Deputy Head Academic for the Prep School

Runnymede College was founded by Arthur F Powell and his wife Julia in 1967, in a small house in Calle José Rodríguez Pinilla. The school premises have moved several times before finally settling in its current location on Calle Salvia. In 1987 our Headmaster, Mr Frank Powell, succeeded his father and, with his wife Cristina, founded the Junior School and, since then, have been co-responsible for the School’s expansion, for maintaining Runnymede’s academic excellence and for fostering the alumni pursuit of higher-level education.

The Powell family are proud to be continuing the legacy left by Arthur Powell, ensuring academic excellence and fostering an environment which allows students to reach their potential in all aspects of school life. 

In 2023 Runnymede moved from a 2 school structure on one site, to a 3 school structure, replicating the most bespoke and most prestigious schools in the UK. We now have a Pre-Prep School (ages 2-7), a Prep School (ages 8-13) and a Senior School (ages 13-18). Duncan Bailey was appointed to lead the Prep School and the Pre-Prep School. The new structure has meant creating additional posts of responsibility and numerous opportunities for professional development and promotion have arisen.

The school is seeking to appoint a Deputy Head Academic for the Prep School from September 2024.

The Deputy Head (Academic & Curriculum) will be responsible for promoting a vibrant and dynamic academic culture within the Prep School, working to ensure the highest standards of teaching, learning and academic attainment. They will work closely with the Heads of Department and other senior staff to facilitate the transition to the school’s new structure and to ensure effective development and delivery of the academic curriculum.They will be actively involved in overseeing teaching and learning practice and the efficient management of academic departments. 

Appointed by and reporting to: The Prep School Headmaster

Main responsibilities/duties 

Strategic Direction

• Oversee the establishment of a Year 4-8 Prep School curriculum which meets the needs of all Prep School pupils and equips with the skills needed to make a successful transition to the Senior School. 
• To develop, implement and regularly review academic policies for the Prep School which meet British School Overseas minimum standards.
• Support the Headmaster in teacher recruitment for the Prep School.
• To work with Senior School staff on the development of a school timetable, staffing and rooming models which facilitate and optimise teaching and learning across the whole school
• Contribute to the School Development Plan.
• Inform the School Leadership Team of current research, trends and issues relevant to the academic life of the Prep School to facilitate future planning. 

Leadership and Management

• Line management of the Prep School Heads of Department, including monitoring of teacher performance, schemes of work and conducting departmental reviews.
• Participation in Prep School Senior Leadership meetings 
• To lead on the academic areas of inspection preparation
• Develop a schedule for and lead Prep School staff meetings
• To work with Heads of Department and the Head of Staff Development to strengthen the culture of continuous professional development and encourage Prep School staff to access opportunities 
• To oversee the induction of new Prep School staff, alongside the Head of Staff Development 
• To provide support for school events, including assemblies and parents’ evenings 
• Organisation and management of the academic calendar in the Prep School, including
• assessments, reporting and parents’ evenings
• Assist with the staff duty rota and staff cover 

Curriculum Development

• Oversee the establishment of a Year 4-8 Prep School curriculum which aligns with the English national curriculum 
• To develop opportunities for subject specialist teaching within the Prep School and the use of dedicated subject spaces 
• To organise opportunities for cross-curricular learning - eg whole school theme weeks.

Tracking and Monitoring

• To develop effective systems for monitoring and evaluating the progress of all pupils. 
• To work with the Deputy Head Pastoral & SENCO to implement appropriate strategies to support
• pupil progress
• Coordinate assessment within the Prep School, including CAT4 testing 
• To develop a consistent approach to the use of CAT4, SEND and other data to develop a culture of individualised and high-impact learning 
• To support of staff in developing the skills to effectively interpret data about students 
• To oversee the reporting of pupil progress to parents 

Staffing and Resources 

• Assist the Prep School Headmaster in the employment of new staff 
• Oversee procedures to induct new staff 
• Be responsible for the professional development (appraisal) of staff 

The successful applicant will have:

• a good honours degree from a British University (2:1 or better)
• a PGCE or other qualified teacher status
• recent experience as a teacher in a school in the UK
• the ability to modify learning strategies to target the needs of individual students
• high expectations of pupils’ effort and behaviour, and facilitate this with proven classroom management skills
• be organised and able to prioritise to meet deadlines
• clear understanding of the curriculum and its assessment
• ability to employ a range of effective teaching, learning styles and assessment methods
• ability to use assessment and baseline testing data to inform planning and set targets
• ability to generate ideas and drive initiatives
• innovative approaches to curriculum delivery
• ability to establish good working relationships and effective teamwork
• demonstrably good communication skills both oral and written
• strong ICT skills

Other preferable but not essential criteria:

• previous experience of an international school

Please complete the TES online application form and attach your CV and covering letter.

Final date for applications- Monday 8th April 2024

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and first round interviews will take place via Zoom/in person on a rolling basis. The final round interview will be held face-to-face at Runnymede College in Madrid. The School reserves the right to make an appointment before the closing date if a suitable candidate is found. If you have not heard from us within six weeks of submitting your application, please assume you were unsuccessful this time.

We are an equal opportunities employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Hiring decisions are based on skills, experience and attributes required for the role. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.

Runnymede is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including check with past employers and the ACRO Criminal Records Office.