42 Henderson Row,
Edinburgh.
EH3 5BL
Fully co-educational
HMC
Independent Co-educational Day School
Senior School: 496 pupils aged 11 – 18 (433 boys, 63 girls)
Junior School: 326 pupils aged 5 – 11 (271 boys, 55 girls)
Nursery:
92 pupils aged 2 - 5 ( 63 boys, 29 girls)
Senior Deputy Rector
Required for September 2009
Information for Applicants
January 2009
The Post
The vacancy arises following the retirement of Mr David Standley from his position as
Deputy Rector in August 2009 after over thirty nine years of dedicated service to the
School and fifteen years as Deputy Rector.
A restructuring of the senior management team has been agreed and there will be one
Senior Deputy Rector and two Deputy Rectors, each deputising for the Rector as
appropriate.
Each of the Senior Deputy Rector and two Deputy Rectors have distinct but
complementary roles, which are broadly defined as ‘daily running, administrative,
liaison with the Junior School, academic departmental management, publicity and PR’
(Senior Deputy Rector); ‘academic policy and curriculum, timetable careers (Deputy
Rector- Director of Studies); ‘pastoral and welfare needs for pupils and staff and
personnel matters and CPD (Deputy Rector- Pastoral and Personnel). It cannot be
stressed too strongly that they work very closely together, giving each other mutual
support in all aspects of school management and in leading the School’s strategic
development.
Introduction to The Edinburgh Academy
The Edinburgh Academy is an academically selective, independent, co-educational day
school for pupils aged 5-18, with a reputation for being caring and friendly. It aims to
provide co-educational excellence with a first class all round education to those of
intellectual promise and academic potential, regardless of background, race or creed.
The Edinburgh Academy aims to be forward looking and progressive but also greatly
values its long held traditions.
Although the School is not academically exclusive the ability range of pupils is well
above the national average. Great emphasis is placed on the pursuit of co-curricular
interests alongside academic studies for all our pupils. The School has a strong
reputation for individual attention and excellence in its pastoral care and co-curricular
provision.
The School is increasingly finding that it is oversubscribed in a growing number of year
groups and this has added to pressure on places at the School.
The Edinburgh Academy is a fully co-educational school and is a member of HMC. The
School consists of a Senior School, containing about 500 pupils and a Junior School, of
about 330 pupils and a Nursery Department of 90 pupils. The Edinburgh Academy has
recently moved to full co-education across the whole school. Previously girls were
admitted only in the Sixth Form (S5 and S6).
The Junior and Senior Schools are on separate sites, both of which have spacious
grounds and sports facilities including extensive playing fields, an all weather sports
area, and a large Sports Centre.
2
Senior Deputy Rector- Information for Applicants
The School’s Place in Edinburgh
The School was founded in 1824 and has been regarded as a leading educational
establishment within the City of Edinburgh and across Scotland ever since. Original
directors included the leading literary names of their age such as Sir Walter Scott.
Robert Louis Stevenson was also a pupil at the School. More recent Former pupils
(Academicals or Accies) include: Nicky Campbell - radio and TV broadcaster; Guy
Berryman - bass guitarist with Coldplay; Will Whitehorn - president of Virgin Galactic space tourism company; Mike Blair - Scottish rugby captain; and Dragon’s Den star,
James Ingham.
The Senior School occupies a site in Henderson Row, less than a mile from Princes
Street and at the northern limits of the Georgian ‘New Town’, of which it was
designed to be a part. The buildings include an iconic School Hall and the new James
Clerk Maxwell Science Centre which was completed in November 2006. The playing
fields are about half a mile from the main buildings – Raeburn Place (8 ½ acres)
(shared with the Academicals- Former Pupils), New Field in Inverleith Place (20 acres)
and a further 5 acres at the Junior School, also at Inverleith, with a 400 meter grass
Running Track.
The Academy possesses its own Field Centre, Blair House, in the Highlands (Glen Doll,
Angus). A new sports Hall was built in 1997. A new £5M development programme is in
the process of being completed. This has included the completion of a new purposebuilt nursery and after-school facility, a Junior School astro-turf pitch, a new
Jewellery workshop and completing in January 2009 a Performing Arts Centre and
Theatre. Planning permission has been received for the further development of two
full sized astro-turf pitches to be built over summer 2009. The School has further
ambitious plans beyond this current phase of development.
The Edinburgh Academy is a highly regarded school within the local community, across
Edinburgh and beyond. Staff and pupils take great pride in this reputation and the
commitment from all is evident in the continuing success and progress of the School.
The Edinburgh Academy is committed to sharing its facilities with the local community
and has established a series of projects that puts the use of its estates and premises
for the public good.
Further details about the School and its resources are given on the website.
Classes and Assembly
Sevenths (S6) and Sixths (S5) classes are organised by tutor groups studying either GCE
A Levels or Highers. Across the Senior School no teaching group consists of more than
24 pupils and many are substantially smaller. In the Junior School maximum class
sizes are 20 (P1 – P3) and 22 (P4 – P6).
A school assembly is held at 8.50am each morning, and is attended by the whole
school. School Services for the whole school are held on several occasions during each
term.
3
Senior Deputy Rector- Information for Applicants
Results 2008
The Edinburgh Academy operates a mixed economy of examination across both English
and Scottish Examination Boards.
Extract from recent Bulletin to all Parents:
At A Level we have our third best ever result on overall A/B averages, 73%
with almost 45% A’s. Despite what you might read in media coverage about
grade inflation, these results are significantly above the national average. 16
pupils gained 2 A's and 1B at A Level or better and 2 students gained 4 A's at A
Level, a remarkable achievement.
At Higher our results were in the top 4 best ever A grade results achieved at
the Academy. What we must also remember with our 6ths results is the fact
that a number of our pupils also sit AS Levels alongside their Highers. When
taking these together, something which is never done in league tables, the
percentage A pass rises by an additional 5% on pure Higher results figures.
At GCSE we are very pleased to see the second best set of results since 2000 at
A/A* and A*-B grades. 19 students gained 63 or more points (9 A average). Of
particular note is the fact that 2 students scored one of the top ten marks in
Edexcel Chemistry out of an entry of 8722 candidates.
Games and Activities
At the Academy, sport offers opportunities at all levels. The PE curriculum is varied,
encompassing a wide variety of team games and individual sports. The School runs
teams in a large number of major and minor sports and encourages pupils to represent
the school at one or more sports at any age group.
In Music there are about 20 performing groups including orchestras, choirs, wind
bands, a big band and several chamber groups. In Drama there are usually three or
four main productions each year. All pupils currently join the CCF in 4ths for 3½ terms
but also have the opportunity to join the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. All
members of staff are expected to play a full part in supporting the co-curricular
life of the School.
The Leadership and Management of the School
Governance
The Court of Directors, with 20 members drawn from many walks of life, governs The
Edinburgh Academy Junior and Senior Schools, meeting throughout the year. A series
of sub-committees meet regularly to deal with matters of finance, property, planning
and policy. The Senior Deputy Rector will attend meetings of the Court of Directors by
invitation. School policy is determined by the Directors and implemented by the
Rector, who is assisted on academic matters by the Senior Management Team (SMT)
and on non-academic matters by the Bursar.
The Clerk to the Directors (the Bursar), reports to the Directors, providing
administrative support to the Directors and SMT. The Clerk organises and records
meetings of Directors.
4
Senior Deputy Rector- Information for Applicants
Senior Management Team
The Rector works closely with a Senior Management Team (SMT), which shares the
collective responsibility for all aspects of School leadership and management. The
structure of the SMT is designed to allow for flexibility in assigning strategic and dayto-day responsibilities.
The whole school SMT will consist of:





