School Head Teacher

The Head of the School & Nursery will provide inspirational and strategic leadership, ensuring the continued success and development of the school. Working closely with the Governing Body and Senior Leadership Team, the Head will uphold the school's ethos of care, community and excellence, while driving innovation in teaching, learning and pastoral provision.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the next chapter of the school's history and to play a key role in planning for its centenary celebrations in 2032. The Head will be responsible for maintaining a broad and balanced curriculum with high academic standards, ensuring pupils leave the school confident, resilient and well prepared for the next stage of their education.

The role encompasses oversight of all aspects of school life, including curriculum development, pastoral care, co-curricular enrichment and the school's distinctive reputation for its warm, family atmosphere and strong sense of community. Staff pride themselves on knowing each child individually, and this unique environment is central to the school's identity and success.

Key Responsibilities

Vision and Strategy

• Set and articulate a clear educational vision that reflects the school's values and ambitions.
• Develop and implement a strategic plan to ensure academic excellence, financial sustainability and continued innovation.
• Respond proactively to changes in the educational landscape and local market, positioning the school as a school of choice for families.

Leadership and Management

• Lead and inspire teaching and support staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, professionalism and continuous improvement.
• Ensure effective recruitment, retention and professional development of staff, promoting consistently high standards of teaching and learning.
• Oversee performance management systems that support accountability and professional growth.

Academic and Pastoral Excellence

• Maintain a broad, balanced and forward-thinking curriculum, with strong outcomes in 11+ grammar and independent school examinations.
• Uphold the highest standards of pastoral care and wellbeing, ensuring every child feels safe, supported and valued.
• Champion the school's commitment to SEND provision and enrichment for more able pupils.

Community and External Relations

• Build strong relationships with parents, prospective families and the wider community, acting as an ambassador for the school.
• Maintain positive links with senior schools to support successful pupil transitions.
• Promote the school's reputation through effective marketing and engagement.

Governance and Compliance

• Work in partnership with the Governing Body to ensure robust governance and regulatory compliance.
• Work closely with the Bursar to oversee financial planning, non-fee income and resource management, securing long-term sustainability.
• Ensure safeguarding remains central to all aspects of school life.

The Governing Body seeks an inspirational, supportive and flexible Head who will lead the school with vision, energy and a strong sense of community. This role would suit an experienced senior leader seeking their first headship, or a Head ready to take on the challenge of leading a small, stand-alone preparatory school with approximately 30 staff.

The successful candidate will combine strategic thinking with hands-on leadership and demonstrate a genuine commitment to the school's ethos of care, excellence and family values.

Qualifications and Experience

• A good university degree (essential); postgraduate or leadership qualifications (desirable).
• Qualified Teacher Status, with a record of outstanding classroom practice.
• Significant senior leadership experience (minimum three years) within a high-performing school.
• Strong understanding of the 3-11 age range and selective senior school entry, including 11+ grammar and independent school examinations.
• Proven experience of curriculum development and innovative teaching approaches that support pupil confidence, resilience and academic success.
• Familiarity with SEND provision and strategies for supporting neurodiverse learners.
• Knowledge of compliance, safeguarding (DSL trained desirable) and inspection frameworks.
• Experience of managing budgets and resources effectively (desirable).