At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire our Pre-Prep team, shaping joyful early learning experiences.
- Company: Somerhill, a vibrant school set in beautiful parkland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a passionate community dedicated to excellence in education.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young learners' lives in a nurturing setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in early years leadership and team management required.
The predicted salary is between 47185 - 131056 £ per year.
Overview
Somerhill is an extraordinary place to learn and work. Nestled in 150 acres of parkland, our school offers a unique combination of history, beauty and vibrancy. We believe passionately that early childhood should be filled with joy, curiosity and possibility, and our pre-prep provides the perfect environment for children to take their first steps into education with confidence and wonder.
As our current Head of Pre-Prep prepares to take up her own headship, we look forward to welcoming a new colleague 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.
Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the Pre-Prep across Nursery, Kindergarten, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, overseeing a team of more than 35 staff (including the Deputy Head of Pre-Prep, Head of EYFS, teachers and teaching assistants).
- Work closely with the Head and the Senior Leadership Team to ensure excellence and consistency across EYFS and Key Stage 1, monitor children’s progress, and use assessment to drive continual improvement.
- Provide day-to-day leadership with a high degree of autonomy while staying connected to the wider leadership of the school.
- Maintain a strong focus on pastoral care, wellbeing, behaviour and family partnerships to create a nurturing and inspiring environment for our youngest learners.
- Contribute to staff development, admissions, marketing, health and safety compliance, and the smooth running of daily operations; teach for part of the week to remain closely connected to pupils and model best practice.
Qualifications and Experience
- Experience leading a pre-prep or early years program and managing a team.
- Ability to collaborate with the Head and Senior Leadership Team to ensure excellence across EYFS and KS1.
- Track record of using assessment to drive improvement and a strong focus on pastoral care and family partnerships.
- Willingness to contribute to staff development, admissions, marketing, health and safety, and daily operations, including teaching part of the week.
Head of Pre-Prep in Tonbridge employer: The Independent Schools Council
Somerhill is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and nurturing work culture, set within the stunning backdrop of 150 acres of parkland. We prioritise employee growth through collaborative leadership and professional development opportunities, ensuring that our staff are supported in shaping the educational journeys of our youngest learners. Joining us as Head of Pre-Prep means becoming part of a passionate community dedicated to creating joyful and inspiring experiences for children, while also enjoying the unique advantages of working in such a beautiful and historic environment.
Contact Details:
The Independent Schools Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Pre-Prep in Tonbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have insights into early years leadership. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities you might not find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for early childhood education during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've created joyful and inspiring learning environments. We want to see that spark in you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare thoughtful questions for your interviewers about their vision for the Pre-Prep. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to the school's mission. Plus, it helps you assess if it's the right fit for you!
✨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 take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Pre-Prep in Tonbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your love for early childhood education shine through in your application. We want to see how you can bring joy and curiosity to the role, so share your experiences that highlight your passion for nurturing young learners.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Pre-Prep position. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements in early years education. We’re looking for someone who can lead with warmth and insight, so make that clear!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for Somerhill. Use it to connect your experiences with our values and the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Keep it engaging and personal!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our amazing team at Somerhill!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of early years education and the unique approach Somerhill takes. Familiarise yourself with their ethos, values, and how they integrate joy and curiosity into learning. This will show that you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership experience and how you’ve successfully managed teams in the past. Think about examples where you’ve fostered collaboration and supported staff development, as this role involves leading a large team. Be ready to share your vision for nurturing a positive environment.
✨Emphasise Pastoral Care
Since pastoral care is a key focus, come prepared with examples of how you’ve prioritised wellbeing and behaviour management in previous roles. Discuss how you’ve built strong partnerships with families and how you plan to continue this at Somerhill.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just answer questions; engage in a conversation. Ask insightful questions about the school’s future plans, the team dynamics, and how they measure success in the Pre-Prep. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you too.
