Deputy Head (Academic)
“
Leaders maintain a school culture that actively promotes inclusion and mutual respect highly successfully. This is a significant strength of the school.
ISI Inspection - 2025
Extensive individual support enables pupils to...develop a breadth of knowledge and enthusiasm for scholarship. This is a significant strength of the school.
ISI Inspection - 2025
”
Co-education: phased entry from 2027
See our brochure for further details
HEAD’S WELCOME
Welcome to RGS Prep.
Step through the front door and you will be met with a warm welcome, the sight of inquisitive, energetic and courteous children and the feeling that anything is possible. Our Six Values of Collaboration, Courage, Inclusivity, Integrity, Respect and Scholarship are at the core of all that we do. We nurture these Values through small class sizes, individualised academic and pastoral support and most importantly, the passion of our staff.
We announced in December last year the exciting news that RGS will become coeducational, offering girls the same opportunities that our boys enjoy. RGS Prep will admit girls into our main entry points: Nursery, Reception and Year 3 in September 2027 and the transition will then progress organically through the Year Groups. You can read more in our brochure (see opposite).
Staff at RGS Prep join us from a range of backgrounds and bring with them a wide variety of beliefs and interests. We actively encourage staff to share these with our assemblies, lessons, 'Inspire' days, workshops and extra-curricular provision.
If you are offered a position here, you would be joining a close-knit and collaborative team.
I look forward to receiving your application.
Toby Freeman-Day, Head
ABOUT RGS PREP
RGS Prep is a vibrant and academically ambitious school for children aged 3–11. As part of the wider RGS Guildford family, we work closely with RGS Guildford (Senior), for ages 11-18, to ensure a coherent, aligned and aspirational educational journey for every pupil
The school is entering an exciting phase of development as we prepare for our transition to full co-education from September 2027. This evolution will shape the culture, curriculum and life of the school, creating new opportunities for innovation across both the Prep and Senior Schools.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Deputy Head (Academic) is a pivotal leadership role at the heart of RGS Prep. As the strategic lead for academic excellence, this role offers the rare opportunity to shape the whole educational experience of every child in the school.
RGS Prep is entering a defining period in its history as we prepare for our transition to co-education from September 2027. The successful candidate will have the chance to help shape this evolution, academically, pastorally and culturally, ensuring that our provision is ambitious, inclusive and forward -looking.
This is a role for an ambitious, reflective and innovative educationalist who thrives on challenge, collaboration and the pursuit of excellence. Working closely with the Head, the Deputy Head (Academic) will lead the academic vision from EYFS to Year 6, ensuring a rich, coherent and inspiring curriculum that supports all pupils as we move confidently into a co-educational future.
They will also serve as a key member of the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) team, holding a responsibility for the welfare, protection and flourishing of all pupils. The postholder will teach within their subject specialism and will play a full and visible role in the daily life of this vibrant, evolving school community.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
The Deputy Head (Academic) reports directly to the Head and works in close partnership with them and the Deputy Head.
The postholder will also regularly collaborate with the other Deputy Head as a key counterpart, and with other SMT colleagues to shape whole-school strategy, uphold high standards and ensure that academic priorities are aligned.
They will work closely with Heads of Department to lead curriculum development, monitor teaching and learning, and maintain a culture of professional excellence.
The Deputy Head (Academic) will also work in partnership with the safeguarding team and wider teaching staff.
A strong and purposeful relationship with colleagues at RGS Guildford (Senior) is essential, supporting a coherent educational journey and ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for transition, whether they continue within RGS Guildford or move on to other senior schools.
As the school transitions to co-education, the Deputy Head (Academic) will play a key role in ensuring that academic structures fully support this development and reflect the needs of a co-educational community.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Academic Leadership
• Lead the strategic development of the curriculum from EYFS to Year 6, ensuring it is ambitious, inclusive and aligned with the school’s transition to coeducation.
