Academic Director

Contract:          Full time, permanent (Mon – Fri, 8.30am – 6.30pm)

Salary:             competitive

Job Start Date: September 2024 or January 2025

Closing date:   6 June 2024

Interview date: We will be shortlisting and interviewing on an ongoing basis and may appoint before the closing date, so we encourage early applications.

Job Purpose

We require an Academic Director that will build on the excellence of our academic provision at this unique school. This newly created post will be forward looking, seeking to build and develop on pedagogy and to support an ambitious and committed team. Working alongside and in collaboration with the vocational directors of the school, a genuine interest in and support of the performing arts is essential. Applicants from any discipline will be considered, with preference given to applicants with experience in business studies and/or the sciences. A demonstrable interest in the future of education with the emergence of GenAI would be an advantage.

School

Tring Park School is a co-educational boarding and day school based in Hertfordshire, UK, educating and training young people from the age of 7 to 19. Pupils receive rigorous training in the performing arts, that is combined with an extensive academic programme of study.

Our balanced curriculum sets us apart from other schools and provides pupils with a well-rounded education, enabling them to achieve high academic excellence and versatility as a performer.

We value the importance of a broad and rigorous academic education to enable pupils to develop intellectually; thereby helping them reach their full potential in the world of the performing arts and beyond.

Our pupils are dedicated, committed, enthusiastic, and hard working. It’s an energetic and vibrant atmosphere.

Department

The academic department is integral to the high performance of the school, providing our students with excellent teaching to ensure that pupils are well equipped to achieve academically so that they are able to follow their chosen career path.

The academic team work closely together across all major academic disciplines to encourage intellectual curiosity and ensure that pupils make significant progress in all years of their education and in public examinations at GCSE and A-level.

Teachers enjoy high degrees of professional autonomy in developing the curriculum in their subject areas and are encouraged to develop their own pedagogy.

Main Duties

• To lead the Academic Department and be responsible for the delivery of the academic curriculum across the school.
• To be a fully active member of the teaching delivery and other such duties that support the wider interest of the school.
• To manage the Academic Heads of Faculty and to support and encourage all academic staff to be problem solvers in the best interests of our pupils.
• To ensure that the provision of the academic curriculum is delivered in an effective manner while holding staff to account for the progress for all pupils
• To regularly review the academic provision throughout the school to ensure excellence of curriculum, pedagogy and outcomes.
• To liaise with other Heads of Department to facilitate the harmonious working together of all areas.
• To stay abreast of the rapidly changing educational landscape and to bring best practice back into the department.

Person Specification

• Educated to degree level and hold QTS
• Experience of managing and developing staff.
• Experience of teaching in a secondary school environment, with a passion for ensuring excellence in teaching, learning and training.
• Excellent communication/interpersonal skills.
• Experience of managing budgets/resourcing.
• Strong administration skills with the ability to juggle multiple tasks.
• Experience of monitoring and assessing in an education setting.

Additional Information

Tring Park School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. It is an offence to apply for a role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity with children. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a self-declaration form relating to any criminal record or information that would make them unsuitable to work with children.

We’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity, with an environment where staff can thrive, regardless of their background.

Please note: for information on how we will use your personal information during the recruitment process, please see the Staff Privacy Notice on the School website.