Summary

Claremont is seeking an exceptional academic leader to take on a strategic, energising and career‑defining role at the heart of our ambitious school.

Detail

The last seven years have been transformative for Claremont, marked by strengthened academic culture, enhanced outcomes and a sixth form which has doubled in size. Following the success of our current deputy head (academic), who leaves us to take up the same role at Wellington College, we now look ahead to the next chapter with excitement. Their progression reflects the significance, scope and professional esteem this role offers, and the calibre of leadership we are now looking to appoint.

We are seeking a bright, determined and quietly competitive individual who can build on our momentum and bring Claremont even further to the forefront academically. This is a role for someone who believes in high standards without a hot‑house approach, someone who understands that strong outcomes are best achieved when pupils are known, nurtured and challenged in equal measure.

At Claremont, we are determined to continue refining our teaching and learning so that every child can fearlessly discover what they are capable of. We want them to feel empowered to be amazing, curious and ambitious in their learning. We are therefore looking for a leader who is not afraid to challenge norms, elevate expectations and inspire both staff and pupils to pursue their limitless potential.

The opportunity:

As deputy head (academic), you will:

• Shape and implement the whole‑school academic strategy, ensuring coherence from 2–18.
• Strengthen departmental leadership and embed a culture of scholarship and bold academic ambition.
• Champion innovative, reflective and aspirational teaching and learning across the school.
• Oversee assessment, curriculum development, academic policies and enrichment, including Oxbridge and competitive university preparation and pathways into highly sought‑after apprenticeships.
• Build on our strong outcomes, including recent successes at Cambridge, Imperial, LSE and Durham, ensuring every pupil experiences intellectually challenging, well‑crafted learning.
• Play a prominent role in senior leadership, contributing to the strategic direction and daily running of the school.

Who we’re looking for

You will be:

• A thoughtful, strategic and forward‑thinking educationalist.
• Passionate about cultivating intellectual curiosity and academic confidence in every pupil.
• Ready to challenge established norms and lead purposeful, research‑informed change.
• A collaborative leader with warmth, integrity and the ability to inspire trust.
• Someone who sets high expectations, values reflective practice and nurtures professional ambition in others.

Why Claremont?

Claremont is a warm, grounded and truly co‑educational day school community where children thrive because they are encouraged to be themselves while striving for their best. Our ethos rejects hot‑house culture; instead, we pair academic aspiration with kindness, curiosity and breadth of opportunity.

Benefits include a very generous defined contribution scheme which offers teachers flexibility around both employer and employee contribution levels, comprehensive life assurance and income protection, and staff fee remission (for eligible staff upon successful completion of probationary period), cycle to work scheme as well as complimentary lunches and refreshments during term-time*

Closing date: 9:00am Monday 16 March 2026

Applications for this role will be considered as they are received. Interviews, and any subsequent offers, may be made at any stage of the process. Candidates are therefore encouraged to submit their applications at the earliest opportunity.

To apply, please complete an application via our recruitment portal.

Initial interviews are expected to take place on 19–20 March, with second-round interviews during the week commencing 23 March.

*Please refer to the benefits section under our “working at Claremont” page of our website

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are fully committed to creating and sustaining a positive and supportive working environment free from discrimination where staff feel valued and respected. We value individuality and diversity and believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

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.

Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The school may carry out online searches on shortlisted applicants.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The school is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions on a self-declaration form in advance of attending an interview (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

Documents

• Deputy head (Academic) 2026 PDF Document