• Shape the academic vision in a way that supports smooth progression into RGS Guildford (Senior), while also preparing pupils for a range of senior school destinations.
• Create and oversee the School Education Development Plan in consultation with Heads of Department, Senior Management Team and the Head.
• Introduce and champion evidence based educational practice relevant to the school’s context.
• Maintain strong, purposeful links with RGS Guildford (Senior) to ensure academic alignment, shared understanding and a coherent educational journey from 3–18.
• Ensure clear, effective communication of academic matters to staff, parents and governors.
• Teach a partial timetable, ideally in core 11+ subjects
Curriculum, Assessment and Policy Oversight
• Oversee the creation, review and implementation of policies as they relate to teaching, curriculum and assessment.
• Maintain a strong, current understanding of DfE and ISI requirements and ensure compliance across the academic provision.
• Oversee academic assessment processes, ensuring consistency, accuracy and effective use of data.
• Provide leadership for scholarship pathways and programmes, including those linked to RGS Guildford (Senior).
• Lead parent education initiatives relating to academic matters.
Quality Assurance and Standards
• Monitor teaching and learning across the school, ensuring high standards and consistency.
• Analyse assessment data to identify trends, strengths and areas for development.
• Support staff in improving classroom practice through coaching, feedback and professional dialogue.
• Ensure that academic standards and expectations support pupils’ successful transition to RGS Guildford (Senior) and other senior schools.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (cont.)
Safeguarding Leadership
• Serve as a key member of the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) team, with a responsibility for safeguarding and child protection, ideally as a Deputy DSL.
• Promote a strong safeguarding culture across the school community, with particular attention to the needs of a growing co-educational environment.
Line Management and Oversight
• Line-manage designated Heads of Department.
• Lead and support all Heads of Department in delivering high-quality teaching and learning.
• Support staff in improving classroom practice through coaching, feedback and professional dialogue.
Senior Leadership Team Responsibilities
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Deputy Head (Academic) is expected to:
• Play a full and active role in the life of the school.
• Attend relevant Governing Body meetings.
• Support and uphold the decisions of the school’s Executive and Senior Leadership/Management Teams while constructively challenging where appropriate.
• Assist with whole-school events and key community occasions.
• Contribute to the Professional Development Review process as appropriate.
• Model and champion the school’s commitment to co-education as we move towards September 2027.
Qualifications
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Safeguarding training appropriate to a senior leadership level.
• Evidence of commitment to further professional development.
Experience
Knowledge and understanding
• Experience of leading or contributing to curriculum development.
• Demonstrable experience of monitoring, supporting and improving teaching and learning.
• Experience within a Prep School or 3–18 setting.
• Experience of working with or contributing to safeguarding processes within a school.
• Detailed understanding of statutory safeguarding requirements and Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
• Excellent knowledge of the National Curriculum for KS1 and KS2.
• Awareness of the 11+ process and transition to senior schools, including selective and nonselective pathways.
• Experience as a Deputy DSL.
• Experience of working in a coeducation environment.
• Knowledge of EYFS curriculum and/or ISI inspection frameworks.
Skills
• Ability to provide clear, strategic leadership, inspiring confidence and driving improvement across the school.
• Strong safeguarding judgement and the capacity to lead as DSL or DDSL with authority, sensitivity and integrity.
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills, enabling effective collaboration with staff, parents, governors, external agencies and senior school colleagues.
• Skill in using assessment, recording and reporting processes to analyse data, identify trends and translate findings into meaningful action.
• Highly organised, resilient and reflective, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, lead change effectively and model the school’s values.
• Ability to contribute to whole school strategic planning within a 3–18 school.
• Confidence in supporting cultural change, particularly in the context of a transition to co-education.
• Ability to represent the school confidently in external forums, partnerships or professional networks.
WORKING AT RGS PREP
Your career at RGS Prep begins with a warm welcome and comprehensive induction. You will be introduced to colleagues, key people within the school and fellow new starters from across the departments.
