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- Tasks: Lead Abingdon Preparatory School with enthusiasm, ensuring high academic and pastoral standards.
- Company: Join a prestigious independent school in beautiful Oxfordshire, nurturing young minds aged 4-13.
- Benefits: Enjoy a vibrant work environment with excellent facilities and a commitment to holistic education.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of co-education in a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience, financial acumen, and outstanding communication skills required.
- Other info: Apply by 02 June 2025; interviews on 25-26 June 2025.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The Head and Governors of the Abingdon Foundation are seeking a highly motivated, engaging and dynamic individual with a proven track record of leadership for the role of Head of Abingdon Preparatory School from January or April 2026. The Head will provide warm, enthusiastic and positive leadership for Abingdon Prep School, in line with the aims, ethos and values of the Prep School and the wider Abingdon Foundation Development Plan.
They will be responsible for delivering high standards in academic, pastoral and co-curricular provision, will manage improvement, innovation and change and will play a leading role in promoting and marketing the School. Abingdon Prep School is a leading selective independent day preparatory school with around 200 pupils aged 4-13. From September 2024 the School became co-educational. Located in rural Oxfordshire on a beautiful 50 acre site approximately 5 miles outside Abingdon-on-Thames, the School has excellent facilities with recent significant investment in new facilities for Design and Technology, Music, the Library and new classrooms.
The School is a vibrant place which combines a rigorous, stimulating and balanced curriculum with a supportive, nurturing environment in which each child is treated as an individual and encouraged to explore and develop their own talents with confidence. As part of the wider Abingdon Foundation, along with Abingdon School, to which around 90% of pupils transfer when they leave, the Prep School has high academic standards, including a track record of senior school scholarships achieved across all areas of the curriculum.
The successful candidate will share the Prep School’s values and have a commitment to the holistic education offered across the curricular and co-curricular life of the School. They will have a clear vision of the purpose and value of an Abingdon Prep education and be able to communicate that vision with conviction. The successful candidate will have management and leadership experience as well as financial acumen and commercial awareness. They will be an outstanding and inspiring communicator with a proven track record of marketing and internal and external relationship building.
This is an outstanding opportunity to lead a successful preparatory school through the next phase of its development, following the recent move to co-education. Working closely with the Head of Abingdon Foundation and the Governors, the Head of the Prep School will develop a clear vision for the future development and direction of the School that aligns with Abingdon Foundation’s aims, values, traditions and ethos.
Closing date: Monday 02 June 2025 (midday) Interview dates: Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 June 2025. For further details and to apply please visit our recruitment portal. Abingdon is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.
Head, Abingdon Preparatory School employer: Abingdon School
Contact Detail:
Abingdon School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head, Abingdon Preparatory School
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the ethos and values of Abingdon Preparatory School. Understanding their commitment to holistic education will help you articulate how your vision aligns with theirs during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff members at Abingdon Prep School or within the Abingdon Foundation. Gaining insights from their experiences can provide you with valuable context and help you build relationships that may support your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it has positively impacted previous educational settings. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed change and innovation in a school environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the recent developments at Abingdon Prep, especially the transition to co-education. Being able to speak knowledgeably about this change and how you would support it will demonstrate your commitment and readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head, Abingdon Preparatory School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Abingdon Preparatory School. Understand the key responsibilities, values, and expectations outlined by the Governors to tailor your application accordingly.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that highlights your leadership experience, vision for education, and alignment with the school's ethos. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate your suitability for this position.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise your management and leadership experience, particularly in educational settings. Include any achievements related to academic standards, pastoral care, and co-curricular activities that align with the school's goals.
Prepare for Interviews: Anticipate questions related to your vision for the school, your approach to leadership, and how you would handle challenges. Prepare thoughtful responses that reflect your understanding of the school's values and your commitment to holistic education.
How to prepare for a job interview at Abingdon School
✨Understand the School's Ethos
Familiarise yourself with the values and ethos of Abingdon Preparatory School. Be prepared to discuss how your leadership style aligns with their commitment to holistic education and nurturing individual talents.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Highlight your previous leadership roles and provide specific examples of how you've successfully managed change and improvement in an educational setting. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the school through its next phase.
✨Communicate Your Vision
Articulate a clear vision for the future of Abingdon Prep School, especially in light of its recent transition to co-education. Make sure to convey how you plan to uphold high academic standards while fostering a supportive environment.
✨Prepare for Relationship Building
Be ready to discuss your strategies for building relationships both internally with staff and externally with parents and the community. Emphasise your marketing experience and how it can benefit the school's profile and engagement.