The Rector
3 Deputy Rectors (a Senior Deputy Rector, a Deputy Rector [Pastoral/
Personnel], a Deputy Rector [Director of Studies])
The Headteacher of the Junior School
Deputy Headteacher of Junior School
The Bursar of the Senior and Junior Schools
Each member is directly accountable to the Rector for his/her specific responsibilities.
Members of the SMT are assigned specific responsibilities associated with their post
and in addition have overall collective responsibility for the efficient daily running and
sound discipline of the School, the pastoral care of all pupils and staff and
implementing an agreed whole school development plan.
In addition the Junior and Senior Schools have their own Senior Management Teams.
Junior School
The Head of The Edinburgh Academy Junior School is appointed by the Court, in
consultation with the Rector of the School, and reports to them personally at their
meetings. She enjoys considerable autonomy in establishing and administering policies
and practices for the Junior School within an overall context of accountability to the
Rector of The Edinburgh Academy and to Governors.
The Post
The appointment will be made without regard to gender or ethnic origin. The School
operates a 45 period week and the Senior Deputy Rector is likely to teach
approximately 5/6 periods whilst also supporting the School’s co-curriculum.
Duties and Responsibilities:
This is a senior professional position and, in common with other such positions, cannot
be precisely defined. The Senior Deputy Rector’s broad areas of specific responsibility
are listed below. The emphasis is not so much on ‘doing’ each task described but one
of ‘making sure that it is done’, demonstrating the ability to delegate, motivate and
reward.
5
Senior Deputy Rector- Information for Applicants
It is also expected that responsibilities will, of course, evolve over time given the
particular strengths and interests of the successful candidate. The list is not exclusive
and the Senior Deputy Rector is expected to take on other appropriate tasks as they
arise.

