About the School - Brighton College Prep Kensington:
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 proud to be 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. Our Upper School experience is designed to be ambitious, purposeful, and outward‑facing, and our pupils go on to a wide range of leading senior schools, predominantly boarding schools, with many securing academic scholarships and awards.
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.
The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Head of Teaching, Learning and Innovation to join our fantastic team.
About Cognita:
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 90 schools in 21 countries – in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East – serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools is proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.
At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world, wherever they’re starting from. And each and every one of our schools is unique too.
We protect what’s special about them, while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger. We open their classrooms to the collective wisdom of 90 schools in 21 countries, ensuring every child gets an education that’s, quite literally, world class.
It’s an individual approach that empowers every school, teacher and student to focus on what they do best and thrive.
About the Brighton College Family of Schools:
Brighton College Prep Kensington is a proud member of the Brighton College Family of Schools which includes Brighton College, three other UK based Prep Schools and a growing network of schools around the world. Brighton College is synonymous with academic excellence, outstanding pastoral care and a commitment to the Arts, Sports and extracurricular pursuits.
Being a member of both Cognita and the Brighton College Family offers significant development opportunities and collaboration for our staff.
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 with responsibility 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. The successful candidate 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.
The school believes that outstanding education is not solely measured by academic outcomes, but by the quality of character developed in young people. The Head of Teaching, Learning and Innovation will therefore play a central role in shaping an educational culture that develops intellectually ambitious, compassionate, confident, and socially responsible pupils who are equipped to flourish in a rapidly changing world.
To View Our Full Job Description, Click Here .
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:
- Joining Brighton College Prep Kensington offers the opportunity to be part of a forward‑thinking school community with high ambitions for both pupils and staff.
- Our central London location, beside Exhibition Road, provides exceptional opportunities for enrichment, with world‑class museums, galleries, and cultural institutions on our doorstep.
- As part of the Brighton College family of schools, staff benefit from being part of a highly respected network of schools known for educational excellence, innovation, and strong pastoral values. This connection provides opportunities for professional collaboration, shared expertise, and ongoing professional development.
- Staff enjoy a supportive and collegiate working environment, excellent facilities, and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the wider life of the school.
- Colleagues enjoy competitive salaries, exceptional facilities, free school lunches, tea & coffee and snacks and fee remission for eligible children (subject to entry assessments and place availability).
How to Apply:
Complete this application before the closing date: Monday 29th June 2026.
Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex‑Offenders is included within the Application Guidance.
We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.
Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.
