Head – Littlegarth School

Colchester, Essex

The deadline for applications has passed.

Register your details with us now.

The Governors of Littlegarth School seek to appoint an outstanding educational leader as the next Head of this flourishing co-ed prep school.

Littlegarth is a thriving co-educational prep school for children aged 2–11, set in an exceptional rural setting on the Essex–Suffolk border. Warm, ambitious and full of character, Littlegarth is a school where children are known, valued and encouraged to flourish. With its strong pastoral culture, broad educational offering and vibrant community spirit, it offers a wonderful environment in which to learn and grow.

The successful candidate will build on the school’s strong foundations and distinctive ethos, providing strategic leadership while nurturing the values that define Littlegarth: curiosity, kindness, confidence and a lifelong love of learning.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a thriving prep school with excellent facilities, a talented staff team and an engaged parent community. The next Head will bring strategic vision, warmth, integrity and a deep understanding of preparatory education.

Applications are welcomed from experienced senior leaders with a strong track record in educational leadership and a commitment to outstanding teaching, pastoral care and co-curricular life.

Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics in the first instance to arrange a confidential discussion with:

Angela Short, Head of Search (Appointments): angelashort@rsacademics.com

Or Andrew Nott, Senior Advisor: andrewnott@rsacademics.com 

The closing date for applications is Friday 15th May 2026 at 10.00am.

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 the following (both in PDF format):

  • A completed Application Form.
  • A covering letter addressed to Jim Keohane, Chair of Governors. 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 application documents, please contact Laura Cave, Project Coordinator, at applications@rsacademics.com. Laura can also be reached by calling our Head Office on +44 (0) 204 6269 795.

N.B. Safer recruitment checks will be made at all stages in the recruitment process.

  • Littlegarth School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & 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 this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure.
  • RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.
 

Key Dates

The deadline for receipt of the application is 10.00am on Friday 15 May 2026

Preliminary Interviews will take place via MS Teams with RSAcademics in the week commencing 18 May 2026

Long List interviews will take place online via MS Teams on Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 June 2026

Visits to the school for the shortlisted candidates will take place in the week commencing 8 June 2026

Short List interviews will take place at the School on Thursday 18 June 2026