Head – Woodford Green Preparatory School

The Governors of Woodford Green Prep School are seeking to appoint a Head to lead this happy, vibrant and thriving school - a bright, articulate and energetic leader with the personal qualities to motivate and inspire.

The successful candidate will have a natural authority be the confident and engaging face of the school, commanding the respect and trust of the children, their parents and the staff. It is particularly important for the new Head to show an aptitude for building relationships whilst personifying a genuinely warm, child-centred passionate commitment to the all-round development of each pupil in their care.

Woodford Green Prep School is a highly successful, 3-11, co-educational school with around 365 pupils. Known locally as ‘The Red School’ because of its distinctive scarlet uniform, it was founded in 1932 to provide a non-denominational Christian education for both boys and girls, a tradition that has been maintained throughout its history. The school celebrates being a diverse community attracting pupils of all faiths and none. Located on the border of north-east London and Essex, it has easy access to Epping Forest and the wider countryside, as well as being only a five-minute walk from the nearest London Underground station.

The school has earned its enviable reputation for both its high standards and nurturing care. At the end of Year 6, a large number of pupils go on to selective independent senior schools and state grammar schools, with several children receiving multiple scholarship offers. To complement the broad curriculum, there is a commitment to provide an exciting range of extra-curricular activities alongside a wide and numerous selection of clubs on offer. Each of these give further opportunities for the children to develop new interests and passions.

This is an opportunity for a committed, experienced leader to make a real and lasting mark on what is already a popular school with a strong local reputation. They will have experience of curriculum development, together with an understanding of current teaching and learning practices, not least in respect of the integration of cutting-edge technology within the prep school environment and a real commitment to the EDI agenda.

If you are excited about being a standard setter for all sections of the school community and relish working with a highly committed and hardworking Governing body, and have a genuine interest in striving for excellence, strong values and a warm and engaging personality, you will find Woodford Green Prep a tremendously rewarding place to be.

A competitive remuneration package is available with a salary commensurate with the seniority of the post and the experience of the successful candidate. Private medical insurance and fee remission for the Head’s children is offered (subject to suitable places being available in the school).

Pension arrangements are run by Aptis, which is a defined contribution scheme.

Potential candidates wishing to discuss the post confidentially are invited to contact RSAcademics:

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

Diana Watkins, Senior Advisor: dianawatkins@rsacademics.com

The deadline for receipt of applications is 10.00am on Friday 11^th October 2024.

Applications should be made electronically to RSAcademics. To submit your application, please click on “Apply Now” on the right side of this webpage 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 Mrs Gillian Haddon, Chair of Governors. The letter should explain your reasons for applying.

If you have any questions about uploading your application documents, 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)1858 383163.

• Woodford Green Preparatory School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. 
• 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.