Deputy Head (Co-Curriculum)
-
School:
Royal Grammar School -
Location:
Newcastle -
Salary:
The salary offered will be commensurate with the seniority of the role. -
Hours:
Full time -
Contractual Status:
Permanent -
Closing Date:
28th Apr 2025
DEPUTY HEAD (CO-CURRICULUM)
Required from September 2025 or January 2026
Following the appointment of Andrew McBride (current postholder) to Headmaster at Rossall School, we are looking for an inspiring and forward-thinking individual to continue to develop the Co-Curricular programme at RGS Newcastle.
The RGS has a reputation for excellence across both academic and co-curricular activities, and our students benefit from the wide range of opportunities they can enjoy. We are equally dedicated to our pastoral care as we believe that happy children learn best. We encourage our students to be intellectually curious, to think creatively and to challenge themselves in everything they undertake. We believe that core to a well-rounded education is a diverse, challenging and fun co-curricular programme.
The post of Deputy Head (Co-Curriculum) signals the high priority we place on this aspect of life at RGS. The breadth of co-curricular activities available is already immense and delivered by dedicated teaching and support staff. The successful candidate will join our dynamic Senior Leadership Team to develop our Co-Curricular programme yet further, ensuring that the opportunities available are of consistently high quality and that participation is high. Every student in the school should have the opportunity to engage in activities that develop team and leadership skills, build confidence, explore new hobbies and have fun with contemporaries. The right candidate will also actively support the determination of the school to raise aspiration and attainment for bright children across the North East, through our established bursary and partnership programmes.
The salary offered will be commensurate with the seniority of the role.
Applications should be sent directly to jobs@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk no later than 9.00am Monday 28th April 2025
Please visit www.rgs.newcastle.sch.uk/join-us/work-with-us
RGS is proud to be an equal opportunities employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of neurodivergence, age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. Whilst all applications are considered on merit, we would particularly welcome applications from black and minority ethnic candidates who are currently under-represented in our staff community. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff to share this commitment. All posts are subject to pre-interview referencing, internet searches and pre-employment checks including an enhanced DBS check with children’s barred list check and other appropriate checks.
Royal Grammar School
In 1525, the Mayor of Newcastle, Thomas Horsley, wrote his will, in which he generously gifted his estate to fund a grammar school. Five centuries later, Horsley’s vision lives on in the Royal Grammar School, Newcastle’s corridors and classrooms, and his philanthropic spirit drives the RGS’s commitment to education.
Few schools can claim a 500-year history. Over the years, the RGS, has continued to flourish as the premier independent school in the North East of England and as one of the country’s leading schools – consistently topping the regional table for academic excellence.
Today, RGS is a fully co-educational school with over 1,300 students aged 7-18 (Years 3 to 13). Its academically selective places are highly sought after. The school has more than 250 students in the Junior School, which shares the same outstanding site as the Senior School. Its Sixth Form is one of the largest in the independent sector, with more than 340 students.
While RGS prides itself on academic excellence, the school is also known for its emphasis on a holistic education. The school’s ‘There’s More to Life’ approach informs its holistic education, which is central to students’ success, health and happiness.
RGS is based in the heart of Newcastle, immediately opposite Jesmond Metro station. The school occupies over 30 acres of land and has state-of-the-art facilities, including five brand new art studios, a new library, a modern Sixth Form Centre, a 25m swimming pool, two Sports Halls, a Performing Arts Centre, outdoor football/rugby pitches at Mooracres, an artificial turf pitch for hockey and the former County Cricket Ground.
Academic Success
RGS is a special place, known and respected throughout the whole country as well as the North East. It’s a place where aspirations are high, results are outstanding, and opportunities are endless. Our students go on to study highly selective courses at the most sought-after universities but also leave the school realising that life outside the classroom has been equally beneficial.
In 2023, RGS was named ‘Independent School of the Year’ overall in The Telegraph Group’s national awards. Most recently, the school was again named North East Independent Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence 2025 by The Sunday Times’ Parent Power Schools Guide.
Academically, the school is highly selective. Students are assessed for entry at the key entry points (Y3, Y5, Y7, and a handful at Y9, plus Sixth Form). The biggest entry points are Y3 (60 students), Y7 (c.75 students) and Y12 (c.45 students). Beyond the academics, in Junior School (Y3-6), entry is assessed through activity days, whilst at Y7, students are assessed through online tests and an interaction day. Sixth Form entry is through interview only.
Students sit baseline tests in Y7, Y10, and Y12 – the average GLA CAT score for both the current Y7 and Y12 is 117. We have several students who have the assistance of our dedicated Learning Support Team, which works across Junior and Senior School.
Co-curricular Activities
At RGS, students can choose from over 170 co-curricular activities, ranging from music, drama, and sports to unique options like e-sports and knitting. All students are encouraged to discover what excites and inspires them.
Sport is also a central part of life at RGS, with students actively participating in a variety of activities including hockey, cricket, and basketball, from early morning until late afternoon. RGS views sport as a fundamental vehicle for students to develop lifelong skills, character, resilience – and, above all, a love for daily movement.
While it may seem tricky to balance schoolwork with so many exciting co-curricular and sporting activities, RGS has found that students actively engaged outside the classroom often perform even better academically. Both programmes are designed to help students develop essential life skills, from self-awareness to decision-making and self-organisation.
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