Opportunities to get involved in wider school activities are many and varied; sporting fixtures, theatre productions and residential trips to name just a few. Then there are the social groups set up by and for colleagues ranging from badminton to bingo and one-off events such as theatre trips. However you choose to get involved, you are guaranteed to find yourself among like-minded individuals.
We are proactively committed to creating a diverse staff body, which reflects the community that we teach. At RGS Prep we value diversity and inclusion; we want to attract the best people for the roles available. This is regardless of age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, disability, socioeconomic status or religious beliefs.
Gaby
PA to the Head, joined 2025
What's the best thing about working at the RGS?
Being part of a friendly, warm but professional community, oh and the lunches...
If you could choose any other career, what would it be? Mountain guide.
Antonia Receptionist, joined 2019
What do you love about your department? Every day is different.
If you could choose any other career, what would it be? Owning my own coffee shop
Louis
Head of DT and games teacher, joined 2015
What's the best thing about working at the RGS? Every day is different. I never know what enjoyment or challenges the school day will throw at me.
Which staff social groups are you involved in? Most of them, I love a social.
BENEFITS
In addition to joining a successful and sociable staff body you will also receive the following benefits:
Remuneration
Well above the national scale, comparing favourably with others in the independent sector.
Pension Choice of the Teachers' Pension Scheme or a Defined Contribution Scheme
Fee reduction
Employee Assistance Programme
Fee reduction for child(ren) of staff (after a qualifying period and subject to success at the entrance examination).
A free, confidential counselling & wellbeing support service that can support you, your partner or spouse, and dependent children over 16 still living at home.
Medical
Dining
Private medical scheme.
Lunch and refreshments are provided during term time.
ABOUT RGS PREP
RGS Prep is a kind, inclusive, tolerant community where diverse opportunity, personal development, high achievement and collaborative partnership define who we are.
RGS Prep is a long-established IAPS school for approximately 330 pupils, which has occupied the same site in a quiet, leafy residential area of Guildford since 1930. It is well known for its excellent academic and pastoral strengths, alongside outstanding music departments and strong sport and extra-curricular opportunities for all pupils.
Aims & Ethos
RGS Prep's academic reputation is justly well-known but what sets it apart is its warm and purposeful atmosphere. Pupils are offered a happy, caring and stimulating environment where they can progress to their full potential. An excellent allround education based on skilled teaching in small classes is at the heart of RGS Prep's approach to learning which strives to provide the widest possible range of experiences. RGS Prep guides each pupil on their journey and gives them the skills and understanding of how to learn, not just what to learn. Visitors to RGS Prep are struck not only by the cheerful, purposeful atmosphere of the school but also by the diversity of its activities.
The school also aims to develop those qualities that cannot be measured by academic assessment. The development of each pupil’s interpersonal skills, team spirit, strong self-awareness and leadership potential is achieved through a broad range of extracurricular activities which also foster curiosity, creativity and individuality.
Curriculum
In the Early Years at RGS Prep, we follow the statutory framework provided by the Department for Education for Early Years providers. The Nursery and Reception (Shell) classes, work on a two-year rolling programme of topics to ensure a wide range of content and smooth transition from Nursery to Shell.
As well as following the seven areas of learning, pupils enjoy a variety of specialist lessons including Music, French, PE and Outdoor Learning. They also have access to iPads and a digital screen within the classroom to ensure ICT is part of their learning from an early age. How the pupils learn is tantamount to their success, hence they enjoy collecting credits when they display learning habits such as responsible risk-taking, persistence, independence and accuracy.
Pupils are supported by a teacher and teaching assistant in each class to ensure that their learning can be tailored to their needs and interests. The Learning Support department can also offer advice and extra lessons as appropriate. Pupils enjoy a variety of trips and visits from specialist providers throughout the year, helping to broaden the curriculum and enhance their social skills.
