Deputy Head Academic (Prep School) Jobs at Durham International Schools 2026
If you are searching for Deputy Head Academic (Prep School) Jobs at Durham International Schools 2026, this is an excellent opportunity to join one of Nairobi's growing British international schools. Durham International Schools is looking for an experienced education leader who is passionate about academic excellence, curriculum development, and supporting both teachers and learners.
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Why This Opportunity Matters
Educational leadership plays a critical role in shaping student success, teacher development, and the overall quality of learning. As the Deputy Head Academic (Prep and Pre-Prep), you will help drive academic standards while ensuring that teaching, assessment, and curriculum delivery remain aligned with international best practices.
This role offers the chance to:
- Lead academic excellence across the Prep and Pre-Prep School.
- Influence curriculum planning and assessment strategies.
- Support professional development for teaching staff.
- Help students transition successfully between different learning stages.
- Contribute to the long-term growth of a respected British international school.
If you enjoy leading teams, improving educational outcomes, and developing innovative teaching strategies, this position offers an exciting career opportunity.
About Durham International Schools
Durham International Schools is an international education institution inspired by the more than 600-year educational heritage of Durham School in the United Kingdom. The school launched its Nairobi campus with the opening of Durham International Nursery and has continued expanding its academic programmes.
The institution is committed to delivering high-quality British-style education while nurturing curiosity, confidence, creativity, and lifelong learning. Its educational philosophy focuses on providing a supportive environment where students develop academically, socially, and emotionally.
Job Overview
- Position: Deputy Head Academic (Prep and Pre-Prep)
- Company: Durham International Schools
- Industry: Education Management
- Job Type: Full Time
- Workplace: On-site
- Location: Nairobi County, Kenya
- Qualification: Diploma
- Experience: Mandatory
- Salary: KES Unspecified
- Benefits: Provided
- Application Deadline: 14th July 2026
Job List
Deputy Head Academic (Prep and Pre-Prep)
The successful candidate will oversee academic leadership for the Prep and Pre-Prep School while ensuring high standards of teaching, learning, assessment, and curriculum implementation.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Provide academic leadership across the Prep and Pre-Prep School.
- Promote outstanding teaching and learning standards.
- Support curriculum planning and continuous improvement.
- Contribute to the School Development Plan.
- Ensure assessment practices meet British School Overseas standards.
- Work with Senior School leadership on timetabling and staffing.
- Keep academic programmes aligned with current educational research and best practices.
Leadership and Management
- Lead curriculum design and timetable planning.
- Monitor student academic performance and interventions.
- Analyse internal and GL assessment data.
- Coordinate reporting systems and parents' evenings.
- Prepare academic areas for school inspections.
- Support student transition between different school phases.
- Promote continuous professional development among staff.
Curriculum Development
- Oversee planning and evaluation of the EYFS to Year 6 curriculum.
- Ensure curriculum aligns with the English National Curriculum.
- Supervise Year Group Leads and Heads of Department.
- Monitor curriculum developments in both Kenya and internationally.
Student Progress and Assessment
- Develop effective systems for monitoring student achievement.
- Work closely with the Deputy Head Pastoral and SENCo.
- Ensure adaptive teaching practices support diverse learner needs.
- Lead implementation of iSAMS for academic monitoring.
- Encourage effective use of assessment data to improve student outcomes.
Communication
- Build positive relationships with parents and visitors.
- Present accurate reports on academic performance.
- Ensure parents receive regular updates on student progress.
- Maintain open and effective communication across the school community.
Safeguarding and Student Wellbeing
- Promote the welfare and safety of all students.
- Demonstrate the school's mission, vision, and values.
- Foster a positive and productive school culture.
- Support students' personal, emotional, and social development.
- Maintain high standards of behaviour and safeguarding practices.
Qualifications and Experience
Applicants should possess:
- A good UK Honours Degree or equivalent.
- A certified teaching qualification.
- NPQH or a Master's in Education (desirable but not essential).
- Successful school leadership experience at departmental level or higher.
- Experience leading, mentoring, and developing teaching teams.
- Experience teaching children aged 5–11 years.
Desired Skills and Personal Qualities
The ideal candidate should demonstrate:
- Strong leadership and organisational skills.
- Excellent communication and administration abilities.
- A commitment to academic excellence.
- Ability to motivate and develop colleagues.
- Strong relationship-building skills.
- Knowledge of British international education.
- Excellent digital literacy and interest in technology-enhanced learning.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
- Commitment to the values and educational philosophy of Durham International Schools.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their application by email to [email protected].
Your application must include:
- A cover letter addressed to The Headteacher (maximum one A4 page) explaining why you are interested in the role and the skills and experience you will bring.
- A fully completed Durham International School Application Form.
- The names, postal addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of three referees, including your current employer, completed within the application form.
Application Deadline: 14th July 2026
Please note that incomplete applications or applications submitted without both the required cover letter and completed application form will not be considered.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When applying for this position, avoid these common errors:
- Submitting an incomplete application form.
- Forgetting to include the required cover letter.
- Leaving referee details incomplete or inaccurate.
- Providing outdated contact information.
- Sending your application after the closing date.
- Failing to explain how your leadership experience matches the role.
- Not proofreading your application before submission.
Taking time to prepare a complete, professional application can significantly improve your chances of being shortlisted.
Salary, Benefits & Career Growth
The position offers a KES Unspecified monthly salary together with employee benefits as provided by Durham International Schools.
Beyond the compensation package, this role presents an excellent opportunity for experienced education professionals seeking career progression in international education. Successful candidates will gain valuable leadership experience within a respected British international school while working alongside experienced educators committed to academic excellence.
The role also provides opportunities to strengthen expertise in curriculum leadership, assessment, teacher development, school improvement planning, and educational innovation. These experiences can support future career advancement into senior leadership positions within international schools both in Kenya and abroad.
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