Deputy Head Academic - Full-time

St Michael's Prep School, Otford

• Ref:KCC886-6016-347L
• Posted:06/02/2026
• Pay:St Michael's Leadership pay scale
• Start Date:September 2026
• App Close Date:25/02/2026 at 12:00
• Interviews:5th and 6th March 2026

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St Michael's Prep is looking to appoint a committed and passionate Deputy Head Academic to join us from September 2026.

As Deputy Head Academic, you will provide strategic leadership to the Heads of Department, to shape a creative, ambitious and coherent curriculum. You will ensure that every pupil feels supported, challenged and inspired in their learning. Working closely with the SLT, parents and the wider community, you will help uphold and strengthen the school’s values. You will also guide families through future school choices, champion the experience of Years 7 and 8, and oversee the St Michael’s scholarship Programme.

The successful candidate will bring energy, commitment and a clear passion for supporting children throughout their time at St Michael’ s. Whether leading a team meeting, teaching in the classroom or guiding colleagues through professional development, they will approach every task with confidence, care and integrity.

The Deputy Head Academic will have strong experience in teaching, a secure understanding of leadership and safeguarding, and the ability to balance strategic priorities with the day-today demands of school life. They will be organised, approachable and an effective communicator, working well with parents, motivating staff and engaging pupils with warmth andhigh expectations.

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Deputy Head Academic will help shape the strategic and operational direction of the school, articulating and embedding our educational aims. They will also play a central role in delivering the School Development Plan, collaborating with colleagues across the community to drive continuous improvement and excellence.

Information about the school

St Michael’s is academically successful while remaining proud of its non‑selective, inclusive ethos and strong sense of community. Our academic and co‑curricular provision ensures that children flourish.

Our purpose‑built Pre‑Prep, with specialist spaces and wraparound care, provides a stimulating start to school life. The Early Years (Nursery to Reception) offer a nurturing foundation before pupils move into Years 1 and 2.

From Year 3, pupils join the Prep and benefit from excellent facilities and increased specialist teaching. Subject expertise grows progressively, with a more structured specialist model from Year 5, ensuring pupils are well prepared - academically, personally and organisationally - for senior school.

Our St Michael’s Learning Behaviours - Creativity, Independence, Resilience, Collaboration and Engagement - are introduced from Reception and embedded throughout the curriculum.

In Years 7 and 8, pupils benefit from the St Michael’s Diploma, an enquiry‑based programme designed to develop curiosity, confidence and creativity alongside Common Entrance and KS3 study.

Pupils move on at 11 and 13 to a wide range of leading independent, state and grammar schools, with recent offers including: Sevenoaks School, Tonbridge School, Caterham School, The Judd School, Kent College Pembury, Eastbourne College, King’s School Rochester, Ardingly College, Hurstpierpoint College, St Paul’s, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, The King’s School Canterbury, The Skinners’ School, Tonbridge Girls’ Grammar School and Brighton College.

In May 2024, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) published an excellent report recognising the strength of school life at St Michael’s, including a ‘significant strength’ for our culture of collaboration and mentorship.

St Michael’s is a standalone independent prep school governed by a Board of Governors responsible for strategic oversight. Day‑to‑day operational management is delegated to the Head and the Senior Leadership Team. The Board brings a breadth of professional expertise from sectors including law, finance, HR, engineering and education, providing strong, knowledgeable governance for the school.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Emma Blakiston
• Address:Otford Court, Row Dow, Otford, Kent, TN14 5RY
• Telephone: 01959 522137
• Email: recruitment@stmichaels.kent.sch.uk

Fax: 01959 522137