Assistant Head; Co-Curricular

Overview

An exceptional individual is sought to be Assistant Head (Co-Curricular) at one of the UK’s leading boys’ schools.

Our next Assistant Head (Co-Curricular) fulfils a major position within the school’s leadership structure. The strength of the co-curricular programme means the appointee will lead and manage the quality, delivery and effectiveness of the co-curricular programme, directly line managing key areas including sport, music, drama, outdoor education and the CCF and responsibility for Educational Visits.

The Assistant Head (Co-Curricular) will be able to draw on experience of leading a high-performing team, having demonstrably achieved sustainable improvement within a department, with evidence of impact at a larger scale an additional advantage. The appointee will report to the Senior Deputy and be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Whitgift is a leading independent day and boarding school for boys. It is set in an attractive 48-acre parkland site in South Croydon, enjoying excellent links to London, Surrey and the south coast.

The co-curricular programme – which provides every one of its students with an exceptional range of clubs and societies across academic departments and beyond - was recognised by ISI in our recent inspection as a “significant strength.” We believe in breadth and depth of opportunity, high aspiration, and a “can-do” and engaged attitude: key ingredients for preparing the young people in our care brilliantly for the rest of their lives.

Whitgift School is proud to be an inclusive, equal opportunity employer. Whitgift employs and welcomes all applicants regardless of race, religion, colour, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Whitgift actively looks to increase its staff diversity in all appointments.

Applications should be made using the online application form, accompanied by a full curriculum vitae and covering letter - which can both be uploaded as part of the application process - addressing the criteria presented in the role description.

The Final date to receive applications is 9:00 AM GMT on Tuesday 3rd February 2026.

Please note:

we reserve the right to amend these timelines if necessary and in this event candidates would be informed at our earliest convenience.

In line with Home Office requirements under the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all successful applicants will be required to demonstrate their right to work in the UK by presenting original documents evidencing their identity and eligibility to work in person. This may also be completed using the Home Office online right to work checking service (share code).

Whitgift School also requires sight of original qualification and professional membership documents as detailed in the application.

Whitgift School (part of the John Whitgift Foundation) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening including checks with past employers, the Disclosure & Barring Service and appropriate online searches of publicly available information.

All roles within the school involve contact with children and are therefore classed as regulated activity. Child protection and safeguarding are the responsibility of everyone who works or volunteers in our school. All staff must be committed to providing a safe environment for children and supporting the school’s safeguarding ethos.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants are required to declare all convictions and cautions, even those that are “spent” unless they are “protected” under the DBS filtering rules, to assess suitability to work with children. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to disclose information relevant to safeguarding prior to interview.