At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team while nurturing young learners in a vibrant environment.
- Company: Somerhill, a thriving school dedicated to early childhood education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive community.
- Why this job: Shape the future of children and make a lasting impact on their early experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head of Pre-Prep or Deputy Head with a passion for education.
- Other info: Autonomy in leadership with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 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.
Locations
Head of Pre-Prep in Kent, Tonbridge 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 in Kent, Tonbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have experience in leadership roles. They might have insider info on openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school’s ethos and values. Tailor your responses to show how your vision aligns with theirs, especially regarding pastoral care and staff development. We want to see that you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your teaching experience! Even if you're applying for a leadership role, being hands-on in the classroom is a huge plus. Share examples of how you've positively impacted pupils' learning and well-being.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Pre-Prep in Kent, Tonbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for early years education shine through. We want to see how much you care about nurturing young minds and creating a supportive environment for both pupils and staff.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in leadership roles, especially in Pre-Prep settings. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to oversee teams and drive improvement in children's learning.
Connect with Our Values: Familiarise yourself with our school’s ethos and values. In your application, reflect on how your personal philosophy aligns with our commitment to pastoral care and family partnerships. This connection is key for us!
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we love a good story, make sure your application is clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary and keep paragraphs short. This helps us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for the Head of Pre-Prep role.
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.