Could you help shape the next chapter of academic life at Sherfield?

We are looking for an inspiring and experienced academic leader to join Sherfield School as Deputy Head Academic (Senior School). This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping teaching, learning and academic progress across our Senior School, working closely with the Head of School and Senior Leadership Team.

At Sherfield, we believe that excellent teaching has the greatest influence on student learning and progress. Our approach combines academic rigour with a nurturing environment, encouraging students to become confident, independent and motivated learners. As Deputy Head Academic, you will help drive this culture forward, ensuring that every student is challenged, supported and given the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

From curriculum development and assessment to staff development and quality assurance, you will have the opportunity to make a tangible difference across the school. You will lead with credibility, curiosity and purpose, working collaboratively with colleagues to identify what works, share best practice and continually raise standards.

Key responsibilities

• Shape and implement the school’s academic vision alongside the Head of School and Senior Leadership Team.
• Lead whole-school academic improvement initiatives, using evidence and data to drive progress.
• Oversee curriculum design, ensuring breadth, challenge and alignment with national requirements and school priorities.
• Monitor academic standards and support Heads of Department in raising attainment and improving outcomes.
• Promote high-quality teaching through coaching, lesson observation and professional dialogue.
• Lead staff training focused on pedagogy, assessment and curriculum development, working closely with the Director of Teaching & Learning.
• Oversee assessment and tracking systems, using academic data to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
• Lead departmental reviews, learning walks, book looks and data reviews as part of the school’s quality assurance processes.
• Oversee examination processes, subject choices and qualification pathways, including post-results analysis.
• Support recruitment, induction, appraisal and professional development of teaching staff.
• Work closely with pastoral leaders to ensure academic and wellbeing support are closely aligned.
• Communicate effectively with students, parents, colleagues and governors about academic progress and expectations.
• Contribute to the wider leadership and daily running of the school, including assemblies, events and strategic planning.

What we are looking for

We are looking for a highly professional and dedicated leader with a strong track record of excellent classroom practice and successful curriculum or departmental leadership.

• Experience of improving teaching and learning through coaching, training or quality assurance.
• Strong knowledge of curriculum design, assessment and effective pedagogy.
• Confidence in analysing academic data and using evidence to drive improvement.
• Experience of working with senior leaders on whole-school academic initiatives.
• Familiarity with the ISI inspection framework.
• Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Experience of leading staff development and supporting colleagues to improve their practice.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive, collaborative relationships across the school.

Leadership qualities

You will be an inspiring and credible leader who can motivate colleagues while modelling high professional standards. You will be a clear and fair decision-maker, a reflective and strategic thinker, and someone who remains positive, resilient and calm under pressure.

Above all, you will share Sherfield’s commitment to academic excellence and to helping every student succeed, while contributing to a supportive and ambitious school community.

The opportunity

Sherfield is a co-educational day and boarding independent school for students aged 3 months to 18 years, set in beautiful park and woodland surroundings in North Hampshire. With a broad academic curriculum, extensive enrichment opportunities and a strong focus on preparing students for life, it is an environment where there is real scope to innovate, collaborate and make an impact.

As part of Education in Motion (EiM), Sherfield is also connected to a growing global network of schools, providing opportunities to share ideas and best practice with colleagues across the wider group.

Terms

• Full time
• Permanent
• Reporting to: Head of School
• Salary: Competitive
• Start date: January or April 2027

Additional benefits

• Contributory pension scheme
• Death in service benefit
• On-site parking
• Complimentary school meals during term time
• In-house training
• On-site accommodation potentially available

How to apply

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 30 September 2026. We encourage early applications and reserve the right to interview outstanding candidates before the closing date.

To apply, please complete the Sherfield School Application Form along with a brief covering letter outlining your interest in the role and your experience relevant to the required criteria.

Please include the names and contact details of three referees. We will not approach referees until the final stages, and only with the candidate’s prior permission.

Please send your application form and covering letter via email to Anna Gray, Head of HR, at hr@sherfieldschool.co.uk.

Application Form

Deputy Head Academic (Senior School) Candidate Pack

Are you ready to embark on an exciting adventure with some of the most warm-hearted and imaginative children on the planet?

We are seeking a dynamic Early Years Practitioner committed to high-quality early years provision and early years pedagogy. Picture exploring the wonders of nature in the forest one day, creating art with natural materials the next, or discovering the magic of a garden as you nurture plants together. At Sherfield Early Years, we guarantee that no two days will ever be the same! From woodland adventures to creative outdoor learning, you will help nurture children’s creativity, independence and resilience.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the child is at the centre of all decisions made.
• Support and extend the individual needs, interests, and talents of the children in your care.
• Maintain health and safety standards led by the Room Leader.
• Follow safeguarding procedures to create a safe environment for all.
• Use effective observation to enhance children’s learning through a rich variety of play-based experiences.
• Partner respectfully with families, utilising the Key Person approach.
• Participate in collaborative planning and share best practices within the team.
• Contribute to the overall development of Sherfield Early Years.

Person specification

• Level 3 Childcare Qualification: Do you have the relevant credentials?
• Strong Communication Skills: Are you adept at building relationships with children and their families?
• Knowledge of the EYFS: Do you have a good understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage?

Work Schedule

• 48 Weeks Per Year, plus attendance at 6 INSET or Professional Learning days
• Permanent
• Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week
• 20 days holiday plus bank holidays and nursery closure days
• Nursery Operating Hours: 07:30am to 6:00pm

Salary: £27,552
Start date: As soon as possible

To apply, please complete the Sherfield School Application Form and a brief covering letter that outlines your interest in the role and your relevant experience. Apply by completing the Sherfield School Application Form (below) along with a brief covering letter which sets out your interest in the role and experience relevant to the required criteria.

Please include the names and contact details of three referees. Referees will not be approached until the final stages, and not without prior permission from candidates.

Please send your application form and cover letter via email to Anna Gray, Head of HR at hr@sherfieldschool.co.uk

Early Years Practitioner Candidate Pack

Application Form