DescriptionEmployerLocation
About Avicenna
Avicenna is a new independent secondary school launching in September 2025 in the landmark Fraser Noble building in Leicester. We are committed to delivering a values-driven, academically ambitious education in a calm and respectful environment. Our approach blends traditional academic standards with innovative and enriching learning experiences.
The school has been founded by a highly experienced team who already operate two successful schools under its trust. With a track record of excellence in both educational leadership and school development, the founding team is committed to building a high-performing, forward-thinking institution.
In our founding year, the school will open with fewer than 50 students, providing a rare opportunity to help shape its direction, culture, and systems from day one. This role is ideal for an experienced Deputy Head or senior leader looking for a meaningful leadership challenge in a high-potential setting-either as a stepping stone to Headship or as a purposeful, lower-pressure opportunity later in their career.
The Role
We are seeking an outstanding individual to take on the role of Founding Deputy Head (Secondary) with broad whole-school leadership responsibilities, including serving as the academic lead.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the school's academic direction, teaching standards, and curriculum from inception. You will lead on pedagogy, assessment, and staff development, ensuring students receive an outstanding education. As the most senior educational leader on site, you will also oversee operational, pastoral, and cultural aspects of the school, working closely with the founding team.
Key Responsibilities
Academic Leadership
- Act as the academic lead for the school, responsible for curriculum design, teaching standards, assessment, and pupil progress.
- Promote and embed a culture of teaching excellence, rigour, and high expectations.
- Lead the development and implementation of an innovative and coherent curriculum across subject areas.
- Monitor academic outcomes and drive strategies to ensure exceptional student achievement.
Strategic and Educational Leadership
- Shape and implement the school's educational vision in collaboration with the founding team.
- Foster a learning environment that prioritises academic ambition alongside personal growth and wellbeing.
- Prepare the school for inspection readiness and ensure alignment with regulatory expectations.
Operational Oversight
- Oversee the smooth day-to-day running of the school.
- Develop and implement effective school policies and systems, including behaviour, safeguarding, and staff development.
- Manage timetabling, reporting, and school logistics in partnership with the wider team.
Staff Leadership and Development
- Lead, support, and develop a growing team of teaching and support staff.
- Set clear expectations, provide coaching, and embed a reflective, high-performance culture.
- Lead staff appraisal and CPD in line with best practice and school priorities.
Pastoral Leadership
- Ensure robust pastoral systems to support student wellbeing, behaviour, and safeguarding.
- Build a culture of respect, discipline, and care among staff and pupils.
School Culture and Community
- Shape and model the school's values, ethos, and expectations from the outset.
- Engage parents, trustees, and the wider community in the life of the school.
- Act as a key public ambassador for the school during its launch phase.
Person Specification
Essential:
- Substantial experience as a Deputy Head, Assistant Head, or equivalent senior leader in a secondary school-ideally in the independent sector.
- A proven track record of improving academic standards and leading curriculum innovation.
- Strong leadership of teaching and learning, with deep understanding of pedagogy and assessment.
- Excellent organisational, communication, and people management skills.
- A commitment to building a high-performing, inclusive school culture from the ground up.
Desirable:
- Familiarity with Cambridge IGCSE, Edexcel, AQA, or other international curricula.
- Experience in school start-up, change management, or growth-phase leadership.
- Senior leadership qualifications (e.g. NPQSL, NPQH).
- Experience working in values-based or all-through school settings.
What We Offer
- A rare opportunity to shape the academic and operational foundation of a new independent school.
- A respectful, well-resourced environment with small class sizes and motivated learners.
- High level of autonomy and meaningful influence on school strategy.
- Supportive founding team with a strong track record and two existing schools under its trust.
- Clear progression path, with the potential to move into full Headship as the school grows.
Safeguarding Statement
Avicenna School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff and volunteers to understand and share this commitment. We have a shared commitment to develop a culture of respect, where discrimination is not tolerated. We welcome all applications, including those from under-represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.