In Years 1 and 2, the curriculum offers a broad content of study, using the National Curriculum (KS1) as a basic framework. The combination of group work activities and high individual attention, promotes appropriate learning for all children across the various levels of ability. Specialist teaching takes place in PE, music, drama and French. The curriculum is planned to smooth the transition into KS2.
Facilities
Close links to the RGS senior school has encouraged academic standards to be pushed higher and the school has invested in new facilities. Since the millennium, RGS Prep has continued to evolve to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world and has more than twice as many teachers as 30 years ago. Digital technology and interactive whiteboards are in place throughout the school. A new state-of-the-art Sports Hall was opened in 2016, a dedicated rehearsal space for RGS Guildford Cathedral choristers in 2022 and a Pre-Prep Library in 2023. Throughout the last 10 years, new outside spaces have been created and refurbished in both the Prep and Pre-Prep departments including an adventure playground, outdoor classrooms and permanent cricket nets.
“
“ Staff in early years support children's social development well.
ISI Inspection - 2025 “ “
Leadership opportunities begin in the Prep school, such as sitting on the equality, diversity and inclusion council."
ISI Inspection - 2025
WHY WORK IN GUILDFORD?
Guildford is a vibrant and exciting place in which to live. Rich in history, it is a welcoming town with a flourishing and varied cultural life. Entertainment is diverse with a number of lively and nationally renowned venues including G Live, the Yvonne Arnaud theatre and the eclectic Electric Theatre. There are outstanding sport and leisure facilities which include the state-of-the-art training venues and sports complexes of Surrey Sports Park and Guildford Spectrum. Guildford offers one of the south east’s best shopping experiences with the iconic High Street combining exclusive and popular national chains as well as a number of independent retailers. Dining options cater for every taste and budget with local traditional and gastro pubs in nearby Surrey villages drawing customers from a wide area.
Educationally, Guildford is thriving. RGS Guildford is regularly ranked in the top ten single-sex schools in the country. RGS also enjoys close links with other girls’ schools, Guildford High School, Tormead School and St Catherine’s, Bramley. The University of Surrey was awarded ‘University of the Year for Graduate Employment’ by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022.
Guildford has the advantage of being very accessible and enjoys excellent transport links. London is just over a 30-mile drive via the A3 and well served by trains (just 29 minutes to Clapham Junction and 39 minutes to London Waterloo). International airports London Gatwick and London Heathrow are only 30 minutes from the town.
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are close by; the Surrey Hills and North Downs are on the school's doorstep and provide opportunities to enjoy the stunning countryside; the south coast is approximately one hour by car.
William Cobbett “
The town of Guildford, which I, who have seen so many, many towns, think is the prettiest and…most happy-looking, that I ever saw in my life.
GUILDFORD
The setting:
The Surrey Hills
North Downs
South Downs
Picturesque villages
The south coast
Travel by rail:
Clapham Junction 29 minutes, London Waterloo 39 minutes
Portsmouth Harbour 60 minutes
Gatwick Airport 45 minutes
Travel by road:
London 32 miles via the A3, Heathrow 22 miles; Gatwick 34 miles via A3 and M25 Portsmouth 44 miles; Brighton 59 miles
North Downs
The
Guildford Castle
SAFEGUARDING
OF CHILDREN & SECURITY OF DISCLOSURE INFORMATION
The Royal Grammar School, Guildford meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All applicants who are offered employment will be subject to an enhanced criminal record check from the DBS before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings, as well as convictions. It is of fundamental importance to The Royal Grammar School to ensure, so far as possible, that those who take up appointments do not pose a risk to the children in its care.
Further details will be sent to applicants invited to interview which will expand on the above.
APPLICATIONS
We are proactively committed to creating a diverse staff body, which reflects the community that we teach. At RGS we value diversity and inclusion; we want to attract the best people for the roles available. This is regardless of age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, disability, socioeconomic status or religious beliefs.
Please note: applications will be considered on receipt and we reserve the right to close applications early.
