classroom

•  be involved in interviewing all applicants for teaching roles, and to attend all wash-up meetings
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to liaise with the iSAMS coordinator to ensure that systems are accurate and effective, including the
summer academic rollover

Professional Development
The Deputy Head (Academic) is expected to:
•  promote a culture of professional development and improvement amongst the academic teaching staff
•  develop distinct professional pathways
•  ensure that Heads of Departments take responsibility for the professional development of teachers in their

department

•  deliver the professional development strategy which links to the School’s Strategic Plan
•  compile all training and INSET activities for academic staff
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in conjunction with the Assistant Head (Professional Development), Deputy Head and HR Manager, ensure
that all staff (tutors, HMs, sports coaches etc) receive the appropriate level of training

•  organise Warminster-based Professional Development programmes such as Initial Teacher Training and the

•

Warminster Leadership Development Courses
in conjunction with the Assistant Head (Professional Development), act as Professional Tutor and monitor
progress of those on ITT, PGCE, ECT development programmes

•  organise personalised and thorough induction programmes for new staff
•  organise mentor training, particularly for new staff
•  oversee the staff professional development review (PDR) system
•  set up and maintain links with other schools and outside organisations regarding training opportunities

Pupils and Academic Progress
The Deputy Head (Academic) is expected to:
•  be responsible for the administration of academic rewards and sanctions, pupil tracking, academic reporting

(including Parents’ Evenings) and the pupils’ Options.

•  have an overview of the analysis and tracking of data relating to pupils’ academic progress and the guidance

and support pupils receive with regards to academic options.

•  be responsible for the strategic management and development of digital literacy skills at the School.
•
liaise with the Heads of Houses and Heads of Departments on matters relating to the academic
performance of pupils (including Options). As such, the Deputy Head (Academic) should receive from
Heads of Houses and tutors information relevant to the academic progress of pupils.
liaise with the Head of Sixth Form regarding the progression of pupils into the Sixth Form.
take responsibility for the annual school statistical returns and the processing and dissemination of data
supplied by GL Assessment and ALIS surveys and any other statistical surveys.

•
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•  oversee the use of systems of pupil tracking, assessment and reporting including responsibility for GL

Assessment and ALIS

•  maintain an overview of predicted grades and use the data to advise Heads of Houses and parents.
•  organise and co-ordinate Parents’ Evenings.
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liaise with the Assistant Head (Co-Curricular) to manage pupil workload and maintain overview of the pupil
experience

•  assist in the selection of Academic Scholars

•  monitor the progress of academically gifted pupils and, together with the Head of Learning Support, ensure

those who have special educational needs are provided with suitable support.
•  ensure the School Library is integral in supporting pupil education and development.

liaise with the Admissions department and the Headmaster on all aspects of the academic entry process

Admissions and Marketing  -  The Deputy Head (Academic) is expected to:
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•  represent the school at admissions events and school fairs
•  publicise academic achievement
•  work closely with the marketing team to ensure all materials produced are of a high quality, including the

academic prospectus’

•  successfully conduct tours of the school to prospective parents, pupils and other partners
•  where appropriate, develop close relationships with feeder schools and ensure these partnerships are

fostered for the benefit of both parties.
lead academic evenings such as the Sixth Form Open Evening and GCSE Information Evening

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The Deputy Head (Academic) teaches up to 8 periods per week and is remunerated on the leadership pay
scale, approved by the Governors.

Matt Williams
March 2026

Warminster School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
All successful applicants must be willing to undergo a criminal record check with the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Qualifications

Experience

Essential
•  A good Honours Degree in a relevant subject
•  A teaching qualification
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Evidence of professional development
Evidence of strategic planning
Evidence of outstanding leadership skills and effective management experience
Effective use of data to inform pupil learning and tracking progress
Evidence of high-quality classroom teaching
Evidence of raising standards and of initiating and maintaining innovative
curriculum design and delivery

Desirable
•  A post-graduate qualification
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Evidence of ongoing learning

Method of Assessment
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Production of the
applicant’s certificates

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Experience of teaching the International
Baccalaureate Diploma
Experience in a pastoral role
Experience of working in a boarding environment
Experience of teaching across all relevant Key Stages

•  Contents of the
application form
Interview
Professional
references

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Skills /
Knowledge

•  Ability to impart key skills and attributes of a Warminster Learner (risk taking,
critical thinking, collaboration, communication, independence, problem solving)

•  An interest in fostering a varied approach to learning
•  An appreciation of the value of ICT in fostering

Personal
Competencies
and Qualities

•  A commitment to improving pupil learning
•  An interest in fostering a varied approach to learning
•  An appreciation of the value of ICT in fostering learning
•  Clear and eloquent communication and presentation skills
•  An eye for detail and accuracy

•  An enthusiasm for their subject and holistic education
•  The ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing
•  An effective motivator of pupils and colleagues
•  An ability to work effectively as part of a team
•  An ability to keep to deadlines
•  A willingness to reflect
•  A good level of organisation
•  A good sense of humour
•  A commitment to co-curricular activities and to the School’s involvement in

the wider community

•  Alignment with the key values of the School (courage, integrity, kindness,

empathy, creativity, curiosity)

•  An understanding of Health & Safety issues within an educational setting
•  Commitment to sharing good practice

learning

•  A commitment to networking and the sharing of best

practice

•  An understanding of Health & Safety issues within an

educational setting

•  Contents of the
application form
Interview
Professional
references

•
•

•  Contents of the
application form
Interview
Professional
references

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•