Deputy Head, Teaching & Learning

Founded in 1888 on its current site on the outskirts of Newbury,  Horris Hill is a successful independent day and boarding school set in more than 65 acres of Berkshire countryside. The ethos of our school is very simple - happy children thrive. The school’s attention is not only on providing academic excellence but in delivering excellence in pastoral care too. Dedicated staff nurture an enduring love of learning and curiosity of spirit that will equip pupils with the skills and confidence for whatever challenges they may face in life. 

Horris Hill are seeking to appoint (ideally for September 2022, or January 2023), an outstanding Deputy Head of Teaching and Learning, who will work closely with the Headmaster and the Head of Departments to shape the strategic direction of academic life at Horris Hill.  The position will lead on refining teaching and learning strategies in collaboration with the Senior Management Team and build on a growth portfolio with clear forms of assessment and targets for teachers and pupils. Fostering a culture of coaching throughout the school will be critical, encouraging peer observations, review practices and an aspirational culture with regards to teaching and learning.

The Head of Teaching and Learning will aim to enrich school life for every pupil, shaping a modern, varied and rich curriculum recognising the needs of all pupils. The successful candidate will be a highly skilled leader who demonstrates excellent communication skills.

The successful candidate will bring enthusiasm for many other aspects of school life such as sports and extra-curricular provision, and will be willing to perform boarding duties and contribute fully to a busy full-time boarding school.  For full-time staff this usually includes a commitment to teaching on Saturdays during term, in return for generous holidays. Accommodation may be available, and is linked to support for the Boarding Houses.

Horris Hill prides itself on helping its pupils balance the demands of formal education with both creative play and organised sports and activities. The school enjoys close relationships with several of the country’s top public schools, and ensures every pupil makes the most of the opportunities available to them so that they can be excited and prepared for the next stage of their educational journey.

Horris Hill is part of Forfar Education, a specialist school investment and advisory business, which partners with and manages schools across the world; supporting them to become outstanding centres of excellence for pupils of all ages to learn and grow. Forfar Education is committed to working in close partnership with school leadership for the benefit of all pupils, celebrating each school’s identity and strengths.

Our core aim is to maintain Horris Hill  as a  small, selective, academically rigorous family school coupled with an holistic learning environment. We will continue to prepare children for the next stage in their education and to deliver children into the most academically ambitious schools in the world. Horris Hill’s unrivalled culture, which creates a truly rounded education will remain, and the fundamentals of good British values and manners will be reinforced. 

It is an exciting time of change and growth for the school, as it looks to extend its offering by opening a 50-week nursery from September 2022 for children aged 2-4 years. Girls will also be able to benefit from the education and care that the school provides and we are delighted to offer them the opportunity to join in Nursery and Reception from  this September. 

Our staffing team are critical to the school’s continued success and you will be joining some excellent recent appointments. We are delighted to be welcoming our new Headmaster, Mr Rob Stewart to the school in September.  He has an outstanding track record including being a past  Eton Housemaster and  is currently  Head of The Oratory Prep School.

Potential candidates wishing to discuss this post are warmly invited to arrange a confidential discussion with one of the consultants handling this appointment:

Jenny Funnell, Search Consultant: jennyfunnell@rsacademics.com; or 

Jenny Aviss, Senior Advisor: jennyaviss@rsacademics.com

Deadline for applications: Friday 10th June 2022, 10.00am 

Further information, including the recruitment pack and application form, can be found on the RSAcademics website 

• Horris Hill  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 subject to enhanced DBS and other checks in line with safer recruitment best practice. 

• This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. 

• The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure. 

RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.