Depute Head Teacher Senior School

THE SCHOOL

Clifton Hall School is an Independent Scottish Nursery, Primary and Secondary school for children between the ages of three and eighteen. The school is a fully independent all-through day school and is a member of the Scottish Council for Independent Schools (SCIS), with around 400 pupils, having two nursery years, seven ‘single class’ primary years and six ‘double form’ secondary years.

Class sizes will not exceed twenty four and most exam stage classes are significantly smaller in size. The school broadly follows the 3-18 Curriculum for Excellence guidelines.

The principal catchment areas of the school are Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Further information can be found at

The Depute Head Teacher will provide strategic and operational leadership across the Senior School, with particular responsibility for curriculum planning, Qualifications Scotland (formerly SQA) qualifications, assessment and attainment, and the construction and management of the school timetable. As a key member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), the postholder will ensure the delivery of a high-quality educational experience that reflects the school's values, supports academic excellence, and enables pupils to achieve their full potential.

The role requires a highly organised, analytical, and collaborative leader with knowledge of the Qualifications Scotland (QS) framework and proven expertise in curriculum design and timetabling within an educational setting.

1. Leadership and Strategic Development

Leadership and Strategic Development

• Contribute to the strategic leadership and management of the school as a member of the Senior Management Team.
• Support the Head Teacher in implementing the school's vision, values, and strategic objectives.
• Lead whole-school improvement initiatives, ensuring alignment with national educational developments and independent sector expectations.
• Deputise for the Head Teacher as required.
• Promote a culture of high expectations, professional excellence, and continuous improvement.

2. Curriculum Leadership

• Lead the development, review, and implementation of the Senior School curriculum.
• Ensure curriculum provision meets the needs of all learners and supports progression, challenge, and breadth.
• Maintain a forward-looking curriculum strategy which reflects developments in Scottish education and university entrance requirements.
• Work collaboratively with staff to evaluate curriculum effectiveness and pupil outcomes.
• Develop innovative approaches to teaching and learning while maintaining academic rigour.
• Monitor curriculum delivery and ensure compliance with relevant regulatory and inspection requirements.

3. Qualifications Scotland Leadership

• Act as the school's lead officer for all matters relating to Qualifications Scotland qualifications.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of qualifications policy, assessment arrangements, and awarding procedures.
• Oversee all aspects of National Qualifications, including:
• National 4 and National 5
• Higher
• Advanced Higher
• Other accredited qualifications as appropriate
• Ensure effective implementation of assessment and quality assurance procedures.
• Lead the school's annual qualifications cycle, including:
• Course approval
• Assessment planning
• Internal verification
• Appeals processes
• Certification arrangements
• Serve as principal liaison with Qualifications Scotland and external awarding bodies.
• Ensure compliance with all awarding body regulations and quality assurance requirements.
• Lead staff training and professional learning relating to qualifications and assessment developments.
• Analyse attainment and achievement data to identify trends and inform improvement strategies.
• Prepare reports for SMT, Governors, parents, and regulatory bodies on examination performance and attainment.

4. Timetabling and Resource Management

• Lead the design, construction, implementation, and ongoing management of the whole-school timetable.
• Develop a timetable that maximises curriculum choice, staffing efficiency, and educational outcomes.
• Manage option choice processes and ensure effective curriculum pathways for pupils.
• Work closely with Curriculum Leaders to allocate staffing resources…