Depute Head Teacher
Kirkwall Grammar School
35 hours per week
Permanent
£81,693 (including Distant Islands Allowance)
You will be reporting to Ruth McKay, Head Teacher.
Your working pattern is Monday to Friday. We are happy to talk flexible working, where possible.
Kirkwall Grammar School is a vibrant school of around 860 pupils with a catchment area which covers Kirkwall, the East Mainland, Orphir and the North and South Isles. Around 60 of our young people are accommodated in Papdale Halls of Residence during term time. The school building is modern, bright and well-resourced. Young people benefit from many opportunities within their wider curriculum including a strong tradition of music and creativity and a range of sports and outdoor activities. Orkney is a place of significant natural beauty, with a rich heritage. The old and the new collide where World Heritage Archaeological Sites look over sector leading renewables research facilities.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and skilled practitioner to take up the position of Depute Head Teacher with responsibility for Learning, Teaching and Assessment. You will join a Senior Leadership team comprised of two other DHTs, a Head Teacher and a Business Manager. You will be committed to improvement and excellence and have a genuine interest in supporting young people to achieve their best. This will be reflected in a strong focus on positive outcomes for all young people through the development of high-quality learning and teaching and an inclusive curriculum. You will have the ability to develop and sustain effective relationships across the school community. In common with DHT colleagues, this role carries responsibility as Head of one of our three school houses, supported by two Principal Teachers of Guidance.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead meaningful change and improvement across the school community, supported by significant investment in evidence-based professional learning.
You must have a minimum of provisional registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland.
Salary will be based on the Depute Head Teachers and Headteachers of the SNCT Salary Tables plus a Distant Islands Allowance.
The necessary qualification, experience and skills required for this role are detailed in the ‘must have’ section of the attached job profile. These criteria are used for decisions on shortlisting and appointment of applicants.
This post is a regulated role with children and requires Level 2 Disclosure with PVG scheme membership.
Interview expenses are payable for this post, click here for further information.
Relocation package is available in line with Council Policy for this post, click here for the Relocation Policy.
Applications close at 23:59 on Sunday 30 August 2026.
For a discussion about the role, prospective candidates are encouraged to contact Ruth McKay at [email protected] or on 01856 872102.
We would welcome your feedback on our recruitment process.
Orkney Islands Council is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of age, gender, race or ethnicity, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity status or gender reassignment status.
