Assistant Headteacher – Teaching & Learning

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership 
Work closely with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team to lead and drive high standards of teaching and learning. 

Champion evidence-informed practice, effective pedagogy and high-impact assessment strategies that secure strong GCSE outcomes. Monitor the quality of teaching through lesson visits, work scrutiny and data analysis, ensuring consistency, challenge and progress for all learners.

Curriculum and Assessment 
Lead the strategic development, implementation and evaluation of the curriculum. Ensure schemes of work are ambitious, sequenced effectively and aligned with examination board specifications. Oversee assessment systems, including internal moderation, intervention planning and tracking of student progress to secure strong attainment and value-added outcomes.

Raising Standards and Outcomes
Use performance data to identify trends, gaps and priorities. Design and implement targeted intervention strategies for underperforming groups, including disadvantaged students and those with additional needs. Hold middle leaders accountable for standards within their departments and support them in driving measurable improvement.

Staff Development and Professional Growth
Lead professional development linked specifically to high-quality teaching, including exam preparation, feedback, curriculum planning and adaptive teaching. Coach and mentor middle leaders and classroom practitioners to strengthen pedagogy and raise outcomes. Contribute to performance management processes with a clear focus on impact in the classroom.

Student Achievement and Academic Culture
Promote a culture of high expectations, academic ambition and personal responsibility. Ensure robust systems are in place to support student progress, engagement and well-being, particularly during examination years. Work with pastoral leaders to remove barriers to learning and secure positive destinations for all students.

Quality Assurance and Accountability
Establish and maintain rigorous quality assurance processes to evaluate teaching, curriculum impact and student progress. Report regularly to the Headteacher and Governors on standards, progress and examination outcomes. Ensure compliance with national requirements and examination regulations.

Parental and Stakeholder Engagement
Develop strong partnerships with parents and carers, particularly in relation to pathways, options and examination preparation. Communicate clearly regarding progress, expectations and support strategies to maximise student success.

School Leadership and Management
Contribute to the strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the secondary phase. Support whole-school priorities, policies and improvement planning, ensuring alignment between provision and whole-school development objectives.

Person Specification

Experience and Knowledge
Proven experience of successful teaching and leadership within a secondary setting, with a strong track record of raising attainment.
In-depth understanding of GCSE curriculum frameworks, assessment practices and examination requirements.
Experience of leading teaching and learning initiatives that have demonstrably improved outcomes.

Skills and Attributes
Strong instructional leadership with the ability to inspire, challenge and develop staff.
Highly effective use of data to inform strategic planning and drive improvement.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and credibility.
Strategic thinking combined with strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
Commitment to inclusion, equity and high expectations for all students.
Resilient, adaptable and able to respond effectively to changing priorities.

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a pre-requisite for all appointments.