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 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 early years education.
- Other info: Join a thriving school with a focus on well-being and family partnerships.
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.
Head of Pre-Prep in London 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 London
✨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. We want to see how you align with their vision for nurturing young learners. Bring examples of how you've fostered a positive environment in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share stories that highlight your ability to inspire and develop staff. We love hearing about how you've created a supportive team atmosphere and driven improvement in early years education.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our community at Somerhill.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Pre-Prep in London
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 avoid jargon. We want to easily understand your qualifications and vision for the 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 how they apply to nurturing young learners. This will show that you’re not just a leader, but also an expert in early childhood education.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss 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. This role requires a strong connection with your team, so demonstrating your ability to lead with warmth and insight is key.
✨Emphasise Pastoral Care
Since the role focuses heavily on pastoral care and well-being, be ready to share your strategies for creating a nurturing environment. Discuss how you’ve previously supported children’s emotional and social development, and how you plan to foster family partnerships in this new role.
✨Engage with the Vision
Familiarise yourself with the school’s ethos and vision. Be prepared to articulate how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals. Showing genuine enthusiasm for the school’s mission will help you stand out as a candidate who is not only qualified but also passionate about making a difference.