Terrington Hall School
North Yorkshire
Salary:
Competitive
Job type:
Full Time, Permanent
Start date:
01 September 2026
Apply by:
10 October 2025
Job overview
We are seeking an ambitious and forward-thinking educational leader who combines a passion for academic excellence with strong people management skills. The successful candidate will play a central role in the leadership and development of our thriving school, motivated by challenge, driven by high standards, and eager to make a lasting impact on pupils, staff, and the wider school community.
Terrington Hall is going through an exciting period of growth and development, and the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in the next stage of our strategic journey. For the right individual, there may also be the opportunity to assume additional responsibilities as Senior Deputy Head, offering a significant progression pathway for someone aspiring to Headship in the future.
We are particularly interested in candidates who bring:
* Proven experience or a strong interest in IT and Educational Technology, with the ability to lead digital innovation and integrate technology effectively into teaching and learning.
* Subject teaching experience at Key Stage 2 and/or 3, particularly in Mathematics or the Humanities – although other subject specialisms will also be considered.
Job Purpose:
As Deputy Head (Academic), you will work closely with the headmaster to lead the school's academic vision and strategy. You will oversee all aspects of teaching, learning, curriculum, and assessment, ensuring the highest professional standards and pupil achievement. Through effective leadership and school improvement, you will drive excellence across the staff and contribute to the school's continued growth and development.
Key Responsibility /Accountability:
1. Senior Leadership
* Deputise for the headmaster when required.
* Contribute to the strategic planning process and the development of whole-school priorities.
* Serve as a core member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), leading meetings when required and representing academic performance and progress.
* Foster a positive culture of professional reflection and the sharing of excellent practice within the SLT.
* Attend and report to Governors as required.
* Lead on Independent School Inspectorate (ISI) inspection preparation, ensuring compliance and readiness.
* Oversee school policies and ensure they are current and effectively implemented.
* Assist in the general day-to-day running and organisation of the school.
* Actively contribute to the wider life of the school and support colleagues.
* Ensure compliance with Health and Safety legislation, policies, and best practice.
* Work within school procedures and codes of practice at all times.
* Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role as agreed with the headmaster.
2. Compliance
* Maintain a strong working knowledge of the regulatory framework for independent schools, with particular emphasis on Section 2 of the Independent School Standards.
* Oversee the development, implementation, and review of relevant school policies.
3. Leadership and School Improvement
* Play a key role in the school's growth and strategic development, working closely with the headmaster.
* Lead and contribute to school self-evaluation and improvement planning.
* Keep abreast of educational issues, initiatives, and sector trends; attend relevant professional training and conferences.
* Promote a culture of high expectations, target-setting, and accountability through effective systems of evaluation and improvement.
* Inspire colleagues through clear expectations, constructive feedback, and a commitment to excellence.
* Plan, manage, and oversee Parents' Evenings and other academic events.
* Advise colleagues on academic and curriculum matters.
* Ensure academic policies are current, well-communicated, and actively promoted.
* Serve as the visible and approachable leader for the Upper Prep, embodying the school's values and setting the tone for pupils, parents, and staff.
4. Timetabling and Organisation
* Construct and review the whole-school timetable annually in consultation with the headmaster.
* Manage the school duty rota and ensure appropriate cover is in place.
5. Staff Leadership and Development
* Contribute to the school's performance management system, including lesson observations, feedback, and staff appraisal.
* Monitor teaching quality through classroom visits, work sampling, and performance reviews, keeping the headmaster informed.
* Identify professional development needs and coordinate staff training, INSET, and academic meetings.
* Line manage academic post holders and oversee academic budgets.
* Track and manage staff absence and coordinate cover arrangements.
6. Assessment, Examinations, and Senior School Transition
* Oversee assessment processes and the collection of standardised data across the school.
* Monitor progress data to identify trends, implement interventions, and demonstrate measurable impact.
* Report assessment outcomes to governors and publish the annual statement of academic performance.
* Manage Common Entrance (CE) and mock examinations, including registration, timetabling, invigilation, marking, and reporting.
* Collaborate with the headmaster to develop a detailed knowledge of Future Schools and the individual exam requirements for the range of schools we prepare pupils for.
* Support pupils with senior school applications, assessments, and scholarship opportunities.
* Maintain accurate records of pupil progression to senior schools, including scholarships and honours.
