Deputy Head – Strategy and Innovation
Added 21 Sept · still live
Likely
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer has issued visas recently
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£43,900
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2322 (71% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £43,900, and Cognita Schools is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
We pick the code from the advert's text, so it is our best guess, not the employer's. Each code it could be has its own likelihood:
- Likely 2322 (Education managers) · 71% match
- Likely 2321 (Head teachers and principals) · 13% match
- Likely 2313 (Secondary education teaching professionals) · 9% match
Your salary route
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2322 Education managers Most likely code | £33,400 | £35,100 | £39,500 | £43,900 |
2321 Head teachers and principals Also possible | £25,000 | £25,000 | £25,000 | £25,000 |
2313 Secondary education teaching professionals Also possible | £25,000 | £25,000 | £25,000 | £25,000 |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
Alleyn's Hampstead Nursery & Junior Cognita has formed a partnership with the Alleyn’s Schools Group to establish two leading independent day schools in north London. This pioneering collaboration brings together one of the world’s most influential education groups, Cognita, which educates over 100,000 students across 20 countries, and Alleyn’s, south London’s finest co-educational day school and Co-educational School of the Year 2025.
As part of this partnership, North Bridge House Regent’s Park Prep and North Bridge House Hampstead have become Alleyn’s schools. Alleyn’s Regent’s Park successfully transitioned in September 2025, welcoming pupils aged 3–11. Alleyn’s Hampstead followed in September 2026, offering an exceptional education for pupils aged 2–18 and bringing the distinctive Alleyn’s ethos of academic excellence, creativity, and care to north London.
Due to internal movement, the school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Deputy Head – Strategy and Innovation to join our fantastic team.
About the Role:
The Deputy Head (Strategy & Innovation) will play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of the school, leading the development and delivery of a forward-thinking educational vision that reflects the values of the Alleyn’s Partnership and the Alleyn’s Playbook. Working closely with the Head and Senior Leadership Team, you will drive innovation across teaching, learning, technology and school culture, ensuring students are equipped with the skills, knowledge and mindset needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. The role will lead curriculum innovation, champion teaching excellence and oversee the school’s digital and AI strategy, embedding ethical and impactful approaches to educational technology. You will also build strong partnerships across the Alleyn’s Schools Group, Cognita network and wider community, while identifying new opportunities for growth, collaboration and enhanced educational outcomes. As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will help foster a culture of continuous improvement, creativity and ambition across the school.
Who We Are Looking For:
As part of this partnership, North Bridge House Regent’s Park Prep and North Bridge House Hampstead have become Alleyn’s schools. Alleyn’s Regent’s Park successfully transitioned in September 2025, welcoming pupils aged 3–11. Alleyn’s Hampstead followed in September 2026, offering an exceptional education for pupils aged 2–18 and bringing the distinctive Alleyn’s ethos of academic excellence, creativity, and care to north London.
Due to internal movement, the school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Deputy Head – Strategy and Innovation to join our fantastic team.
About the Role:
The Deputy Head (Strategy & Innovation) will play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of the school, leading the development and delivery of a forward-thinking educational vision that reflects the values of the Alleyn’s Partnership and the Alleyn’s Playbook. Working closely with the Head and Senior Leadership Team, you will drive innovation across teaching, learning, technology and school culture, ensuring students are equipped with the skills, knowledge and mindset needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. The role will lead curriculum innovation, champion teaching excellence and oversee the school’s digital and AI strategy, embedding ethical and impactful approaches to educational technology. You will also build strong partnerships across the Alleyn’s Schools Group, Cognita network and wider community, while identifying new opportunities for growth, collaboration and enhanced educational outcomes. As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will help foster a culture of continuous improvement, creativity and ambition across the school.
Who We Are Looking For:
We are seeking an inspiring and forward-thinking educational leader with a strong track record of delivering outstanding teaching, learning and pastoral outcomes. The successful candidate will hold Qualified Teacher Status and bring significant leadership experience, a deep understanding of curriculum development and safeguarding, and the ability to drive innovation and continuous improvement across a school community. With excellent communication and relationship-building skills, they will be able to engage confidently with pupils, parents, staff and external partners, influencing others through a collaborative and authentic leadership style. They will be approachable, resilient and emotionally intelligent, with the integrity and judgement to make difficult decisions when required. Energetic, adaptable and committed to lifelong learning, they will be passionate about educational excellence, embrace innovation, and share Alleyn’s values and ambition for the future.
To view the full candidate pack, click here .
Benefits at Cognita:
The Closing Date for Applications is: Sunday 4th October 2026
Shortlisting Date: Week commencing 5th of October 2026
Interviews: Wednesday 14th of October 2026
Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is included within the Application Guidance.
We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.
Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.
To view the full candidate pack, click here .
Benefits at Cognita:
- Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
- Teacher’s Pension
- Free lunch provided during Term Time
- School holidays and public holidays
- School fee discount
- Exclusive third-party discounts
- Ongoing professional development
The Closing Date for Applications is: Sunday 4th October 2026
Shortlisting Date: Week commencing 5th of October 2026
Interviews: Wednesday 14th of October 2026
Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is included within the Application Guidance.
We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.
Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Cognita Schools, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Education managers (SOC 2322) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~48k in sampleSOC 2322
- Middle half £38,480–59,124
- Median £47,632
- Going rate £43,900
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £33,400–39,500
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at Cognita SchoolsAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Cognita Schools holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2322 going rate of £43,900. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.