Head of Prep

About this opportunity

Role Profile and Core Responsibilities The Head of Prep leads with vision and professionalism, ensuring the smooth running of daily routines while overseeing curriculum progression, pastoral care, staffing, and parental communication. Key Responsibilities: Strategic Leadership and School Identity: Drive strategic planning for the Prep School, establishing a culture of academic ambition, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth aligned with TES core values. Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning Oversight: Lead on curriculum planning, progression, and differentiation in liaison with the Deputy Head Academic and Phase/Subject Leaders. Monitor teaching standards through lesson observations, planning reviews, work sampling, and data analysis to foster a future-focused curriculum. Student Wellbeing, Development, and Behaviour: Champion holistic student development in partnership with the Head of Learning Support. Oversee pastoral mentoring, student leadership, assemblies, Extra Curricular Activities (ECA), and serve as Phase Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL). Staff Leadership and Professional Growth: Guide and mentor teaching staff through continuous professional development (CPD) and performance reviews. Model exemplary classroom practice, assist with recruitment and induction, and oversee daily cover and staff wellbeing. Operational and Financial Management: Coordinate phase resources, budgets, and major supply orders in liaison with the DFO and Principal. Manage phase logistics for key events, performances, trips, and term schedules. Communication and Parent Engagement: Act as a visible, approachable, and transparent leader for families, ensuring clear correspondence and fostering harmonious, trusting relationships across the wider community. Candidate Specification We invite applications from educational leaders who offer a blend of strategic foresight, academic rigour, and empathetic leadership: Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent British-recognised teaching qualification. Further leadership accreditation is desirable. Leadership Experience: Proven track record in senior or middle leadership within a British independent, prep, or high-performing international school. Educational Expertise: Deep understanding of key stages 2 and 3 of the English National Curriculum, data-informed progress monitoring, and future-focused teaching practices. Pastoral and Safeguarding Commitment: Demonstrated dedication to child protection and social-emotional wellbeing, ideally with safeguarding/DDSL background. Personal Attributes: Exemplary professionalism, discreet conduct, strong organisational acumen, and outstanding interpersonal skills. Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent British-recognised teaching qualification. Further leadership accreditation is desirable. Leadership Experience: Proven track record in senior or middle leadership within a British independent, prep, or high-performing international school. Educational Expertise: Deep understanding of key stages 2 and 3 of the English National Curriculum, data-informed progress monitoring, and future-focused teaching practices. Pastoral and Safeguarding Commitment: Demonstrated dedication to child protection and social-emotional wellbeing, ideally with safeguarding/DDSL background. Personal Attributes: Exemplary professionalism, discreet conduct, strong organisational acumen, and outstanding interpersonal skills.