Deputy Head (Academic) – Leighton Park School

Leighton Park School is a high-performing, co-educational independent school for nearly 600 boys and girls aged between 11-18 years.

This is a superb opportunity for a dynamic and innovative educational leader to join the School, at an exciting time in its development.  Pupil numbers continue to rise, reflecting a strong demand for places and the school has a deserved reputation for outstanding provision at local and national level, especially having won the ISA Independent School of the Year Award (2023) and having received ISI’s only ‘significant strength’ for values-led education in 2024.

Founded by the Quakers in 1890, Leighton Park is a values-led school that inspires achievement aligned with character and community. Values, character and community are the School’s strategic impulses and inform all that they do as a School.  They believe that these are the elements of a successful education and underpin the scholarship, exceptional results and outcomes that students achieve, not only academically but also in areas of personal growth and co-curricular activities. The results at Leighton Park are excellent, in absolute and value-added terms.

The Head and Governors are now looking for an exceptional person who, as Deputy Head Academic, will play a central role in the School’s future – developing and maintaining the strength of the School’s academic rigour through compassionate challenge.  The ideal candidate will bring fresh ideas and purpose with a clear vision for delivering academic success, especially at a time of rapid technological development in areas like data management and Artificial Intelligence (AI). In short, this person will share Leighton Park’s values and is an exceptional individual who will be a vital member of a friendly, collaborative but ambitious senior leadership team.

Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics in the first instance to arrange a confidential discussion with:

Jenny Funnell, Search Consultant: jennyfunnell@rsacademics.com
Charlotte Faber, Senior Advisor: charlottefaber@rsacademics.com

The closing date for applications is: Monday 2^nd February 2026 at 10.00am (UK time)

Applications should be made electronically to RSAcademics. To submit your application, please click on “Apply Now” and upload your documents according to the instructions provided.

You should submit the following (both in PDF format):

• a completed application form
• a covering letter addressed to Mr Luke Walters, Head. The letter should explain your reasons for applying.

If you have any questions about uploading your application documents, please contact Julia Seagrave, Project Co-ordinator (Leadership Appointments), at: applications@rsacademics.com. Julia can also be reached by calling our Head Office on +44 (0) 204 6269 791. 

N.B. Safer recruitment checks will be made at all stages in the recruitment process.

Leighton Park School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure.

RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.