Assistant Head - Innovation and Systems

• Salary: £71,851-£74,245 per annum 
• Contract: Permanent, full-time 

Are you passionate about leading innovation in education and harnessing technology to transform learning? Do you have a proven track record in strategic leadership and system development? The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) invites applications for the position of Assistant Head - Innovation and Systems, a pivotal role shaping the future of our academic and operational excellence. 

The role 

As Assistant Head – Innovation and Systems, you will lead the development and implementation of advanced technologies and systems that enhance operational efficiency and teaching practices across the whole school. Collaborating with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you will drive digital transformation, oversee data management systems, and ensure robust IT operations to support learning and administration. This role involves spearheading innovative practices in teaching, maintaining the school's status as a Microsoft Showcase School, and implementing cutting-edge tools and methodologies to optimise classroom and administrative outcomes. Alongside leadership duties, the role includes a teaching timetable of 24 periods per cycle. 

We are seeking a strategic and innovative leader with proven experience in senior or middle management roles, particularly in educational technology and data-driven school improvement. You will have strong academic qualifications, excellent communication skills, and expertise in integrating technology into education. Proficiency in MIS platforms and data analytics, combined with a collaborative approach and commitment to safeguarding and diversity, are essential. Resilience, adaptability, and a dedication to continuous improvement are key to success in this role. 

About GSAL 

The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) was awarded North Independent School of the Year 2024 and Independent Secondary School of the Decade in 2021. The school continues to be a friendly, fun and supportive environment with high investment in pupil and colleague wellbeing, while insisting upon and maintaining high expectations. 

‘Be inspired’ is the ethos behind our teaching and learning at GSAL. We nurture all our pupils to make the most of their talents, realise their potential and develop into confident young people ready to rise to any challenge. These values have been at the heart of our school life for over four centuries. 

GSAL provides a high quality independent education for 2,100 boys and girls between the ages of three and 18. The main school campus at Alwoodley Gates in north Leeds was purpose built for Leeds Grammar School, which relocated in 1997 from the city centre. 

GSAL is academically selective, with consistently excellent A-level and GCSE results. After merger, the school introduced the diamond model of teaching, through which boys and girls learn together up to age 11, then in single sex classes between Year 7 and Year 11, and come together again in sixth form lessons. Form time and extracurricular activities are mixed throughout. Class sizes are usually between 16 and 22. 

Academic achievement is at the heart of a rounded education at GSAL, which offers our students personal development opportunities and broad experience beyond the classroom. With superb facilities available in school, students can take part in sport, music, drama, scouts, CCF, Duke of Edinburgh, debating and much more. We offer an outdoor learning programme and a wide variety of trips at home and abroad. Our lively house system encourages students to get involved and have fun. 

This success can only be achieved with committed, professional and well-qualified colleagues who are focused upon excellence in the classroom and contributions to the wider life of the school. Colleagues have a good degree of autonomy in their teaching, outstanding learning resources and an attractive benefits package. A large school offers opportunities for CPD, career progression and leadership roles in academic, pastoral and extracurricular areas. 

Benefits 

We value our team and offer a wide range of benefits including: 

• Enhanced school holidays (approximately 16 weeks) 
• Significant discount on school fees 
• Childcare provided for colleague’s children during school INSET days (from the age of 3 up to age 11) 
• Defined contribution pension scheme through Aviva with 0% employee contribution and 21% employer contribution plus 4x basic salary life insurance 
• Training and CPD available including five inset days per academic year 
• Colleague lunches: three courses for £2.40 available during school lunchtimes plus free tea, coffee and hot chocolate machines 
• Access to 24/7 online GP appointments through our provider Health hero 
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme well-being app, Vivup, offering telephone counselling, financial and legal advice plus 6-8 face-to-face counselling sessions 
• Discounts through multiple providers, including Vivup, discounts for teachers and Extras 
• Beautiful lunch time walking routes around our 140 acre site 
• Onsite gym and swimming pool available for colleague use within set times as well as classes such as Pilates, meditation, kettlebells, spinning and bootcamps 
• Salary sacrifice schemes for cycle to work 
• Free car parking available on site 
• Use of the school’s extensive library facility 
• Generous leave of absence scheme to support our employees when they need it 
• Opportunity to be involved in extracurricular activities such as the staff pantomime, well-being committee or volunteer for community events 

How to apply

If you're passionate about shaping students' educational experiences and contributing to a vibrant learning community, we encourage you to apply. Simply complete the online application form available on our website. Please be prepared to provide copies of any qualifications mentioned in your application. 

More information about the school, role and responsibilities are contained in the job description and person specification attached in the documents section on our website advert. Please note we cannot offer tours or visits due to the high volume of interest. A virtual tour can be found on our website jobs page and a full tour is provided as part of the interviewing process. 

If you have any questions, feel free to contact vacancies@gsal.org.uk 

Application closing date: 09:00 Monday 27 January 2025 

Online longlist Interview date: Week commencing Monday 27 January 2025 

Shortlist in-person interview date: Week commencing 3 February 2025