Deputy Head (Personal Development & Wellbeing) - Prep

After a significant expansion, Forest Prep School in Northeast London is seeking an exceptional leader to fill the new role of Deputy Head (Personal Development & Wellbeing), from April or September 2025. As part of our leadership team, this pivotal role focuses on elevating the standards of teaching and learning across our expanding school, which now educates 480 pupils aged 4 to 11. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in pupil wellbeing and mental health, demonstrated leadership experience, and a deep commitment to fostering personal growth and resilience in a dynamic school environment.

The Deputy Head (Personal Development and Wellbeing) will lead initiatives to promote mental health, emotional resilience, and personal development across the School, providing strategic direction and ensuring the highest standards of care and support for pupils. This role offers an opportunity to shape a whole-school approach to wellbeing, aligning it with our core values of empathy, respect, and integrity.

Why choose Forest Prep? We offer a stimulating work environment, significant professional growth opportunities, and a competitive benefits package. We're looking for a visionary educator who is ready to inspire and be part of a school that prepares pupils not just for their next educational step, but for life.

Applications are being accepted through TES until 6 January 2025, with interviews the following week. Discover more about this role and our school's vision at Forest Prep School. Join us in shaping a future where every pupil is empowered to exceed expectations.

Why work at Forest?

There are many benefits of working at Forest School:

Key benefits include:   

• A CPD budget far beyond that offered in the maintained sector, and a culture fully committed to evidence-based teaching and learning development.
• A beautiful working environment, you will be surrounded by ancient woodland and a variety of architecturally significant Georgian, Victorian and modernist buildings.
• The chance to work with motivated, rounded, and intelligent pupils and colleagues in a very happy, purposeful, and ambitious setting.
• Opportunities to benefit from regular and comprehensive Professional Development Review, including access to StepLab, LinkedIn Learning and the National College to support further professional development.  
• A leadership mentoring programme for new Heads of Department           
• The chance to develop other skills and areas of interest in support of Forest’s extensive Activities and Co-Curricular Programme. In the recent past we have supported staff in developing additional skills in scuba diving, fencing, outdoors survival and even flying in the Combined Cadet Forces.
• Holiday entitlement far beyond that offered in the maintained sector (on average, 17 weeks).
• Opportunities to contribute to the wider community via our extensive Outreach Programme.
• An assigned staff laptop.
• Free three course hot lunch in our beautiful staff diner (with a takeaway sandwich lunch also available) and refreshments throughout the day.           
• 20% fee remission (pro-rata for part time staff) for children attending Forest which is applicable Y3-Y13.          
• Subsidised membership to the Sylvestrian Leisure Centre, Forest’s outstanding on-site gym and leisure facility.   
• A well-established staff forum, with an assigned representative, and a dedicated staff well-being committee        
• Membership of the School's Group Life Assurance scheme and Personal Accident Scheme.       
• Contribution towards private medical insurance fees.            
• Membership of a generous pension scheme.

What others say about Forest?

"The early years provision is a significant strength of the school. Leaders in this area have a particularly deep understanding of how children's skills, knowledge and understanding develop. They use this highly effectively when considering all aspects of provision so that children progress particularly well and flourish in the early years." - ISI Inspection 2024

“Forest is a powerhouse with a heart. The pupils exude purpose – modern, dynamic youngsters with an eye on what’s happening next.” – The Good Schools Guide, 2019.

“This is a high-octane environment: six to Oxbridge in 2019 and almost all leavers go on to Russell Group universities. The broad base of subjects studied at university testifies to the school’s academic range and depth” – The Good Schools Guide, 2019.

“A highly efficient and effective feel to the teaching backed up by excellent results. Mathematics, Science, English and History appear particularly strong. ‘My teachers really mind,’ said one girl, ‘and it makes such a difference to the way we all work.” – The Good Schools Guide, 2019.

“Forest takes the broadest view of education, which is fantastic” – Rachel Sylvester, Chair of the Times Education Commission, 2022.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis so early applications are encouraged. The School reserves the right to make an appointment at any stage.

Closing Date: 6th January 2025 at midday

Interviews: Tuesday, 14th January 2025

If you are shortlisted for the role, we carry out an online search.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff 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. We are an equal opportunities employer.