Deputy Head Education Development

Working at MCS

There are many benefits to working at Magdalen College School. Founded in 1480 by William of Waynflete, the school has a rich history and an enviable location at the heart of Oxford beside the River Cherwell.

MCS is one of the country’s leading independent day schools. Shaped by its Christian Collegiate foundation and links with the university city of which it is part, it aims to inspire in all its pupils a desire to learn, flourish and serve.

The School will celebrate its 550th anniversary in 2030. The current generation of MCS staff and pupils wish to ensure that we shape a school that is able to flourish for at least another half millennium, and hopefully many more beyond. There are around 950 pupils, boys aged 7-18 and Sixth Form girls, and 350 members of staff who learn and work on the School’s central Oxford site.

To learn more about the opportunities and advantages of working at MCS, please refer to the attached ‘Recruitment Pack (Deputy Head Education Development)’.

The Role

Following the appointment of the current post holder to headship, the School is seeking to appoint a highly-qualified, experienced and inspirational Deputy Head to lead and manage Teaching and Learning, Staff Professional Development, and the School’s Partnerships.

The Deputy Head (Education Development) will have a proven track record of commitment to and an understanding of academic leadership, along with experience of managing, coordinating and developing the work of teaching and support staff.

As a member of the school’s Senior Team, they will attend a wide range of school meetings and governor committees, and play a key role in the development and implementation of whole school strategy.

The role attracts a timetable remission of around 70% and is not subject-specific. Given the scope of the role it is expected that the postholder will seek promotion to Headship in due course.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Teaching and Learning and Curriculum
2. Staff Professional Development
3. Partnerships
4. General responsibilities
5. Line management responsibility

For a detailed explanation of the Key Responsibilities listed above, please see the attached ‘Recruitment Pack (Deputy Head Education Development)’.

The Candidate

The successful candidate will:

• take a keen interest in the welfare of pupils and show clear commitment to safeguarding children;
• be a well-qualified graduate;
• have a clear, inclusive and innovative vision for teaching and learning, professional development and partnerships
• have experience in a leadership role, with clear evidence of positive strategic and operational impact in that role
• have the ability to coordinate and support the work of colleagues at all levels
• be open-minded, and have the ability to manage change and the capacity and willingness to work flexibly, including beyond the specific remit of this role, as an active member of the Senior Team
• contribute fully to other areas of school life, such as games, music, drama, CCF or other activities
• show sensitivity and discretion,
• have a high profile/ high visibility and a sense of humour
• have strong IT skills, including data handling and analysis
• have outstanding interpersonal skills and strong leadership qualities
• have excellent written and spoken communication skills and communicate effectively with pupils, parents, staff and the local community;
• have the ability to work collaboratively and effectively as part of a wider team;
• display a high level of attention to detail;
• be willing to take part in continuing professional development;
• respond positively to feedback;
• plan and teach lessons in an engaging manner with evident enthusiasm
• support the progress of all pupils studying by taking a role in departmental support, enrichment and partnerships sessions;
• set clear expectations for pupil behaviour within an encouraging classroom environment;
• work hard to support pupil progress.

The Deputy Head (Education Development) will report to the Master, for the proper discharge of his or her duties.

Remuneration

The school currently has its own salary scale, and salaries are substantially more generous than those in the maintained sector; there is also a relocation allowance on a sliding scale, by agreement with the Master and Bursar, and dependent on current location. The school also operates a cycle to work scheme, and travel loans are available. MCS offers teaching staff a choice of pension arrangements; a Defined Contribution scheme with an employer contribution of 23.68% or the Teachers’ Pension Scheme with a salary sacrifice arrangement. Staff may move between the two schemes as suits their needs. The Master will discuss the pension with any offer of appointment.

Application Process

Candidates should submit the following two documents to the Recruitment Officer, Miss Yelena Molcanova (recruitment@mcsoxford.org), which can be found here.

1. MCS Application Form for Teaching and Support Staff
2. CV (Curriculum Vitae)

All documentation should be sent no later than Monday 18th November, at midday. The school’s preferred method of communication is by email and it will not be necessary to send a hard copy of the documents by post.

References may be taken up in advance. If you do not wish for your references to be called for at this stage, please make that clear on the reference section of the application form.

Interviews

We anticipate holding interviews on Monday 25th November, which will include a taught lesson and a 5-minute presentation on the candidate’s vision for Teaching and Learning and Partnerships at MCS. It is likely that there will be a second round of interviews on Thursday 28th November. We will be in contact with shortlisted candidates by telephone. Please be aware that all shortlisted candidates will be requested to complete a ‘Self-Disclosure’ form before attending their interview. We reserve the right to interview and appoint before the above dates.