THE SCHOOL
Clifton Hall School is an Independent Scottish Nursery, Primary and Secondary school for children between the ages of three and eighteen. The school is a fully independent all-through day school and is a member of the Scottish Council for Independent Schools (SCIS), with around 400 pupils, having two nursery years, seven ‘single class’ primary years and six ‘double form’ secondary years. Class sizes will not exceed twenty four and most exam stage classes are significantly smaller in size. The school broadly follows the 3-18 Curriculum for Excellence guidelines.
The principal catchment areas of the school are Edinburgh and the Lothians. Further information can be found at http://www.cliftonhall.org.uk
JOB PURPOSE
The Depute Head Teacher will provide strategic and operational leadership across the Senior School, with particular responsibility for curriculum planning, Qualifications Scotland (formerly SQA) qualifications, assessment and attainment, and the construction and management of the school timetable. As a key member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), the postholder will ensure the delivery of a high-quality educational experience that reflects the school's values, supports academic excellence, and enables pupils to achieve their full potential.
The role requires a highly organised, analytical, and collaborative leader with knowledge of the Qualifications Scotland (QS) framework and proven expertise in curriculum design and timetabling within an educational setting.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Leadership and Strategic Development
Leadership and Strategic Development
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Contribute to the strategic leadership and management of the school as a member of the Senior Management Team.
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Support the Head Teacher in implementing the school's vision, values, and strategic objectives.
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Lead whole-school improvement initiatives, ensuring alignment with national educational developments and independent sector expectations.
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Deputise for the Head Teacher as required.
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Promote a culture of high expectations, professional excellence, and continuous improvement.
2. Curriculum Leadership
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Lead the development, review, and implementation of the Senior School curriculum.
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Ensure curriculum provision meets the needs of all learners and supports progression, challenge, and breadth.
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Maintain a forward-looking curriculum strategy which reflects developments in Scottish education and university entrance requirements.
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Work collaboratively with staff to evaluate curriculum effectiveness and pupil outcomes.
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Develop innovative approaches to teaching and learning while maintaining academic rigour.
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Monitor curriculum delivery and ensure compliance with relevant regulatory and inspection requirements.
3. Qualifications Scotland Leadership
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Act as the school's lead officer for all matters relating to Qualifications Scotland qualifications.
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Maintain comprehensive knowledge of qualifications policy, assessment arrangements, and awarding procedures.
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Oversee all aspects of National Qualifications, including:
- National 4 and National 5
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Higher
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Advanced Higher
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Other accredited qualifications as appropriate
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Ensure effective implementation of assessment and quality assurance procedures.
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Lead the school's annual qualifications cycle, including:
- Course approval
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Assessment planning
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Internal verification
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Appeals processes
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Certification arrangements
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Serve as principal liaison with Qualifications Scotland and external awarding bodies.
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Ensure compliance with all awarding body regulations and quality assurance requirements.
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Lead staff training and professional learning relating to qualifications and assessment developments.
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Analyse attainment and achievement data to identify trends and inform improvement strategies.
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Prepare reports for SMT, Governors, parents, and regulatory bodies on examination performance and attainment.
4. Timetabling and Resource Management
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Lead the design, construction, implementation, and ongoing management of the whole-school timetable.
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Develop a timetable that maximises curriculum choice, staffing efficiency, and educational outcomes.
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Manage option choice processes and ensure effective curriculum pathways for pupils.
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Work closely with Curriculum Leaders to allocate staffing resources appropriately (including daily absence and cover requirements).
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Monitor class sizes, staffing allocations, and room utilisation to ensure efficient deployment of resources.
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Utilise specialist timetabling software to produce and maintain accurate timetables.
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Manage timetable changes throughout the academic year, responding effectively to emerging needs.
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Conduct strategic modelling to support future curriculum planning and staffing requirements.
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Provide regular reports and analyses relating to timetabling, staffing, and curriculum provision.
5. Quality Assurance and School Improvement
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Monitor teaching, learning, assessment, and attainment across the Senior School.
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Use data effectively to support departmental review and school improvement planning.
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Lead self-evaluation activities and contribute to inspection preparation and follow-up activities.
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Support departments in identifying and implementing improvement priorities.
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Ensure robust systems are in place for tracking pupil progress and achievement.
6. Staff Leadership and Development
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Line-manage designated teaching and support staff.
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Support the recruitment, induction, development, and retention of high-quality staff.
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Conduct professional review and development meetings.
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Promote professional learning and encourage reflective practice.
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Foster a collaborative culture that supports innovation and continuous improvement.
7. Pastoral and Pupil Support
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Support the pastoral care systems of the school.
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Promote pupil wellbeing, safeguarding, inclusion, and equality of opportunity.
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Work collaboratively with pastoral leaders, support staff, and parents to ensure pupils are well supported academically and personally.
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Oversee behaviour management and pupil welfare procedures.
8. Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
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Build positive relationships with pupils, parents, staff, Governors, and external partners.
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Communicate effectively regarding curriculum developments, qualifications, and attainment.
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Represent the school at professional networks, conferences, and external meetings.
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Support admissions and pupil recruitment activities as required.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
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Honours degree or equivalent.
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Recognised teaching qualification.
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Full registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS).
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Significant leadership and management experience within a secondary school setting.
Essential Knowledge and Experience
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Extensive understanding of Scottish education and the Senior Phase curriculum.
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Significant experience of Qualifications Scotland qualifications, assessment, and quality assurance processes.
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Demonstrable experience in school timetabling and curriculum planning.
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Experience of using timetabling software and data analysis tools.
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Proven leadership experience at principal teacher, faculty leader, depute head, or equivalent level.
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Experience of leading school improvement initiatives.
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Strong understanding of attainment data and performance analysis.
Essential Skills and Attributes
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Strategic thinker with strong organisational skills.
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Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
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High level of attention to detail.
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Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
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Ability to manage competing priorities and work under pressure.
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Strong leadership and team-building skills.
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Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
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Commitment to the ethos and values of an independent school.
Desirable
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Previous experience as a Depute Head Teacher or Senior Management Team member.
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Experience of independent sector education.
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Experience of inspection leadership.
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Experience leading digital transformation or educational innovation projects.
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Postgraduate qualification in educational leadership or management.
Key Performance Indicators
The Depute Head Teacher will be accountable for:
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Successful delivery and accuracy of the annual school timetable.
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Effective management of Qualifications Scotland processes.
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Improvement in pupil attainment and achievement.
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Compliance with awarding body and regulatory requirements.
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Successful curriculum planning and option-choice processes.
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Positive inspection and quality assurance outcomes.
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Effective leadership of designated staff and school improvement priorities.
This role provides an exciting opportunity for an experienced educational leader to shape curriculum excellence, qualifications delivery, and operational effectiveness in a high-performing Scottish independent school.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Please send your curriculum vitae with accompanying letter of application, explaining what particular strengths you could bring to Clifton Hall, and the names, addresses and contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your most recent employer (if applicable):
by e-mail to [email protected]
The closing date for applications is Friday 14th August 2026. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted and will be called to an interview likely to take place between 18th - 20th August 2026 with a start date in October 2026.
