Head of Pre-Prep – Sevenoaks Preparatory School

Sevenoaks Preparatory School seeks an exceptional Head of Pre-Prep to lead and inspire its youngest pupils and the dedicated staff who support them.

Sevenoaks Prep is a thriving, forward-looking school with a strong reputation for academic excellence, outstanding pastoral care and a rich, inclusive co-curricular programme. The School prides itself on nurturing confident, curious and well-rounded children within a warm, ambitious and values-driven community. Academic endeavour, kindness, creativity and personal growth sit at the heart of daily school life, and relationships between pupils, staff and families are characterised by trust, respect and high expectations.

This is a pivotal leadership role within the School, suited to an experienced and imaginative educator who believes that the early years of education should combine joyful discovery, strong foundations in learning and outstanding pastoral care.

The successful candidate will provide strategic and operational leadership of the Pre-Prep (Early Years to Year 2), ensuring a stimulating and nurturing environment in which children flourish academically, socially and emotionally. They will champion high standards of teaching and learning, oversee curriculum development and ensure that the EYFS and Key Stage 1 provision provides a strong platform for future success.

Working closely with colleagues across the School, the Head of Pre-Prep will ensure a smooth and coherent transition into the Prep School while maintaining a distinctive Pre-Prep ethos characterised by curiosity, creativity and care. They will support staff development, foster strong partnerships with parents and contribute actively to the wider life and leadership of the School.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Head of Pre-Prep will play an important role in shaping the strategic direction of the School and ensuring that the experience of our youngest pupils reflects the School’s values and ambitions. They will also support admissions and retention by representing the warmth, quality and distinctiveness of the School’s early years provision to prospective families.

The ideal candidate will be a qualified teacher with significant leadership experience in an Early Years or Pre-Prep setting, a strong understanding of early childhood education and a genuine passion for creating an environment in which young children thrive. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a vibrant and successful Pre-Prep within a supportive, ambitious community that values kindness, openness and humility.

Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange a confidential discussion with one of the consultants handing this appointment:

Angela Short, Search Consultant: angelashort@rsacademics.com or

Jenny Funnell, Search Consultant: jennyfunnell@rsacademics.com or

Andrew Nott, Senior Advisor: andrewnott@rsacademics.com

Applications for this role will be considered on a rolling basis as they are received. Candidates are therefore encouraged to submit a CV in the first instance and at the earliest opportunity before submitting an application form.

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. 

As part of your online application you will be required to upload a covering letter (in PDF format please), which should be addressed to Mr Luke Harrison, Headmaster. The letter should explain your reasons for applying.

If you have any questions about completing your online application, please contact Jonathan Barnes, Head of Operations (Leadership Appointments) at: applications@rsacademics.com. Jonathan can also be reached by calling our Head Office on +44 (0) 204 6269 791.

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

All enquiries and applications will be treated in strict confidence. Prospective candidates are encouraged to explore the opportunity in a thoughtful and reflective manner and to see this role not simply as a career move, but as an opportunity to help shape the future of an exceptional school community.

Sevenoaks Preparatory 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.