Deputy Head (Academic)

King Edward’s School is seeking a highly qualified teacher and leader to take on the role of Deputy Head (Academic). This is a permanent, full-time position from 1 September 2025.

Following the appointment of Kirsty von Malaisé (formerly Principal of KEHS) as Chief Master & Principal of KES and KEHS from September 2024, the two schools have embarked on an ambitious strategic development, which will see the schools working more closely with each other whilst retaining their distinct identities. Following a curriculum consultation in September, it has been determined that KES will be re-introducing A Levels in September 2025, along with a bespoke wider curriculum, which will draw on distinctive elements of the IB Diploma currently studied by pupils.

We seek an outstanding and imaginative academic leader who will foster and advance the distinctive intellectual ethos and culture of King Edward’s School (KES), setting and expecting the highest standards in pupil achievement.

The successful postholder will work closely with the cross-school Director of Curriculum, Teaching & Learning, the other KES Deputy Heads (Pastoral and Co-Curr), and with other members of the cross-school Senior Leadership Team, to lead and inspire all those involved in a KES education. The Deputy Head Academic’s priority will be to lead and inspire the academic experience of our pupils through our exceptional educational programme, which, alongside our distinctive holistic education, has been the primary factor in KES’s recognition in The Times Parent Power school ranking as being the School of the Decade.

The Deputy Head Academic will work closely with the Director of Curriculum, Teaching & Learning to lead and oversee the review of curriculum, structure of the day and week, timetabling and academic operations. There will also be collaborative work with their counterpart at King Edward VI High School, with whom we share a campus and some resources. The successful candidate will be a key member of the KES Senior Leadership Team, as well as the cross-school Joint Senior Leadership Team, contributing more broadly to school strategy. A collegiate, creative and evidence-led approach is essential, as is the practical wherewithal to develop structures and processes to deliver the educational vision.

The Deputy Head Academic will be able to lead the successful transition to the first examination cohort taking A Levels in summer 2027.  

How to apply

To apply for this role, please forward a completed application form (available for download at www.kes.org.uk/vacancies) and a covering letter addressed to the Chief Master & Principal to recruitment@kes.org.uk.

The deadline for applications is Monday 11th November 8am.

Interviews will take place on Monday 18th November and Friday 22nd November.

If you have any queries about this role, or would like to discuss it in more detail, please contact recruitment@kes.org.uk.