Senior Deputy Head

Ackworth School (HMC,SoH) wishes to appoint a Senior Deputy Head to join us from September 2022 or earlier if possible. The ideal candidate must have prior experience of senior leadership and be able to hit the ground running. Perhaps you have worked in a large school as a second deputy, or are looking for a sideways move at a larger school to consolidate your experience, before moving onto headship. We are looking for someone who is a strong leader of academic and pastoral excellence, who can demonstrate this both in the classroom and through the development of others. You know what good looks like and you constantly strive for this from your academic and pastoral staff, in order for pupils to be the best they can be. 

As a Quaker School we have a strong ethos that is evident from the moment you arrive, and this underpins our strengths. Pastorally, Ackworth prides itself on being an inclusive school. We have a dedicated Autism Resource and a strong learning support department, all of which will come under your remit through a team of highly experienced staff. 

As the Designated Safeguarding Lead you will work with the pastoral teams to ensure outstanding levels of pastoral care in the boarding and day communities. You will have full responsibility for ensuring that all staff are up to date with safeguarding training and that this remains at the forefront of everyone’s mind all year round. 

The Senior Deputy Head will be a driven individual with aspirations to ultimately lead a school; a committed team player with a collegiate and collaborative approach, together with an ability and willingness to create a working environment in which staff are empowered to take decisions but are held accountable. 

You must be a strong leader who can manage our academic and pastoral teams, ensuring that nobody is left behind. You have high standards and have the confidence to make your own decisions, but also the sense to know when to consult. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team you will quickly become that indispensable person; not because of your job title but because of who you are. 

In return we offer:

• a competitive salary and generous fee remission of 50% for the children of our staff.

• Accommodation on site in a family home

• all food and refreshments during the working day.

• access to sports facilities, new fitness suite and pool.

• free on-site parking.

• flexible pension and health benefits.

• access to an Employee Assistance Programme

• a supportive and friendly environment, based on the Quaker ethos of the school, that is committed to equal opportunity for all staff .

• a committed parent community which plays an active part in the school.

• a beautiful working location within easy travelling distance of the main centres of Sheffield, Leeds, Doncaster and York.

Applicants should submit a school application form together with a cover letter of no more than a single side of A4 summarising your suitability for the role against the key criteria. 

Applications should be addressed to the Clerk to the School Committee and sent by email to: jobs@ackworthschool.com 

Visits to the school are welcome and these can be arranged through the Head’s secretary, Delia Coburn on 01977 233600. 

Closing Date: Tuesday 14th December 2021. 

Applicants who are shortlisted will be contacted within a few days of the closing date. The interviews will take place after the Christmas break into the next term.

Interviews: Stage 1 – W/C 17/01/2022

Stage 2 will be the week thereafter. 

Applicants should read carefully the application procedure and Recruitment, Selection and Disclosure Policy. Our recruitment privacy notice is also available on our website within “Working For Us”. 

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Ackworth School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and all applicants will undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS and Barred list check with Disclosure and Barring Service.