DEPUTY HEAD: ACADEMICS

DEPUTY HEAD: ACADEMICS

ST JOHN’S PREPARATORY SCHOOL

2027

St John’s College is a world-class Christian, African school situated on a beautiful campus in Houghton, Johannesburg, offering quality education from Pre-Primary to Post-Matric. The school has an outstanding academic record, with candidates entering the IEB and Cambridge A Level examinations.

We seek to appoint a Deputy Head: Academics to provide strategic leadership and inspire excellence in teaching, learning, curriculum development, and academic achievement across the Preparatory School. The successful candidate will be a dynamic and collaborative leader who is committed to fostering a culture of academic excellence and innovation.

As a member of the Preparatory School Executive Management Team, and reporting directly to the Headmaster, the Deputy Head: Academics will work closely with Heads of Department, the Curriculum Coordinator, Grade Drivers, and other senior staff to lead the school’s academic strategy, oversee the effective delivery of the curriculum, and support the academic success and holistic development of every student.

We are seeking a leader who will:

• Champion excellence in teaching and learning by monitoring standards across departments and driving continuous improvement in student outcomes.
• Provide strategic leadership and line management to Heads of Departments, fostering accountability, collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.
• Lead curriculum development and review, ensuring programmes remain relevant, innovative, and aligned with best educational practice.
• Drive the use of assessment, reporting, and student performance data to inform decision-making, monitor progress, and support targeted interventions.
• Oversee the School’s quality assurance processes, including departmental self-review, classroom observations, and academic development planning.
• Chair curriculum and academic leadership meetings, ensuring effective communication, clear decision-making, and successful implementation of initiatives.
• Foster strong relationships with students, parents, and staff while promoting clear communication, collaboration, and a culture of care and inclusion.
• Serve as a member of the Executive Management Team, contributing to the strategic leadership of the School, while teaching and upholding the highest standards of safeguarding, student welfare, health, and safety.

Requirements:

• Relevant Bachelor’s degree.
• SACE registration in good standing.
• An honours degree will be advantageous.
• At least 8 years of teaching experience, with a minimum of 5 years in school leadership.
• Demonstrated experience in academic leadership and line management.

Members of staff are expected to demonstrate a commitment to work within the values, Christian ethos and mission of the school.

To apply for this position, please complete the application form using the following link Deputy Head: Academics no later than 16 October 2026.

At St John’s College, we are committed to proactive safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our children. All staff who have access to children will be vetted in accordance with the St John’s College safeguarding policy. This policy stipulates that staff are required to undergo all the necessary background checks in keeping with the requirements for safeguarding and child protection in South Africa and all staff perform duties in accordance with our school’s HR Policies.

The school reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. The appointment of candidates is at the sole discretion of St John’s College, taking into account factors such as St John’s College Employment Equity Policy. Applications are welcomed from South African citizens only or persons with a valid work permit. An application will not in itself entitle the applicant to an interview or appointment and failure to meet the minimum requirements of the advertised post will result in applicants automatically disqualifying themselves from consideration. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from St John’s College within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have been unsuccessful in your application.

St John’s College, in line with POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) will attempt to ensure the confidentiality of all applicants for this role. All reasonable measures will be in place to protect personal information but will be used in the recruitment, selection, and reporting process. By submitting your application for this position, you are recognising and accepting this disclaimer.