Lead with purpose. Help shape Prebendal's future. The Prebendal School is seeking an exceptional Deputy Headteacher to join its Senior Leadership Team. This is a significant opportunity for an experienced, ambitious and highly organised school leader to help shape the next chapter of one of the country's most distinctive preparatory schools. Working closely with the Headmistress, the Deputy Headteacher will play a central role in the strategic and operational leadership of the School. They will help drive high standards across school life, provide visible and compassionate leadership, and ensure that pupils and staff have the support, structure and encouragement they need to flourish. This is a broad and influential role for someone who enjoys being at the heart of a busy school community: leading people, solving problems and turning ambition into action.
About The Prebendal School
Founded in 1497 and situated within the historic Cathedral Close in the heart of Chichester, The Prebendal School is the oldest school in Sussex. Today, we are a thriving co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 2-13. Our close relationship with Chichester Cathedral is central to our identity and enriches the life of the School. Small classes, strong pastoral care and an extensive academic and co-curricular programme allow every pupil to be known, encouraged and challenged. Music has an exceptional place within our community. More than 95% of pupils receive individual instrumental tuition, many learn more than one instrument, and our leavers regularly secure music scholarships to leading senior schools. Prebendal combines a remarkable heritage with an ambitious outlook. We are looking for a Deputy Headteacher who will value our traditions while helping us continue to develop, innovate and grow.
About The Role
Contract type: Full-Time and permanent. Salary: Competitive salary, dependent on experience. Start date: Immediate start available
- Work in close partnership with the Headmistress on the strategic and day-to-day leadership of the School.
- Deputise confidently for the Headmistress when required.
- Make a significant contribution to the work and development of the Senior Leadership Team.
- Provide visible, approachable and values-led leadership across the whole school community.
- Help sustain the highest standards of pupil wellbeing, behaviour, safeguarding, teaching and learning.
- Play a leading role in pastoral provision, working alongside the Headmistress, and wider staff team to ensure outstanding care for pupils.
- Lead key operational areas, including staff duties, cover arrangements, induction and aspects of school organisation.
- Oversee the effective coordination of the school calendar, registration processes and major public events.
- Contribute to staff recruitment, induction, appraisal and professional development.
- Build positive and trusted relationships with pupils, parents, colleagues and the wider community.
- Teach as part of the role and contribute enthusiastically to the academic and co-curricular life of the School.
About you
- Holds an honours degree from a recognised university and has appropriate teaching experience.
- Has a strong record of successful leadership within a school, whether as a senior leader, middle leader, Head of Department or in a comparable position.
- Understands excellent teaching and learning, particularly within Key Stage 2.
- Places pupils' wellbeing, development and success at the centre of decision-making.
- Communicates with clarity, warmth and confidence.
- Builds strong relationships and brings out the best in others.
- Is exceptionally organised and able to manage competing priorities effectively.
- Remains calm, thoughtful and solution-focused under pressure.
- Demonstrates sound judgement, initiative and attention to detail.
- Is willing to be both strategic and hands‑on.
Above all, you will be a visible and generous leader who combines high expectations with genuine care. You will understand that excellent school leadership is found not only in strategy and systems, but also in daily conversations, trusted relationships and a willingness to contribute wherever you are needed.
Why join Prebendal?
This role offers the opportunity to have a genuine influence on the direction and development of a remarkable school. You will join a close-knit and committed community in which staff are valued, pupils are known as individuals and no two days are the same.
- A competitive salary, reflecting experience.
- Small class sizes and a strong focus on excellent teaching and learning.
- Opportunities for professional development.
- A supportive, welcoming and collegiate staff community.
- A staff wellbeing programme.
- A Refer a Friend scheme with a financial reward.
- Life assurance at three times annual salary.
- Company pension and sick-pay arrangements.
- Lunch provided during the school day.
- On-site parking.
The Prebendal School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants for ALL jobs will undergo appropriate child‑protection screening including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to enhanced level, with costs covered by the company. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
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