Assistant Head Teacher of Secondary

We are seeking an exceptional and dynamic Assistant Head of Secondary to join our Senior Leadership Team. This is a pivotal leadership role for an ambitious, values-driven professional who is committed to securing high standards in teaching, learning, wellbeing, and student outcomes. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong strategic awareness, operational effectiveness, and the ability to inspire colleagues, engage parents, and contribute meaningfully to the continued growth and excellence of the Secondary phase.

The Assistant Head of Secondary is a key member of the Secondary Senior Leadership Team, contributing to the strategic, academic, and operational leadership of the phase. The role supports the Head of Secondary in driving school improvement priorities, maintaining high expectations, and ensuring a consistent and positive student experience.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Support the Head of Secondary in implementing the school’s vision, values, and strategic improvement priorities.
• Contribute to self-evaluation processes, improvement planning, and inspection readiness.
• Model high professional standards and promote a culture of aspiration, inclusion, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Teaching, Learning and Standards

• Monitor the quality of teaching and learning through lesson observations, learning walks, work scrutiny, and student voice.
• Work closely with Heads of Department, Heads of Year, and curriculum leaders to raise attainment and accelerate progress.
• Promote consistency in curriculum planning, assessment, feedback, and classroom practice across the Secondary phase.
• Lead or support whole-school or phase-based teaching and learning initiatives.

Data, Assessment and Reporting

• Use assessment data to identify trends, strengths, and areas for development, supporting targeted intervention strategies.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of robust tracking, monitoring, and reporting systems.
• Support the analysis and presentation of student performance data to senior leaders, governors, and external stakeholders.
• A strong background or interest in data leadership and performance reporting would be advantageous.

Pastoral Care, Behaviour and Safeguarding

• Support high standards of behaviour, attendance, and student conduct across the Secondary school.
• Work alongside pastoral and inclusion teams to prioritise student wellbeing, safeguarding, and belonging.
• Engage professionally with parents to address concerns and build constructive partnerships.
• Uphold and promote a strong safeguarding culture in line with school policies and statutory requirements.

Operational Leadership

• Support the effective day-to-day running of the Secondary school.
• Contribute to timetabling, events, examinations processes, enrichment programmes, and school routines.
• Ensure policies and procedures are implemented consistently and effectively.

Staff Development and Performance

• Line manage designated middle leaders or teaching staff as required.
• Contribute to appraisal, performance management, and professional development processes.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and leadership support to build capacity across teams.
• Promote collaboration, professional dialogue, and leadership development opportunities.

Parental and Community Engagement

• Maintain strong communication with parents to support student progress and wellbeing.
• Represent the school at meetings, events, and community initiatives.
• Support programmes that enhance student leadership, enrichment, and wider participation.

Professional Expectations

• Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional learning and leadership development.
• Remain informed about current educational research, curriculum developments, and inspection frameworks.
• Uphold safeguarding responsibilities and the professional standards expected of senior leaders.

Note:
This job description outlines the general scope of the Assistant Head of Secondary role. Responsibilities may evolve in line with school priorities, and additional duties may be assigned by the Head of Secondary or Principal as required.

Required qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in education or another relevant field with a teaching qualification
• Previous experience in a senior leadership role
• NPQH or other relevant senior leadership qualifications (desirable)

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a pre-requisite for all appointments.

Education