Head of Senior School – Kent College Pembury

A fantastic opportunity for an aspiring senior leader to take on a newly created role in an excellent School. Kent College Pembury is a boarding and day school from 3 to 18 years. The School, currently co-educational from Nursery to Year 3, began admitting boys to the Prep School in September 2023 and will admit boys into all Prep year groups up to Year 6 from September 2025. In the Senior School and Sixth Form, Kent College currently provides for girls aged from 11 to 18 years. The School was rated “Excellent“ by ISI for both pupils’ achievements and pupils’ personal development in June 2023.

Set in a 75-acre rural parkland estate in Pembury, just outside Tunbridge Wells, the School is centred on a Victorian manor house and boasts excellent facilities including The Countess of Wessex Theatre, science centre, swimming pool, two indoor sports halls, music centre, Astroturf pitch, library & art centre, forest school, dance studio and a purpose-built boarding house. The grounds are adjacent to Pembury Old Church and the nearest railway stations are in Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells. The Prep School is located on the same central site, housed in its own buildings and sharing many of the facilities at the Senior School.

The School aims to unlock the potential of all by nurturing, valuing and celebrating each individual and creating an aspirational environment in which intellectual curiosity and academic excellence can flourish. The School is also looking to equip pupils with the skills and attributes required to make a purposeful contribution as global citizens whilst placing physical, spiritual and mental wellbeing at the centre of school life. As a member of the Methodist Independent Schools’ Trust (MIST), these aims reflect the Methodist value of “doing all the good you can”.

The post of Head of Senior School is a new role that is being created to strengthen and add capacity to the School’s executive leadership and management structure. The new Head of Senior School will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Senior School (ages 11-18), and will work closely with the Head and Executive Team on devising and implementing the School’s strategic vision.

The role is a tremendous prospect for aspiring senior leaders with the skills, passion and personality to take on the role of Head of Senior School, being responsible for the smooth running of the Senior School and reporting to Katrina Handford in her role as Head of Kent College. The School is looking for a strong team player with excellent communication skills and a leader comfortable with fast-paced change. Already an experienced senior leader in a comparable environment and, with an impressive track record of delivery through significant periods of change and development, you will possess strong organisational skills. You will have the ability to prioritise and work effectively under pressure with multiple stakeholders and to tight deadlines. A flexible approach and highly developed interpersonal skills and excellent judgement, integrity, independent thought, and sense of fairness will also be required.

Potential candidates wishing to discuss this post are invited to arrange a confidential discussion with one of the consultants handling this appointment. The closing date for applications is 10.00am on Tuesday 3 June 2025. Applications should be made electronically to RSAcademics. To submit your application, please click on “Apply Now” on the right side of this webpage and upload your documents according to the instructions provided. You should submit the following (both in PDF format): A completed application form and a covering letter addressed to Miss Katrina Handford, Head of Kent College Pembury. The letter should explain your reasons for applying and your match to the job description and person specification.

If you have any questions about uploading your application documents, please contact Laura Cave, Project Coordinator. Laura can also be reached by calling our Head Office on +44 (0)204 6269 791. Kent College Pembury is an equal opportunities employer committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure. RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.

Deadline for applications is: Tuesday 3 June 2025 at 10:00 am (UK time). Preliminary interviews with RSAcademics will take place via Microsoft Teams on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 June 2025. Longlist interviews will take place in the week commencing 9 June 2025. Shortlist candidates will be invited to visit the School in the week commencing 16 June 2025. Shortlist interviews will be held at Kent College Pembury in the week commencing 23 June 2025.