The Oxford Academy is on a clear, upward trajectory. We are looking for a strategic, inspirational and highly skilled leader who wants to be part of a team to ensure exceptional outcomes for the young people in our community.
The Role:
The Oxford Academy continues to improve since our last Ofsted inspection in 2023. We are accelerating towards becoming the school our community deserves.
You will take full operational and strategic ownership of Raising Standards with a focused mandate to drive up attainment and progress across the school with a specific focus on Years 11 and 13. This includes a focus on Equity and Inclusion, ensuring that every strategy is designed to improve outcomes for all but particularly disadvantaged students and those with SEND. You will be reporting directly to the Headteacher, with dedicated support from the River Learning Trust central team.
What we have already achieved (Ofsted 2023):
- "The school curriculum is aspirational and appropriate for all"
- "Behaviour has improved... Students behave well in lessons."
- "Staff feel valued and respected."
- "The school is mindful of staff workload and well-being"
- "It provides high-quality training and support"
Our vision here at The Oxford Academy is clear: we aim to ensure that all students flourish and succeed. This role demands a leader who can systematically identify areas for improvement and implement effective, evidence-based interventions that drive up attainment and progress for all student groups.
We are looking for an inspirational and aspirational individual who can demonstrate a proven impact in raising standards through either curriculum or pastoral leadership. The candidate needs to have proven experience as a Senior or Middle Leader in a secondary school and with a demonstrable track record of significantly improving student outcomes. They must also have an expertise in using data to inform strategic planning and intervention.
The successful candidate will:
- Oversee whole-school data analysis, monitoring, and tracking of student progress, identifying underperformance and implementing rigorous, targeted intervention strategies with a priority focus on year 11 and 13.
- Lead the Raising Standards meetings with all subject leaders in conjunction with the Deputy Headteacher for Quality of Education
- Lead on the comprehensive preparation of students for all internal and external examinations.
- Champion inclusive practice to diminish the difference in attainment between various student groups, including SEND and disadvantaged students.
- Engage proactively with parents and carers to ensure they are fully supportive and involved in their children's preparation for exams.
- Lead on the school's assessment and homework policies across all key stages to explicitly ensure the consolidation of knowledge and ensuring all subject areas use homework as key tool for raising attainment.
Support and Growth
This is a demanding role, and we ensure the successful candidate is supported to succeed:
- Dedicated Time for Strategy: This role includes significantly reduced teaching commitment ensuring you have the time for strategic planning, data analysis, and driving systemic change across the school.
- Investment in Your Excellence: Access to high quality bespoke CPLD as well as opportunities for collaboration and support across a successful and highly respected multi academy trust. This included access to the RLT's extensive Continuing Professional Learning and Development (CPLD), including coaching and SLT development pathways.
- Trust-Backed Leadership: You will be an Assistant Headteacher supported by the full resource and expertise of the River Learning Trust-one of the region's largest and most respected multi-academy trusts. You are joining a network, not just a school.
- Competitive Salary & Benefits: Excellent Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (TPS) and access to flexible working requests, staff incentive schemes, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
- Inclusion at TOA & RLT: We believe that diversity in our staff is essential for student success and is a direct reflection of our community. We particularly welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented backgrounds, as we are committed to building an SLT that is reflective of the rich diversity of Oxford.
Are you ready for the definition of high-impact leadership?
The school has a strong track record of offering great care to the families and students we serve and this is a unique opportunity to work as part of a team with a passion for supporting our hardest to reach students. The ability to develop excellent relationships with the students is vital.
This is a very exciting time to join our school. We are looking for an enthusiastic professional with the expertise and dedication to live out our daily actions of 'commitment to others, commitment to learning'. These commitments are central to our school, demonstrated by the strong, warm relationships and a strong culture of learning for both students and staff.
If you thrive on challenge and want to make a real difference to students' lives, we urge you to apply.