Reports to: Head of Secondary / Principal

 

The Assistant Head (Teaching and Learning) is a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, responsible for driving high standards in the quality of classroom teaching and professional development across the Secondary School. This role leads on the development and implementation of whole-school teaching and learning strategies, and supports staff at all levels to deliver consistently excellent pedagogy.

 

The postholder will coach and mentor underperforming staff, coordinate a structured Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme, and oversee the induction, training and development of newly qualified teachers, interns, and trainee teachers, in line with the school’s commitment to high-quality learning experiences.

 

 

Teaching and Learning Quality

• Lead the development and implementation of a clear vision for outstanding teaching and learning.
• Monitor, evaluate and support the improvement of classroom practice across all departments.
• Work with Heads of Department to ensure consistent and effective teaching strategies are applied across subjects when intervention is needed.
• Promote evidence-based teaching methods that support engagement, differentiation, and student progress.
• Supervise the completion of termly lesson observation paperwork, appraisal documentation and communicate the appraisal process to all staff.
• Ensure lesson observations, learning walks, and instructional coaching are purposeful and developmental in relation to staff identified for support.

Staff Development & CPD

• Design, implement and review a comprehensive, needs-led CPD programme aligned with school improvement priorities.
• Identify and support staff at different career stages, including new teachers, mid-career and aspiring leaders.
• Support teachers in achieving performance management targets related to pedagogy and professional growth.
• Foster a culture of reflective practice, self-improvement and peer collaboration.
• Promote the use of action research, coaching and collaborative planning as vehicles for development.

Upskilling Underperforming Staff

• Work with the Head of Secondary and line managers to identify staff requiring additional support.
• Develop and implement tailored support plans and coaching programmes for underperforming teachers.
• Monitor progress closely and provide constructive feedback, modelling and follow-up observations.
• Ensure that appropriate action is taken in a timely and supportive manner.

Induction, Interns & Trainee Teachers

• Liaise with the QL team for the induction programme for new teaching staff, ensuring a smooth and informed transition into school life.
• Oversee the mentoring, training and development of interns, trainee teachers and newly graduated teachers utilising the QL Team.
• Liaise with universities and training providers to support Initial Teacher Training (ITT) partnerships.
• Ensure all new and developing staff receive regular feedback, guidance and opportunities for growth.

Curriculum & Pedagogy Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Assistant Head (Academic) to align teaching strategies with curriculum and assessment goals.
• Promote pedagogical innovation that enhances curriculum delivery and student outcomes.
• Contribute to curriculum reviews and lead on strategies to improve teaching approaches for curriculum implementation through CPD.

Whole-School Strategic Development

• Contribute to the School Development Plan, focusing on raising teaching standards and professional capacity.
• Provide regular updates and reports to SLT and Board on the quality of teaching and staff development.
• Stay up to date with national and international educational research and translate findings into practical school strategies.
• Model professional and instructional excellence in all aspects of school life.
• GC classroom development.

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or internationally recognised equivalent.
• A good honours degree in a relevant subject area.
• Minimum 6 years of successful teaching experience, ideally across Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 (IGCSE).
• Experience in a middle leadership or senior leadership position, such as Head of Department, Key Stage Coordinator, or CPD Leader.
• Proven experience in leading whole-school teaching and learning initiatives, with demonstrable impact on teaching quality and student outcomes.
• Experience in designing and delivering CPD to individuals, departments, or whole-school staff.
• Experience of coaching and mentoring teachers, including underperforming staff.
• Familiarity with lesson observation frameworks, self-evaluation processes, and whole-school improvement planning.
• Experience working with trainee teachers, interns, and young teachers.

 

• Deep pedagogical expertise and a strong understanding of what constitutes excellent teaching and learning.
• Ability to analyse teaching quality, provide high-impact feedback and facilitate measurable improvement.
• Strong knowledge of current educational research, especially around metacognition, retrieval practice, formative assessment and adaptive teaching.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to build strong relationships with colleagues, support staff and leadership.
• Skilled in leading professional development, including designing bespoke support plans for teachers at different stages.
• A coaching mindset with the ability to develop others through reflection, challenge and encouragement.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire, motivate and influence staff, leading by example with high professional standards.
• Organised, strategic, and proactive in identifying teaching and learning priorities.
• High expectations for staff and students, with a commitment to equity, inclusion and continuous improvement.
• A strong advocate for collaborative practice, professional learning communities, and research-informed innovation.