Head of Pre-Prep

Runnymede College is a private non-denominational British school in Madrid offering a British education to boys and girls of all nationalities from the age of two to eighteen. The education offered follows the British National Curriculum.

Runnymede College was founded by Arthur F Powell and his wife Julia in 1967, in a small house in Calle José Rodríguez Pinilla. The school premises have moved several times before finally settling in its current location on Calle Salvia. In 1987 our Headmaster, Mr Frank Powell, succeeded his father and, with his wife Cristina, founded the Junior School and, since then, have been co-responsible for the School’s expansion, for maintaining Runnymede’s academic excellence and for fostering the alumni pursuit of higher-level education.

The Powell family are proud to be continuing the legacy left by Arthur Powell, ensuring academic excellence and fostering an environment which allows students to reach their potential in all aspects of school life. 

In 2023 Runnymede moved from a 2 school structure on one site, to a 3 school structure, replicating the most bespoke and most prestigious schools in the UK. We now have a Pre-Prep School (ages 2-7), a Prep School (ages 8-13) and a Senior School (ages 13-18).

Runnymede Pre-Prep consists of seventeen classes catering for boys and girls from 2-7 years old. It currently caters for 348 children. It is located on the same campus as the Prep School and the Senior School allowing us to take full advantage of the wonderful facilities at Runnymede. The children are taught in classes by their class teacher for the majority of the day, but have specialist teachers for Music, Spanish and PE.

Our core value across the school is Respect, from which all other values precipitate. In the Pre-Prep and Prep Schools we explicitly teach the importance of Respect, Kindness and Curiosity, and these values permeate the ethos of the school.

We are seeking to appoint an experienced Head of Pre-Prep from February 2025 to lead this section of the school after the retirement of the current Headmistress. For the right candidate there is the possibility of an April or September 2025 start date.

The successful candidate will manage a team of teachers and assistants across Pre- Nursery, Nursery, Reception, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3. The purpose of the role is to provide a safe, secure and well-organised environment that enables children to thrive as independent learners and engaged, considerate members of the school community. The Head of Pre-Prep will be responsible for leading the pastoral provision for Pre-Prep School pupils, including safeguarding the wellbeing and safety of pupils. You will work closely with your dedicated leadership team to tailor a consistent approach to pastoral care for all pupils in the Pre-Prep School. 

The successful candidate will report to Ms Powell, Assistant Headmistress.

The main responsibilities and duties:

• Leadership and Strategy
• Teaching and Learning
• Monitoring and reporting behaviour
• Marketing
• Staff and Resources

The successful applicant will have:

• a good honours degree from a British University 
• a PGCE or equivalent qualified teacher status 
• excellent knowledge and understanding of the EYFS and Key Stage 1 curriculum
• experience leading in either or both of the English National Curriculum / the EYFS Framework 
• experience of leading and managing teams
• ability to establish good working relationships and effective teamwork
• clear understanding of the curriculum and its assessment
• ability to use assessment and baseline testing data to inform planning and set targets
• ability to employ a range of effective teaching, learning styles and assessment methods
• Inspirational, committed teacher dedicated to ensuring each pupil achieves their best outcomes
• demonstrably good communication skills both oral and written
• strong ICT skills and confidence in the use of ICT
• native level English speaker

Other preferable but not essential criteria:

• Experience leading in a UK based Private School or British International Overseas School

Please complete the TES online application form and attach your CV and covering letter.

Final date for applications- Friday 20th December 2024

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and first round interviews will take place via Zoom on a rolling basis. The final round interview will be held face-to-face at Runnymede College in Madrid. The School reserves the right to make an appointment before the closing date if a suitable candidate is found. If you have not heard from us within six weeks of submitting your application, please assume you were unsuccessful this time.

We are an equal opportunities employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Hiring decisions are based on skills, experience and attributes required for the role. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.

Runnymede 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 check with past employers and the ACRO Criminal Records Office.