Queen Elizabeth’s School, one of the country’s leading academic state schools, is seeking an exceptional leader to join its Senior Leadership Team as Assistant Head (Destinations and Progress).
This is a pivotal appointment for an ambitious and reflective educator who wishes to shape outstanding academic progress and world‑class post‑18 destinations for highly able pupils, within a school renowned for intellectual rigour, aspiration and opportunity.
The School
Queen Elizabeth’s School is a highly successful and heavily oversubscribed selective boys’ grammar school with a national and international reputation for excellence. Our pupils achieve exceptional outcomes at GCSE and A level and progress to the very best universities in the UK and overseas. We are proud of our inclusive ethos, diverse community and our mission to develop young men who are confident, able and responsible.
Our current school plan, Boundless, sets out an ambitious vision for the future, ensuring every Elizabethan is exceptionally well equipped to thrive in an exciting and fast‑changing world.
The Role
The Assistant Head (Destinations and Progress) is a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, responsible for:
- Leading whole‑school academic progress strategy and intervention
- Sustaining and enhancing QE’s exceptional post‑18 destinations
- Leading QE Futures, the School’s ambitious framework for academic development, careers education and university preparation from Years 7-13
- Ensuring excellent outcomes for all pupil groups, including disadvantaged pupils, in line with Ofsted expectations
- Providing strategic analysis and reporting on progress and destinations to senior leaders and Governors
The role combines high‑level strategic leadership with meaningful pupil impact and includes a reduced teaching timetable.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Leading pupil progress meetings and academic intervention strategy
- Overseeing UCAS, Oxbridge, Russell Group, degree apprenticeship and international applications
- Leading CEIAG provision and Gatsby Benchmark compliance
- Line‑managing the QE Futures Coordinator and key staff involved in progress and destinations
- Engaging alumni and parents in mentoring, careers events and enrichment
- Contributing fully to whole‑school strategic leadership and improvement
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for a leader who:
- Is a qualified teacher with a strong record of raising attainment and progress
- Has experience of university admissions and post‑18 pathways
- Is highly analytical, strategic and confident working with data
- Has the credibility and interpersonal skills to lead across the school
- Is ambitious for all pupils and deeply aligned with QE’s values and ethos
Experience of selective or high‑attaining schools, Oxbridge or international admissions, and reporting to Governors would be advantageous, but not essential.
Salary & Conditions
- L14-L18 (Outer London)
- Full‑time, permanent
- On‑site during term time (8.00am-5.30pm)
- Teachers’ Pension Scheme
- Extensive professional development opportunities
Why Join Queen Elizabeth’s?
- Work with exceptionally motivated and able pupils
- Join a collegial, intellectually vibrant staff community
- Be part of an ambitious and outward‑looking leadership team
- Outstanding outcomes and sector‑leading destinations
- Easy access to London, free on‑site parking and an attractive campus
How to Apply
Applications must be made via the School’s My New Term portal, available through our website.
Your application should include a supporting statement outlining your motivation, suitability, and how you meet the Qualifications and Experience criteria of the Person Specification.
Closing date: 9am, Tuesday 5 May 2026.
Shortlisted candidates will take part in at least two rounds of interviews, including a visit to the School, meetings with stakeholders, and the observation of a taught lesson.
For a confidential discussion, please contact the Headmaster’s PA, Nicola Weston, at recruitment@qebarnet.co.uk.
Queen Elizabeth’s School is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and warmly welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children; the successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and all relevant safer recruitment procedures.
