Deputy Head Academic

Deputy Head Academic

Job Type: Full Time

Location: Oxford

Salary: Competitive

The Role

The School is seeking to appoint a Deputy Head (Academic) to lead and manage academic life in the Junior School from September 2024. They strive to offer an engaging and stretching curriculum within a secure and happy environment where each individual pupil will flourish. Magdalen College School Junior School teaches some of the country’s brightest young minds and this is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and motivated individual to further develop the academic provision and structures in the Junior School. The Deputy Head of the Junior School will work closely with the Head of the Junior School, the Junior School Deputy Head (Pastoral) and, indeed, all of the Junior School staff to oversee the academic progress of their pupils. They will also work closely with the Deputy Head (Academic), Deputy Head (Education Development) and Director of Studies in the Senior School, especially with regard to pupil transition from Junior School to Senior School. The Deputy Head (Academic) of the Junior School will teach about two thirds of a timetable and will not be a form tutor.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading and managing academic life in the Junior School in conjunction with the Head of theJunior School, and providing advice and guidance to teachers. This will include a weekly meeting with the Head of the Junior School and the Junior School Deputy Head (Pastoral) to coordinate whole school approaches to pupil progress and individual pupil support
• Leading and managing assessments, reports and parents evenings in the Junior School
• Analysing pupil progress data, including INCAS, VR and internal/external test results, and leading colleagues in their approach to data
• Writing the Junior School timetable in conjunction with the Senior School Director of Studies and maintaining the academic aspects of the School’s MIS (ISAMS), such as set lists
• Leading and developing the curriculum in the Junior School
• Leading and developing the Junior School approach to assessment and teaching and learning, with particular consideration for the provision for the most able
• Working closely with the Learning Support Department to ensure all pupils are making good progress, and overseeing interventions to both support and extend pupils’ learning
• Mentoring new teachers
• Monitoring and supporting the development of all teachers within the Junior School in conjunction with the Deputy Head (Education Development) in the Senior School
• Setting the tone for academic engagement across the Junior School through their own conduct and interactions with pupils, parents and staff across the Junior School
• Actively promoting academic engagement and scholarliness through initiatives to recognise and reward this amongst pupils
• Leading whole school and year group assemblies to foster their dispositions and promote academic endeavour
• Leading the provision of the Thursday Activities Afternoon and Monday clubs programme
• Overseeing management of pupil academic progress or engagement that falls outside of expectations including leading meetings with parents
• Engaging with the parental body to offer transparency in how they guide their children academically throughout their time in the Junior School. This will include Information Evenings for parents, being part of the Parent Forum and liaising with Class Representatives
• Presenting their academic philosophy and practice to prospective parents at open events
• Working closely with the Senior School Deputy Head (Academic) and Compliance Officer to ensure that the school continues to meet the relevant academic standards required by ISI inspections
• Overseeing the academic elements of new staff induction and the integration and development of their teaching and classroom assistants

Skills and Qualifications

• be a well-qualified graduate;
• show clear enthusiasm for, and ideally have experience of, leadership in an academically selective Junior School;
• be confident in data analysis;
• be able to articulate their vision for academic life in the Junior School to colleagues, pupils, parents and prospective parents;
• plan and prepare lessons that cater for young, bright minds, and celebrate their strengths to encourage a welcoming, positive and valued learning environment;
• teach in an engaging manner in a highly successful Junior School;
• have a clear understanding of how to provide the platforms for each individual child to reach their potential;
• support the progress of all pupils in the Junior School by taking a role in departmental support, enrichment and partnerships sessions;
• set clear expectations for pupil behaviour within an encouraging classroom environment;
• take a keen interest in the welfare of all Junior School pupils and oversee the pastoral wellbeing of boys throughout each day;
• show clear commitment to safeguarding children;
• have a positive, cheerful and caring attitude, with a willingness to become involved in all aspects of life in their busy Junior School, such as games, music, drama, activities and trips;
• have excellent written and spoken communication skills;

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate, and would like to work for this reputable school, then please click apply to complete your application.

The School recognises and is committed to ensuring applicants and employees from all sections of the community are treated equally regardless of race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marital and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.