Job Description

School

Cranleigh Prep School

Salary

Competitive

Working hours

Full time

Application Deadline

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Job Summary

Shape the future of academic excellence at one of the UK's leading prep schools.

Cranleigh Prep is seeking an inspiring and visionary Deputy Head (Academic) to lead our teaching, learning, and curriculum strategy. This is a pivotal senior leadership role designed for an ambitious educator who balances a passion for evidence-informed pedagogy with the operational expertise to manage a high-performing academic environment.

The Role

As Deputy Head (Academic), you will be the driving force behind a curriculum that is ambitious, coherent, and forward-thinking. Reporting directly to the Head of Cranleigh Prep, you will ensure every pupil--from those requiring learning support to our most able--is challenged and prepared for a seamless transition to senior education and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement the Academic Development Plan, using research-driven data to enhance pedagogy and pupil outcomes.

Academic Operations: Oversee the school timetable, assessment cycles (including ISEB), and the robust use of MIS (iSAMS).

Staff Development: Lead CPD and INSET programmes, mentor Heads of Department, and nurture leadership potential across the academic staff.

Quality Assurance: Drive a culture of excellence through lesson observations, work scrutiny, and pupil voice initiatives.

Digital Innovation: Spearhead the strategic development of digital learning and the school's VLE.

Teaching: Maintain a visible presence in the classroom with a teaching load of approximately 50%. Please make your specialism(s) clear in your application.

About You

You are a collaborative leader with a proven track record of academic management. You possess the emotional intelligence to lead a talented staff body and the analytical skills to translate data into actionable school improvements. Whether you are an experienced Deputy or a high-achieving Head of Department looking for the next step, you will be committed to the holistic values and rigorous standards of the Cranleigh community.

How to Apply

For further details about the role, please see the job description below.

To Apply, please click the 'Apply Now' button in the top right corner and complete the online application form.

Candidates are requested to submit a brief letter of application (no more than one side of A4), and supported by a full CV (via the 'Apply now' button on the website) as soon as possible and no later than 9:00 am Thursday 29th January 2026. Applications are considered as they are received and therefore the vacancy may close sooner than advertised.

Interviews will be held on Thursday 5th and Friday 6th February 2026.

Cranleigh School recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds.

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post holder will be subject to a DBS check.

Job Profile

About us

Cranleigh aims to educate children in a truly holistic sense, providing every opportunity for pupils to discover and nurture their talents and passions. We want every pupil in our care to flourish. Above all, we want Cranleighans to go out into the world as Thinking, Being, Giving individuals.


Thinking: reflects our style of teaching which aims to provide pupils with a questioning mindset and the skills to think and problem solve. Being: is who we are and how we are. Our culture aims to nurture in pupils the core human qualities that enable communities to thrive and support one another Giving: is our hope that Cranleighans grow to recognise their privilege and go out into the world ready to give back and help to create meaningful change.





Our core values of service, leadership, relationships and excellence underpin all elements of boarding life and education. In the classroom, on the sports field, in the rehearsal studios and creative spaces, we uphold a desire to nurture students with a sense of self-belief supported by a strong moral compass.

SERVICE

We encourage an attitude of service to each other and to our wider community. We recognise our privileges and our responsibility to give back.

RELATIONSHIPS

We foster strong relationships in our inclusive boarding community. We believe children flourish in safe, supportive environments.

LEADERSHIP

We nurture a spirit of openness, integrity and thoroughness in everything we do, equipping Cranleighans with the knowledge and skills to make a mark on the world. We endeavour to be viewed as leaders in holistic boarding education.

EXCELLENCE

We strive for excellence in everything we do, and aspire to be recognised for our educational vision and the personal qualities of our students.

Contact Details

If you have any questions about this role, or wish to discuss please contact us by email at

recruiting@cranleigh.org

or by telephone on

01483 542128