At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team while nurturing young learners in a vibrant pre-prep environment.
- Company: Somerhill School, dedicated to excellence in early education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive community.
- Why this job: Shape the future of young minds and create lasting impacts in their early years.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head of Pre-Prep or Deputy Head with a passion for early childhood education.
- Other info: Join a thriving school community with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Head of Pre-Prep looks after approximately 200 pupils across Nursery, Kindergarten, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, and oversees a team of more than 35 dedicated staff, including the Deputy Head of Pre-Prep, Head of EYFS, teachers and teaching assistants.
Working closely with the Head and the Senior Leadership Team, you will ensure excellence and consistency across EYFS and Key Stage 1, monitor children’s progress, and use assessment to drive continual improvement. The role brings a high degree of day-to-day autonomy while remaining deeply connected to the wider leadership of the school.
With a strong focus on pastoral care, well-being, behaviour and family partnerships, you will help create a nurturing and inspiring environment for our youngest learners.
You will also contribute to staff development, admissions, marketing, health and safety compliance, and the smooth running of daily operations while teaching for part of the week to remain closely connected to pupils and model best practice.
We look forward to welcoming applications from existing Heads of Pre-Prep or Deputy Heads, who will bring warmth, insight and inspiration to this vital stage of school life. This is a rare opportunity to lead a thriving pre-prep and shape the earliest experiences of Somerhill children.
Head of Pre-Prep employer: SCHOOLS AT SOMERHILL
Contact Detail:
SCHOOLS AT SOMERHILL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Pre-Prep
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who know the school or have worked there. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could really help your application stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the school's ethos and values. Show us how your vision aligns with theirs, especially when it comes to nurturing young learners and fostering a supportive environment. We want to see your passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just talk about your experience; bring examples! Whether it’s a successful project or a unique approach to pastoral care, we love hearing real stories that demonstrate your leadership style and commitment to excellence in early years education.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview with a thank-you note. It’s a simple gesture that shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in our minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the school community!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Pre-Prep
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through in your application. We want to see how much you care about nurturing young minds and creating a supportive environment for both pupils and staff.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Pre-Prep role. Highlight your leadership experience, your approach to pastoral care, and any relevant achievements in EYFS and Key Stage 1.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your vision for the pre-prep stage and how you plan to inspire both staff and pupils. Keep it personal and engaging!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Somerhill.
How to prepare for a job interview at SCHOOLS AT SOMERHILL
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and Key Stage 1 expectations. Brush up on the latest educational practices and be ready to discuss how you can implement them effectively in your role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership approach and how you’ve successfully managed teams in the past. Think of specific examples where you’ve inspired staff or improved team dynamics, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead a large team.
✨Emphasise Pastoral Care
Since the role focuses heavily on pastoral care and well-being, come prepared with examples of how you’ve supported children’s emotional and social development. Discuss strategies you’ve used to foster a nurturing environment and build strong family partnerships.
✨Engage with the Vision
Research the school’s ethos and values, and be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs. Show enthusiasm for contributing to the school’s mission and how you plan to enhance the pre-prep experience for both pupils and staff.