Job Description

Job Specification

Deputy Head Academic

Required from January/April 2026

We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic, committed, and inspirational leader to join the Senior Leadership Team at Sydenham High School as Deputy Head Academic. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping the schools future and to build on the momentum of our recent excellent academic results.
As Deputy Head Academic, you will play a pivotal role, working closely with the Head to implement the schools ambitious strategic vision, while further enhancing the academic standards of the school. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership in all matters relating to teaching and learning, educational technology and curriculum, encouraging an ambitious culture of curiosity for learning for both staff and pupils.
Leading and managing the Academic team, including Heads of Department, you will drive forward developments in school which will support pupil outcomes and instil pride and achievement in teaching colleagues.
We are looking for a dynamic leader to take overall responsibility for the Academic focus of the school, inspiring a team of dedicated teachers within a culture of innovation, enrichment and achievement in teaching and learning.

Why Sydenham High School

Established in 1887, Sydenham High is an independent day school for girls aged 4-18 with over 720 pupils. The school is part of the Girls' Day School Trust, the leading and largest group of independent girls' schools in the UK. The GDST is at the forefront of education for girls and has a strong voice in promoting opportunities for young women.
Sydenham High is a selective school with a mission to ensure that every girl reaches her full academic potential. Our rich and diverse curriculum, with a full range of subjects as well as excellent enrichment provision outside of lessons, enables our students to develop the skills and personal attributes to prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of an ever-changing society. We are ambitious and forward thinking, looking to ensure our school continues to offer an outstanding education to our young people as well as the very best in pastoral care. Tolerance and mutual respect are a cornerstone of our ethos alongside an education which delivers a contemporary, innovative understanding of what it means to educate the `whole child.
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package and a strong professional development programme. These benefits include:
Competitive salaries and pay progression Access to extensive professional development opportunities Training grants for qualifications Generous pension schemes Free school lunches Financial guidance and support Retail and lifestyle discounts A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
Applications should be received by 9am on Wednesday 22 October 2025. We reserve the right to interview at any point during the recruitment process so early applications are encouraged. Longlist interviews will take place at Sydenham High School GDST w/c 3 November 2025. For more details please contact hr@syd.gdst.net or the School Office on 0208 557 7000.
References for candidates invited to interview will be taken before the interview.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals. To be eligible for employment, candidates must provide proof of their right to work in the UK.
The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included
GDST are committed to the safeguarding of and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection checks appropriate to the post, including online searches, and checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Vacancy ID :

042507

Closing Date :

22-Oct-2025

Contact Person :

Oyin Fashoro

Contact Email :

hr@syd.gdst.net

Contact Number :

02085577000