Acting Rector
In the Rector's absence the Senior Deputy Rector is responsible across the
whole range of his responsibilities for the daily running of the School.

Smooth daily running
Has overall and specific responsibility for the smooth daily running of the
School, maintaining the Academy’s high reputation for a caring, friendly, wellordered and disciplined environment. The Senior Deputy will be a strong
presence around the School and be present at a wide variety of school
activities and events.

Discipline
Oversee the school disciplinary system. Investigate all matters of serious illdiscipline and recommend appropriate school action to the Rector. Maintain
active links with the police particularly the local community police officer.

Self evaluations and performance management
Responsibility for developing and implementing the school's approach to self
evaluation and the impact on overall school performance.

Departmental budgets
Approve and monitor departmental budgets and assist with annual meetings
held with each Head of Department to discuss their departmental reports. This
includes discussing resource requirements, staff training and objectives for the
forthcoming year.

Whole School and departmental resources
Advise and recommend whole school and departmental needs, including
classroom upgrading and refurbishment, to the Rector and Bursar.

Advertising, marketing and PR
Responsible for the School's marketing policy and promotion of the School
through advertising and public relations. First point of contact for media
enquiries.

Admissions
Work closely with the School registrar to co-ordinate the recruitment of
suitable applications for entry to the school. Maintain oversight of the annual
calendar of recruitment, including the co-ordination of Open Day
arrangements.

Scholarships and Bursaries
Decide on the annual allocation of scholarships and bursaries together with the
Rector, Bursar, Head of Junior School and other senior colleagues.
6
Senior Deputy Rector- Information for Applicants

The Academical Club and the EA Foundation
Support the Rector in representing the School on the Council of the Academical
Club (the Former Pupils’ Association); maintaining close links with the Club on
behalf of the School. Support the work of The Edinburgh Academy Foundation.

School Council
Attend meetings of the School Council, advise the Rector and act on issues
arising.

Publications (internal and external)
Organise the editing, printing and production of annual publications such as the
school prospectus, handbooks, policy documents and school guides.
Responsible for the Bulletin newsletter.

ICT and school website
Responsible for leading and managing the use of ICT in administration, teaching
and communication. Chair the ICT Committee which will be constituted in
Session 2009/10.

Internal communication, events and dates
Responsible for the smooth daily running of the School, communication of
school policy, and for the organisation of school events, such as Exhibition Day
and Prize Giving. Act as Front of House Manager for school events to ensure
appropriate staffing to welcome visitors and ensure their safety. Final
responsibility for approving the school calendar and school trip dates. Oversee
the work of the main School Office establishing priorities as is required.

SMT and Heads of Department meetings
Produce agendas for meetings of the Senior Management Team and of Heads of
Department. Arranges for the minutes to be written, approved and circulated.

School Inspection
Coordinating the preparations for HMIe School inspections. Advising and
updating staff and ensuring the appropriate schemes are in place for ongoing
self evaluation.

Child Protection Officer
Advise staff on their responsibilities and arrange suitable training as required.
Willing to undertake ongoing training to maintain their position as Child
Protection Officer. Liaison with external child protection agencies and the
School Doctor over issues of concern.
•
School Trips
Approve and oversee arrangements for school trips, working closely with the
Health and Safety Officer, helping staff with risk assessment and liaising with
the Bursar and the Health and Safety Committee, and the Court appointed
Consultant on such matters.
7
Senior Deputy Rector- Information for Applicants

Budgets and fee charging
Oversee the work of Support for Learning and other departments, with respect
to additional charges to parents and the authorisation of overtime payments to
part-time staff.

Holiday working
The responsibilities and duties of this post will necessarily require the post
holder to spend some time working during the school holidays.
In addition it is essential that the Senior Deputy Rector:

Monitor and maintain high standards of behaviour and appearance across all
sections of the School, with specific responsibility for uniform issues, the dress
code and pupil discipline.

