At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant prep school, shaping its future and nurturing young minds.
- Company: Join Alleyn's Schools Group, a legacy of over 400 years in education.
- Benefits: Work in beautiful surroundings with excellent transport links to central London.
- Why this job: Be a dynamic leader, inspiring excellence and fostering a joyful community.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in education and commitment to child welfare.
- Other info: This is a rare opportunity to lead a flourishing school full of potential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Alleyn's Schools Group is inviting applications for the next Head of Alleyn's Oakfield, a joyful, warm and ambitious prep school for children aged 4–11 in the heart of leafy West Dulwich. In August 2025, Oakfield Prep formally became Alleyn's Oakfield, joining a family of schools with more than 400 years of educational excellence, a distinctive values-led culture, and a shared commitment to inspiring every pupil and member of staff to be "all they can be." This is a pivotal moment for the school. With recent and future investment in buildings and facilities, a vibrant curriculum, a thriving co-curricular programme and a nurturing, community-centred ethos, Alleyn's Oakfield is exceptionally well-placed for continued growth and strategic development within the wider Alleyn's group.
We are seeking a dynamic, inspiring leader who brings clarity of vision, authenticity and energy. The next Head will lead the strategic development and day-to-day operations of the school, and champion excellence in teaching, learning and pastoral care, modelling Alleyn's ROCCK values and fostering a culture in which children feel known, supported, stretched and celebrated. They will provide clear, ambitious leadership aligned with the overarching aims of the Alleyn's School Group, working closely with senior colleagues to enhance alignment, maintain high standards and ensure that Alleyn's Oakfield thrives within a rapidly evolving educational landscape. They will be a visible, trusted and emotionally intelligent presence, able to communicate with warmth while cultivating a collaborative, joyful environment for staff and pupils alike. This is a rare opportunity to lead a flourishing, ambitious school full of potential. With beautiful surroundings, excellent transport links into central London and the strength and shared purpose of the wider Alleyn's group, Alleyn's Oakfield offers an exceptional platform for an inspiring leader to shape a school that is both deeply rooted and confidently future-facing.
Responsibilities
- Lead the strategic development and day-to-day operations of the school.
- Champion excellence in teaching, learning and pastoral care.
- Model Alleyn's ROCCK values and foster a culture in which children feel known, supported, stretched and celebrated.
- Provide clear, ambitious leadership aligned with the overarching aims of the Alleyn's School Group.
- Work closely with senior colleagues to enhance alignment, maintain high standards and ensure Alleyn's Oakfield thrives within a rapidly evolving educational landscape.
- Be a visible, trusted and emotionally intelligent presence, able to communicate with warmth and cultivate a collaborative, joyful environment for staff and pupils alike.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Experience in leadership within an educational setting.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare of children, and willingness to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
How to Apply
To apply, please submit a completed application form, CV and a covering letter by 9.00am GMT Monday 2 March online at: https://www.odgers.com/95362, where you can also download the candidate brief.
Contacts for initial discussion
- Ruth Lewis: +44 (0) 20 7529 3959, ruth.lewis@odgers.com
- Isabel Howard: +44 (0) 20 7529 3925, isabel.howard@odgers.com
Safeguarding
Alleyn's Oakfield is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Head (Alleyn\'s Oakfield) in City of London employer: Alleyn's School
Contact Detail:
Alleyn's School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head (Alleyn\'s Oakfield) in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who know Alleyn's Oakfield. A friendly chat can give you insights and maybe even a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to meet with the hiring team, let your enthusiasm for leading a school shine through. Share your vision for fostering a joyful and collaborative environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by researching the school's values and recent developments. Tailor your responses to reflect how your leadership style aligns with their mission and goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Alleyn's family.
We think you need these skills to ace Head (Alleyn\'s Oakfield) in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start writing, take a moment to really understand what Alleyn's Oakfield is all about. Dive into our values and culture, and think about how your vision aligns with ours. This will help you craft an application that truly resonates with us.
Tailor Your CV: Your CV should be more than just a list of jobs; it’s your chance to showcase your leadership experience in education. Highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead, inspire, and foster a nurturing environment for both staff and pupils.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell your story! Share your passion for education and how you embody the ROCCK values. Make it personal and engaging, showing us why you’re the perfect fit for this pivotal role at Alleyn's Oakfield.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re following the correct process. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alleyn's School
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to really understand Alleyn's ROCCK values. Think about how these values resonate with your own leadership style and experiences. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've embodied similar values in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Vision
As a candidate for Head of Alleyn's Oakfield, it's crucial to articulate your vision for the school. Prepare to discuss how you would lead strategic development and enhance the school's culture. Think about innovative ideas that align with the school's commitment to excellence in teaching and pastoral care.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
Being a visible and trusted presence is key for this role. During the interview, showcase your emotional intelligence by discussing how you've built collaborative environments in past positions. Share stories that highlight your ability to connect with both staff and pupils in a warm and supportive manner.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions that show your genuine interest in the school's future and its community. Ask about their current challenges, future plans, or how they envision the role of Head evolving. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.