Deputy Head Academic

SCHOOL SUMMARY:

St. Louis School is an international school that provides a high-quality education within a friendly, secure, and purposeful environment, in which we foster creativity, independence of thought and an enduring love of learning. By embracing the different backgrounds of our students, we instil within our children an appreciation of the rights of individuals irrespective of race, creed and culture.  We believe that everyone within the school community should be treated with respect, tolerance, fairness and concern. Our International Baccalaureate results are amongst the highest in Continental Europe.

Our ambitious vision is to be a model of excellence in educating students for success in the world. At St Louis we will do our utmost to ensure that our students make academic progress and become confident about their own learning processes by understanding what does and does not work for them as learners. They will become internationally minded citizens of the world, celebrating and responding to diverse cultures and preparing them for other schools and universities throughout the world. Our teachers are international and certified through recognised and accredited institutions across the world; they are also trained to deliver the IB Diploma Programme. The curriculum is delivered in English in which applicants must be fluent.

ROLE SUMMARY

St. Louis High School is seeking a talented Deputy Head Academic to join our leadership team in the heart of Milan. This role focuses on academic leadership, curriculum development, and student achievement, ensuring the highest standards of teaching and learning.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced Head of Department or senior leader with a strong background in the British National Curriculum. They will have a proven track record of raising academic standards, a passion for teaching and learning, and the ability to support and develop staff.

This role requires an innovative and strategic thinker who can inspire both students and colleagues, drive continuous improvement, and contribute to the wider development of the school. Experience supporting students whose first language is not English is ideal.

Top of Form

Application closing date:  interview will be ongoing

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Academic Leadership:

• Implement the academic vision with the Executive Principal and SMT.
• Lead academics in the Head of School’s absence.
• Maintain high standards, oversee curriculum, and drive improvements.
• Support and develop Heads of Department.
• Provide professional development and manage staff performance.
• Lead academic enrichment and after-school programs.

Behaviour & Enrichment:

• Uphold behaviour standards with the Deputy Head Pastoral.
• Lead enrichment and after-school programs.

Stakeholder Engagement & Administration:

• Communicate academic targets and progress.
• Build relationships with parents and the community.
• Oversee teaching quality, curriculum, and timetabling.
• Support recruitment, performance, and resource planning.

Teaching & Learning:

• Teach as a role model.
• Lead interventions and mentor staff.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

• A Bachelor’s Degree (essential) and Qualified Teacher Status (essential).
• Proven leadership experience as a Head of Department or senior academic leader in an excellent school.
• Deep understanding of the British National Curriculum, with a track record of raising student achievement.
• Experience in leading professional development and supporting teacher growth.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to use data-driven insights to improve teaching and learning.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to inspire staff and students alike.
• A commitment to safeguarding and student wellbeing.

Desirable:

• Experience with IB programmes (a plus, given our IB integration).
• Italian language skills (advantageous but not essential).

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.