Head – Bedales Prep School

An outstanding individual is sought to lead Bedales Prep School, one of the UK’s most distinctive and innovative independent schools.

From Sept 2025 or earlier

The new Head of Prep will be building on the very successful seven-year tenure of Colin Baty who leaves in April 2025.

When it was founded in 1893, Bedales offered a compassionate, nurturing, liberal alternative to more authoritarian single-sex boarding schools. Now, on its beautiful 120-acre estate in the village of Steep, Hampshire, Bedales continues to produce independent thinkers in a warm, highly creative and stimulating holistic environment. Pre-Prep (91 pupils), Prep (214) and Senior School (472) are thriving.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for learning and pedagogy, a collaborative whole-school mindset (the position comes with Whole School Leadership Team status) and a willingness to embrace change. The Head of Prep will report to the Head of Bedales, and line-manage the successful Head of Pre-Prep. Transition between sections should be seamless, and an open, collaborative approach is essential. A willingness to partake fully in boarding life is equally important.

The successful candidate will believe in Bedales with heart as well as head: authenticity and self-awareness are essential in a progressive learning environment which is also academically ambitious. The role will suit a seasoned educator who could come from senior or junior background. For a candidate who authentically embraces this unique and inspiring environment, it could provide the opportunity of a lifetime.

For a preliminary, confidential conversation about the role, please email Angela Short, Head of Search, angelashort@rsacademics.com

The deadline for receipt of applications is 10:00am (UK) on Friday 18 October.

Applications should be made electronically to RSAcademics. To submit your application, please click on Apply Now and upload your documents according to the instructions provided.

You should submit:

• A completed application form.
• A covering letter addressed to Mr William Goldsmith, Head of Bedales. The letter should be a maximum of two pages and should explain your reasons for applying and outline your suitability for the role.

If you have any questions about uploading your documents please contact Alison Hooper, Project Coordinator (Appointments), at applications@rsacademics.com. Alison can also be reached by calling our Head Office on +44 (0)1858 383163.

Bedales is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

The safeguarding responsibilities of the role are indicated in the candidate information.

RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.