Alleyn's Hampstead Nursery & Junior School
Cognita has formed a partnership with the Alleyn’s Schools Group to establish two leading independent day schools in north London. This pioneering collaboration brings together one of the world’s most influential education groups, Cognita, which educates over 100,000 students across 20 countries, and Alleyn’s, south London’s finest co-educational day school and Co-educational School of the Year 2025.
As part of this partnership, North Bridge House Regent’s Park Prep and North Bridge House Hampstead have become Alleyn’s schools. Alleyn’s Regent’s Park successfully transitioned in September 2025, welcoming pupils aged 3–11. Alleyn’s Hampstead followed in September 2026, offering an exceptional education for pupils aged 2–18 and bringing the distinctive Alleyn’s ethos of academic excellence, creativity, and care to north London.
The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Head of School to join our fantastic team.
About the Role:
We are seeking an exceptional and inspiring school leader to serve as Head of School, providing strategic leadership and acting as a trusted ambassador for students, staff and parents. Reporting to the Head of Alleyn’s Hampstead and leading the Senior Leadership Team, you will be responsible for driving educational excellence, school improvement and sustainable growth across the Nursery and Junior School. This role combines academic leadership with commercial accountability, ensuring the delivery of a high-quality educational experience aligned to both Cognita and the Alleyn’s Schools Group vision and standards. The successful candidate will champion safeguarding, wellbeing and pupil achievement, develop and retain high-performing teams, oversee financial and operational performance, and build strong partnerships with families, the wider community and the Cognita network to support the school's continued success.
Who We Are Looking For:
We are seeking an accomplished and values-driven educational leader with a strong track record of teaching excellence, strategic leadership and school improvement. The successful candidate will hold Qualified Teacher Status and possess a deep understanding of curriculum development, safeguarding and the independent schools sector. They will combine educational expertise with strong commercial awareness, enabling them to balance exceptional pupil outcomes with sustainable school performance. Warm, approachable and highly credible, they will be an inspiring frontline leader who builds strong relationships with pupils, parents and colleagues, while fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture. With excellent communication skills, resilience and integrity, they will be confident in making difficult decisions, managing competing priorities and leading change. Above all, they will be passionate about developing others, building leadership capacity and creating a thriving school community where both pupils and staff can flourish.
To view the full candidate pack, click here.
How to Apply and Key Dates:
Complete this application before the closing date.
The Closing Date for Applications is: Wednesday 28th October 2026
Shortlisting Date: Week commencing the 5th of November 2026
Interviews: Wednesday 11th of November 2026
Final Interviews: Thursday 12th of November 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.
Head of School in Hampstead employer: Cognita
At Glenesk Pre-Prep and Nursery School, we pride ourselves on fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment where both children and staff can thrive. As part of the Cognita family, you will benefit from competitive salaries, ongoing professional development, and a supportive work culture that values your contributions. With unique perks such as free lunches during term time and school fee discounts, joining our team means being part of a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact in early childhood education.
