Deputy Head (Senior Years)

The High School of Dundee is seeking to appoint, for August 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter, a Deputy Head to join the Senior Leadership Team and play a leading role in taking the school forward through the next dynamic period of development. These roles are an exciting and challenging opportunity for someone who has gained leadership experience, preferably but not exclusively, at Head of Department / Principal Teacher level, and who wishes to take the next step in their career.The High School of Dundee is an ancient institution, tracing its roots back to 1239, making it the second oldest school in Scotland. However, today it is a vibrant, forward-looking independent school for approximately 950 pupils aged 3-18. It is one of the leading schools in Scotland with academic standards amongst the highest in the country. We are now in the process of driving forward our ambition of a forward-thinking, inclusive curriculum that focuses on the skills and knowledge required for ‘Real World’ learning.  We are therefore looking for someone who shares that vision to assist the Rector and the Senior Leadership Team in taking it forward.Reporting to the Deputy Rector (Head of Senior Years), the Deputy Head will have responsibility for a key remit in the day-to-day running of the Senior Years and for promoting its ethos in line with the vision and strategy for the whole school. The existing remits are, respectively, Learning and Teaching, Pastoral and Co-Curriculum, with the opportunity to appoint a colleague to one of these roles (most likely Pastoral or Co-Curriculum). Working with the Rector, the Deputy Rector (Head of Senior Years) and the wider whole school leadership team, the Deputy Head will play a leading role in assisting in the formulation and implementation of whole school strategy and policies. As a senior member of staff, they will be a key representative of the school’s values, ethos, and standards.The Deputy Head is a key member of the Senior Years Leadership Team and will take overall responsibility for two year groups in the Senior Years. The successful applicant will be expected to teach up to six periods per week of their academic subject.Please refer to the job description for key responsibilities.Person SpecificationApplicants should be experienced teachers who are registered with the General Teaching Council for Scotland or who are eligible for registration. They should have proven management and leadership experience in a promoted post at Principal Teacher / Head of Department level or equivalent, or above. The successful candidate will have drive, enthusiasm, and a capacity for hard work. Outstanding ICT and interpersonal and communication skills, verbal and written, are essential. They will not be afraid of innovation and must be able to inspire and motivate others, while working effectively as part of a team. An abundance of energy, a willingness to go the extra mile and a sense of humour are vital attributes.The School requires all newly appointed staff to undertake a check with the Scottish Criminal Records Office in line with the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (‘PVG’) Scheme.  Offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory registration with the PVG Scheme.Please note we are unable to provide sponsorship for a work visa so candidates should ensure they already have or are able to obtain the right to work in the UK before applying. The job description is written as an indication of the nature and scope of duties and responsibilities. It is not intended as a fully descriptive or definitive list and jobholders will be expected to carry out other duties assigned which are appropriate to the role. About the High School of DundeeAt the High School of Dundee, our unique location in the heart of the city is a major strength, helping our pupils feel connected to the real world, creating fully rounded and grounded young people. The school currently  has over 900 pupils, from age 3-18, who divide their time between our main city centre campus  and our extensive sports facility, Mayfield. Our approach is built on a profound belief that if young people are valued, supported known, and engaged in their learning, they can achieve amazing things. We have a long track record of outstanding exam results, which we owe to our rigorous approach, expertise built up over many years and a genuine desire to see our pupils realise their potential.In our Primary School, the children work daily on the crucial building blocks of literacy and numeracy, but the focus is also on making learning fun, engaging and wide-ranging.  And in the Senior Years, choice is paramount. In S3, our pupils can choose eight subjects to focus on, while in S5 they can select from 25 subjects at Higher level. At Advanced Higher, 23 subjects are available.The timetabling of exciting new interdisciplinary STEM Innovation and Business Enterprise courses, in addition to computer science for all, has embedded Future Skills into our curriculum. In tandem, the development of partnerships with local businesses is allowing us to provide real world learning opportunities which further enriches our pupils’ learning.A focus on the essential importance of Pastoral Care and on encouraging all pupils to make the most of the opportunities presented by our vibrant and extensive co-curriculum, helps create an environment in which the School’s Core Values are ever-present and where the desire to learn, support one another and grow is embraced by all.