Head of Teaching, Learning and Innovation in London

We are a thriving independent preparatory school in central London, educating boys and girls from the age of 2 to 13. Guided by our core values of confidence, curiosity, and kindness, we offer a broad, ambitious, and enriching education that places academic excellence, creativity, and outstanding pastoral care at its heart. As part of the Brighton College family of schools, widely regarded as the leading co‑educational school group in the UK, we benefit from a strong shared ethos while retaining our own distinctive character.

In 2025 we were named London Independent School of the Year finalists, reflecting our innovative approach and commitment to pupil wellbeing. Situated beside Exhibition Road in the museum district of central London, we offer pupils an exceptional learning environment enriched by immediate access to world‑class cultural and scientific institutions.

As an Apple School, we believe in the thoughtful and purposeful use of technology to enhance teaching and learning. We are ambitious in our use of digital innovation whilst remaining committed to the highest standards of academic rigour, outstanding pedagogy, and meaningful human interaction in the classroom. We are making significant investment in new and enhanced facilities, ensuring that pupils benefit from an unrivalled prep school experience in central London. These developments reflect the school’s ambition to provide outstanding learning, pastoral, and enrichment provision within an exceptional setting, preparing pupils not only for senior school success but for life beyond the classroom.

About the Role

We are seeking an outstanding, dynamic, and forward‑thinking Head of Teaching, Learning and Innovation to provide strategic leadership across the whole school (ages 2–13). This is a significant whole‑school leadership role responsible for driving excellence in teaching and learning, shaping innovation, overseeing digital strategy, and ensuring that academic provision remains ambitious, inclusive, research‑informed, and future‑facing.

The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of pedagogy, curriculum innovation, assessment, and professional development. They will demonstrate the ability to lead strategic initiatives while maintaining a relentless focus on classroom practice and pupil outcomes.

The Head of Teaching, Learning and Innovation will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team, Heads of Department, and teaching staff to ensure that teaching across the school is engaging, evidence‑informed, inclusive, and aligned with the school’s values and strategic vision. They will also play a central role in shaping and embedding the school’s distinctive educational identity, including the continued development of key Brighton College initiatives such as Mini MBA, the Arete Pathway, Pathways & Bridges, and the House system.

The role also includes strategic oversight of charity, partnerships, outreach, sustainability, inclusion, innovation, and character education, ensuring that pupils develop not only academically, but also as compassionate, outward‑looking, and socially responsible young people.

Who We Are Looking For

• Essential
• A degree and recognised teaching qualification (PGCE or equivalent).
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Proven experience as a Senior Leader or Head of Department, with clear evidence of success in improving teaching and learning outcomes.
• Proven experience of successful leadership in teaching and learning, curriculum development, or innovation.
• Strong understanding of educational research, pedagogy, and assessment.
• Experience leading professional development and supporting staff growth.
• Excellent understanding of digital learning and the purposeful use of educational technology.
• Strong analytical skills, including experience interpreting assessment data and evaluating impact.
• Commitment to inclusive education and meeting the needs of all learners.
• Outstanding communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills.
• A clear commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• A commitment to the wider life of a busy prep school community, including trips, enrichment, and House routines.

• Desirable
• Experience planning or leading residential trips or ambitious enrichment programmes.
• Experience within an independent or preparatory school setting.
• Experience leading whole‑school strategic initiatives.
• Experience in founding, developing, or working within a new or rapidly growing school environment.
• Experience working across a wide range of educational settings, including international schools or international educational contexts.
• Experience working within an Apple School or 1:1 device environment.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of teaching, learning, and curriculum progression across the full 2–13 age range.
• Experience of educational research or action research projects.
• Further study or professional qualifications in educational research, teaching and learning, leadership, or pedagogy.
• Proven experience in leading or working within SEND and/or EAL departments.
• Understanding of sustainability education and environmental initiatives in schools.

Benefits at Cognita

• Opportunity to be part of a forward‑thinking school community with high ambitions for both pupils and staff.
• Central London location beside Exhibition Road, providing exceptional enrichment opportunities with world‑class museums, galleries, and cultural institutions.
• Connection to the highly respected Brighton College family of schools, offering professional collaboration, shared expertise, and ongoing professional development.
• Supportive and collegiate working environment, excellent facilities, and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the wider life of the school.
• Competitive salaries, exceptional facilities, free school lunches, tea and coffee, snacks, and fee remission for eligible children (subject to entry assessments and place availability).

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.