Help maintain good relations with the Parents’ Association and The Academical
Club (former pupils) and local community in meeting with parents, former
pupils and nearby residents at a variety of events.
Reporting
The Senior Deputy Rector will report to the Rector on all aspects of their remit.
The Candidate
Applications are welcome from well-qualified men and women who are graduates with
a proven record of excellence in the classroom and managerial experience in an
academic school. Though it will be essential to have impressive experience and
qualifications, the intention is to appoint the right person and not necessarily the
person who best fits a pre-determined set of skills.
This is a very important and demanding leadership role, of crucial importance to the
well-being and good daily running of the school in setting and maintaining the highest
standards in terms of scholarship, pastoral care, commitment and discipline. It will
require administrative, communication and ‘people’ skills of the highest order.
The Senior Deputy Rector, supported by two Deputy Rectors, will have a key role in
the strategic leadership and management of the School, in formulating school policy
and in writing and implementing the whole school development plan.
The Senior Deputy Rector will have excellent communication, negotiation and
advocacy skills and the ability to represent the School to the local community and
professionally.
8
Senior Deputy Rector- Information for Applicants
He/she will command respect in balancing approachability with natural authority,
through providing academic leadership and by having a strong presence around the
school as a whole. The successful candidate will be in total sympathy with promoting
the primary importance of learning and teaching in prioritising aspects of the School’s
development.
The Senior Deputy Rector will be compassionate and caring and an able communicator,
with a positive, encouraging and collaborative style. Working closely with the
Management Team, Heads of Department and Year Heads. He/she will lead the good
daily running and academic life of the School from Geits to 7ths (Primary 7 to Senior
6).
In addition to commanding respect and natural authority, the Senior Deputy Rector
will have the ability to give clear, effective and consistent leadership. Above all, it
will be essential for him/her to have the vision, creativity and intellectual breadth to
meet the challenges inherent in managing a wide-ranging portfolio of responsibilities.
Furthermore, the Deputy Rector will be interested in, and engaged fully in, the life of
the whole school, including the much-valued co-curricular programme at all times of
the week, including Saturdays (when there is a very extensive sporting programme and
fixture list).
The Senior Deputy Rector needs to be highly visible about the site and have a strong
presence around the School as a whole, and particularly on special occasions such as
concerts, dinners and plays. He/she will be an approachable person and active in
encouraging and supporting staff in their own work places, whilst monitoring first-hand
the daily running and well-being of the School.
The post would suit either senior highly experienced colleagues looking to serve the
school for the final part of their career or someone who would value this experience
aiming to progress to a major Headship after a suitable period at the Academy.
Remuneration Package
The Academy pay scale shadows the national scale for teachers and promoted posts,
but also offers a special supplement in recognition of the extra contributions made by
teachers out-with their classroom duties. The salary for this post will be dependent
on the skills and experience of the individual appointed and will be attractive to the
right candidate. The salary will not be less than £65,000. The terms and conditions
will be discussed at interview.
The successful candidate will be entitled to join the Scottish Public Pension’s Agency’s
teachers’ superannuation scheme. There is a three-quarters fee remission for children
of members of staff attending The Edinburgh Academy Senior and Junior Schools,
subject to meeting the admissions criteria. Staff also receive a free lunch in lieu of
their commitments and their willingness to support the duty rota of the school.
Availability
The appointment is available from September 2009.
9
Senior Deputy Rector- Information for Applicants
Applications
Candidates should complete all sections of the enclosed application form. A signed
hard copy must be sent to the Rector, at the School address. Applications without the
signed declaration on the final page will not be accepted.
Candidates are welcome, if they wish, to send a copy of their curriculum vitae,
including full details of qualifications and experience, and/or a covering letter
explaining why they think they are particularly suited to the role and how it may fit in
with future aspirations. However, please note that this is entirely optional and the
short listing for interview will be based on the application form.
Further details are available from The
[email protected]
Rector’s Office
–
0131 624 4911
The closing date for application is Wednesday 28th January, 2009
Interviews
There will be two rounds of interviews. This is a Court appointment in consultation
with the Rector. Directors from The Court will be interviewing at the final round and
advising on the appointment.
Candidates for the first round, during the week beginning 2nd February 2008, will be
invited to meet a number of colleagues and tour the school.
Those who are selected for the final round will be contacted shortly after this date
and invited to visit and tour the school again before the final interviews, likely to be
held on Thursday 12th February.
References will be taken up before the final interviews and possibly before first
interviews.
Conditions of Appointment
The appointment will be subject to satisfactory references, verification of identity and
proof of qualifications, and to a satisfactory medical screening.
Child Protection
The Edinburgh Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of
children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening
appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and at the enhanced
level with Disclosure Scotland.
10
Senior Deputy Rector- Information for Applicants
Equal Opportunities
The School is an Equal Opportunities employer, and welcomes applications for this
post from appropriately qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender, race or
sexual orientation.
Marco Longmore
Rector
January 2009
11
Senior Deputy Rector- Information for Applicants