Deputy Head Academic
Applications are invited for the role of Deputy Head Academic at Oundle School. This is an exceptional opportunity to join one of the United Kingdom’s leading independent schools and to play a central role in shaping its academic direction. Working closely with the Head and fellow members of the School Leadership Team, the Deputy Head Academic will provide strategic academic leadership and contribute to the vibrant and community-focused ethos of the School.
An Oundle education is distinctive. Situated in the heart of a beautiful market town, the school was founded in 1556 by Sir William Laxton, Lord Mayor of London. With an eclectic mix of historic and modern buildings, the school is one of the largest in the country and celebrated for its impressive boarding provision. Consequently, Oundelians are able and curious. They are aspirational, hard-working, and encouraged to aim high across a broad spectrum of academic and co-curricular opportunities. They are also decent, grounded young people who deserve the very best from their school in preparing them for an exciting future.
The School has earned a strong reputation for excellence in every aspect of the education it offers, within and beyond the classroom, and is committed to continuous improvement. The Deputy Head Academic will play a critical role in sustaining and strengthening that reputation, ensuring that Oundle continues to provide an ambitious, innovative and forward-looking education.
The post-holder’s responsibility is to set the academic direction for the School, in conjunction with the Head, and to ensure excellent standards of teaching and learning are achieved across all academic departments. The role requires a distinctive combination of strategic foresight and operational precision, and the ability to command the respect of staff, pupils, parents and Governors. As a member of the School Leadership Team, the Deputy Head Academic contributes to the wider operations and strategic planning of the School.
The successful candidate will be an accomplished educational leader with a strong track record of academic leadership and a deep understanding of curriculum, teaching and learning. They will combine intellectual credibility with sound judgement, exceptional interpersonal skills and a genuine commitment to the values and ethos of Oundle School.
Further information is available at www.oundleschool.org.uk
A candidate brief and details of how to apply can be downloaded from www.odgers.com/96154
Closing date: 09.00 BST, Friday 2 October, 2026
Oundle School and Laxton Junior School are proud to be equal opportunity employers and we welcome applications from all. We aim to ensure that all applicants are provided with the same opportunities during the recruitment process, and we endeavour to comply with the duties placed upon us to make reasonable adjustments as prescribed by the Equality Act 2010. Should you need to request a particular adjustment to enable you to participate fully in the recruitment process, please ensure that this is made known, to the HR Department.
Both Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect 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.
