Deputy Head

Deputy Head (Academic) | Cranleigh Prep

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

Candidates are requested to submit a brief letter of application (no more than one side of A4), together with the online application 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