Deputy Head; Academic; St Margaret's School Girls

Applications are invited for the post of Deputy Head (Academic). This post will offer an exciting leadership opportunity to a dynamic, well-qualified, experienced and forward-looking candidate.

• Annual salary for this position is £74,154.

• Automatic enrolment into the STPS with the right to opt out with the alternative option of joining the school’s Defined Contribution arrangement.

• Private medical insurance.

• Daughters of staff who attend the school will be eligible for a 30% remission on school fees after a year’s service.

• St Margaret’s has an Employee Assistance Programme which offers free and confidential advice on both work and personal issues.

• All appointments are subject to receipt of a satisfactory PVG Scheme Record or Scheme Record Update from Disclosure Scotland.

The Deputy Head (Academic) will be a member of the Senior Leadership Team, which will also include the Deputy Head (Pastoral) and the Head of Finance and Operations. Reporting to the Head, the Deputy Head (Academic) will focus primarily on matters relating to senior school curriculum, internal and external assessment, and learning and teaching. The specific remit of the successful candidate may vary according to their specific strengths and experience, but is likely to include the following:

• Co-ordinator of Qualifications Scotland arrangements and internal assessment diets.

• Leadership of the subject choice process and development of the annual whole school timetable.

• Daily management of cover requirements.

• Supporting heads of department in their role as leaders of learning and teaching.

• Promoting the sharing of good practice by, among other things, leading in-service training and facilitating collaboration between teachers.

• Leading the ICT group in steering the development of the school’s digital strategy.

• Developing and reviewing school policies relating to the curriculum, assessment, learning and teaching, digital learning and staff professional learning to ensure that they meet the developing needs of pupils and staff.

• Maintaining our strong systems relating to the tracking and analysis of attainment data.

• Making a significant contribution to the school’s quality assurance, self-evaluation and improvement planning processes.

• Contributing to meetings of the School Council with respect to curriculum, assessment, learning and teaching and professional development matters.

• Contributing to activities relating to the marketing and promotion of the school.

• Sharing in Senior Leadership Team cover during weekends and school holidays.

• Deputising for the Head as required.

It is likely that the successful candidate will demonstrate evidence of the following skills, qualifications and experience:

• A strong academic record and degree in a relevant academic discipline; registration with the General Teaching Council of Scotland.

• A strong teaching portfolio together with experience as a head of department or existing senior leadership team member in another school.

• An up-to-date knowledge of curriculum, assessment and learning and teaching developments.

• An understanding of the nature of an independent girls’ school and a commitment to meeting the intellectual, personal and social needs of girls of a range of backgrounds and abilities.

• The ability to work with calmness and good cheer when under pressure; to be capable of discussing issues and ideas constructively and sensitively, and of working loyally as part of a team.

• Well-developed communication skills both orally and in writing and the ability to relate well to girls and parents individually, in small groups or in larger gatherings.

• A strong commitment to the professional development and welfare of staff and the ability to lead in-service training when required.

• Well- developed organisational, administrative, time management, numerical and problem-solving skills, with a high degree of digital literacy and an eye for detail.

• It is expected that the successful candidate will teach approximately 10 periods each week and will contribute to the extra-curricular life of the school.