* Produce exam timetables, revision packs, and ensure effective communication with parents.
7. Curriculum and Pupil Learning
* Lead curriculum planning, development, and mapping to ensure age-appropriate progression and coherence across year groups.
* Be responsible for ensuring pupils make strong progress beyond expected outcomes, while maintaining a balance between high academic standards and excellent pastoral care.
* Support the introduction of new academic initiatives and schemes of work.
* Ensure teaching and learning across the school is of the highest standard.
* Drive continuous improvement in pupil outcomes, including CE and other assessments, ensuring each child achieves their full potential.
* Oversee effective integration of ICT into teaching and learning.
* Ensure classrooms are well-resourced, stimulating, and orderly.
* Track pupil progress systematically, ensuring appropriate records are kept.
* Manage prep (homework), monitoring its effectiveness.
* Ensure clear and timely communication with parents regarding pupil progress and academic matters.
* Oversee the production and quality assurance of pupil reports.
* Act as the primary advocate for Upper Prep pupils, ensuring their voice and needs are represented.
* Champion a culture of ambition, responsibility, and care across the Upper Prep.
8. Inclusion and Pupil Support
* Support teachers with pupils causing academic concern.
* Work closely with the SENCO to identify and provide appropriate learning support.
* Assist with admissions by coordinating academic testing of prospective pupils when required.
9. Parent-Facing Responsibilities
* Act as a key point of contact for parents, building strong, supportive relationships that foster trust and engagement.
* Provide guidance and support to families applying for senior school scholarships, bursaries, and transition opportunities.
* Represent the school with professionalism and warmth at parent meetings, open days, and other community events.
* Communicate academic progress, expectations, and pathways clearly and sensitively to parents.
Additional Elements:
Child Protection and Safeguarding.
Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone's responsibility. Everyone who interacts with children and their families has a role to play. To fulfil this responsibility effectively, all practitioners should make sure their approach is child related. This means that they should consider, always, what is in the best interests of the child
You must comply with Terrington Hall School's Protection and Safeguarding Policy and Procedures and the requirement to report any concerns relating to the safety or welfare of children.
Additional Duties:
You will undertake assigned daytime, evening and weekend duties and responsibilities in the school as required, ensuring that all actions are discharged within the regulatory and legislative requirements to which the School is subject.
You will also undertake to carry out any other reasonable duties commensurate with the post as directed by the headmaster.
Person Specification:
The successful candidate will demonstrate the following:
Personal Qualities
* A role model who leads by example, upholding the school's values with honesty and integrity.
* A positive, proactive, and resilient "can-do" attitude.
* Ambition, energy, and commitment to driving the continued development of Terrington Hall.
* Drive and determination to secure the best possible academic outcomes for pupils of all abilities.
* Enthusiasm for enhancing the wider school life, including music, sport, drama, and other extra-curricular activities.
* Authority combined with empathy to inspire and connect with pupils, staff, and parents.
Skills and Experience
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong relationships across the school community.
* Proven leadership experience with effective management skills, including goal setting, delegation, time management, and performance appraisal.
* Strong IT skills with extensive experience in the effective use of technology to enhance teaching, learning, and school management.
* Ability to raise the school's profile and play an active role in the local community.
* An understanding of the financial environment of schools and experience of working within budgets.
* A track record of academic success and experience in leading teaching and learning.
Qualifications and Training
* Educated to degree level with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
* Commitment to professional growth through CPD and staying abreast of educational developments and legislation.
* Willingness to participate fully in staff meetings, briefings, and the Professional Performance Review process.
Safeguarding and Welfare of Children
* A clear commitment to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children.
* Full adherence to the School's Child Protection Policy always.
* Responsibility to report any concerns about actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or headmaster.
To apply, please submit the following documents:
* A completed application form and self-declaration (available via TES or on request).
* A covering letter addressed to the Head, outlining your suitability for the role and what attracts you to Terrington Hall.
* An up-to-date CV.
Applications should be sent via email to no later than 10th October 2025.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend interviews during the week commencing 13th October. Early applications are encouraged, as we reserve the right to interview suitable candidates before the closing date.
Start Date: 1st September 2026
Terrington Hall is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and all applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Self declaration form - Sept
109KB
About Terrington Hall School
Terrington Hall School
Terrington, York
North Yorkshire
YO60 6PR
United Kingdom
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