Assistant Headteacher Academic

ABOUT GUILDHOUSE SCHOOL LONDON

Guildhouse School, located in the vibrant heart of London, offers an exceptional international pre-university educational experience to students aged 15+. 

With a diverse student body representing over 47 nationalities, our ethos of "Work Hard, Aim High and Be Kind" underpins our commitment to high standards and inclusivity.  Our students engage in a broad curriculum, including A levels, Pre-A-Level, I/GCSE, Academic English, and University Foundation Programmes, in our historic buildings, fostering independence and resilience for university and beyond. Our school covers a broad range of subjects, from STEM subjects to Art and Film.

Guildhouse School’s unique offering includes access to 15 Bloomberg Terminals, allowing students to earn the Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC) qualification—setting a global precedent. We aim to expand our commerce-focused extracurricular offerings, encouraging creative students to explore new fields and expand their entrepreneurial talents.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Assistant Head (Academic) plays a pivotal role in our Senior Leadership Team, driving the academic vision and strategy of Guildhouse School in line with the Independent Schools’ Standards Regulations (ISSRs) Part 1. This role demands a dynamic leader adept at inspiring a team of dedicated educators, ensuring our curriculum not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our international community, and fostering an ethos of continuous improvement and excellence.

REPORTING LINE 

The position reports directly to the Deputy Headteacher and operates under the guidance of the Headteacher.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

The Assistant Head (Academic)'s key duties involve managing Curriculum Directors to cultivate a high-achieving academic team, refining the curriculum for diverse students, monitoring staff performance, and championing innovative teaching and assessment methods. They will oversee curriculum implementation, engage with all school stakeholders, manage academic staffing and resources, and ensure compliance with educational standards.  Additionally, they will coordinate extra-curricular activities, support student progress and well-being, handle marketing materials, and maintain strong relationships with the Sales & Marketing team. 

The role also includes organising student induction events, managing student retention, preparing for inspections, and participating in group-wide projects. 

The Assistant Head (Academic) is expected to embody the school's values, attend meetings, oversee academic policy creation, and assist with UCAS applications where applicable. They are also responsible for upholding professional standards and contributing to a safe, respectful educational environment as per the staff handbook.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The ideal candidate should have a strong academic and teaching background with leadership experience, preferably in international education. 

They must possess excellent communication skills, a forward-thinking approach to education, and an ability to navigate complex academic settings. A deep understanding of international education nuances and a commitment to holistic student development are essential. 

The candidate should be a proactive, flexible team player, with a thorough understanding of child protection, a commitment to ongoing professional development, and skills in prioritisation, planning, and conflict resolution. They must also demonstrate integrity, enthusiasm for education, and the ability to engage effectively with various stakeholders.

GUILDHOUSE SCHOOL AND CATS GLOBAL SCHOOLS

CATS Global Schools is a leading education group committed to inspiring the next generation of world shapers.

With a history dating back to 1899, but a focus on the future, our group brings together 16 institutions comprising independent boarding schools, an Arts University College, English language schools and a variety of summer programmes in the UK, US, Canada, and China. Each year, we provide 18,000 students around the globe with the education they need to develop real-life skills for the future. We are dedicated to academic excellence and our students benefit from our well-developed links to over 40 top global universities. We create a positive learning environment where every student is empowered to contribute to shape their world. This is made possible because of the commitment of our pioneering, persevering people who do the very best for our students.

SAFEGUARDING

Guildhouse School is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and well-being of children and young people. 

As such, appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of safer recruitment pre-employment checks in line with KCSIE guidelines. This will include satisfactory references, enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service and, where applicable, any international equivalent being obtained. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to online checks which may include social media. The school is a member of the Independent Schools Association (ISA) and inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).

APPLICATION PROCESS

Prospective candidates are asked to complete an application form and covering letter of no more than 600 words via CATS Global Schools website.

OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY

We are committed to diversity, inclusion and belonging. Building on our core values – Pioneering, Persevering, People – we pledge to deliver a series of events, guest speakers and focus groups to make CATS Global Schools an employer of choice for all. 

AND FINALLY

CATS Global Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students and expect everyone connected with the organisation to share this commitment. All positions are subject to the satisfactory completion of safer recruitment pre-employment checks in line with KCSIE guidelines. All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a criminal declaration form prior to interview and be subject to online checks which may include social media.