Headteacher

This is a superb opportunity to lead a well-established and highly successful independent school on the border of north-east London and Essex. The post of Head has become available due to the current Head taking on a new headship after eight very successful years at Woodford Green. We are looking for a suitably experienced candidate to lead the next stage of the school’s journey of success.

Woodford Green Preparatory School is a co-educational independent day school for 3-11 year olds, where pupils, staff and parents are very much seen as part of a local community. The school has a strong track record for preparing pupils to go onto a large number of academically selective senior schools. The school is forward-thinking and places key emphasis on its core values; nurture, curiosity, creativity and excellence.

The school has successfully created a broad and exciting curriculum that allows each pupil to experience intellectual curiosity and a wide range of experiences; all built on excellent pastoral care and a commitment to promote the wellbeing of both pupils and staff. The school has recently been accredited with a national Wellbeing Award for Schools. Results at 11+ are outstanding; in the last seven years 113 scholarships and 673 places have been awarded by independent senior schools. A high number of grammar school places have also been awarded. Whilst the site is relatively compact, we regularly use a range of local resources for activities such as hockey, squash, tennis, cricket, cross county and swimming. Sporting success is notable, as has been an ever-increasing uptake of music lessons, reflected in a number of recent music scholarships.

Due to a very strong word of mouth reputation, demand for places is strong and there are waiting lists to get into the school at its two key entry points, 3+ and 7+. Interest in the school is at an all-time high, despite the wider national pressures. Parents entrust us to provide an environment where every child achieves their own personal best and is supported in becoming a confident learner, ready to go on to future successes. The school is well placed to develop further, with a significant capital spend project having recently gained planning permission. We are at our current maximum capacity of 384 pupils. However, we already have DfE approval to increase the roll to 400 and may wish to expand further.

Throughout its 90-year history, the school has enjoyed a super reputation. We are proud of the achievements our pupils have made. However, the world is fast-changing and, as such, we are. committed always to being forward thinking and ensuring development for our young learners.

Our latest School Development Plan includes further opportunities to blend both adaptive learning and outdoor learning into the curriculum, as well as new models of learning that excite and challenge our pupils.

We are therefore looking to appoint an outstanding individual to help continue the school’s journey of success. Applications are welcomed from those who have experience at deputy head level or higher. It is an exciting time to be joining us and we trust that the successful candidate will have many happy and rewarding years with us.

How to apply

Candidates potentially interested in applying are requested in the first instance to contact our recruitment adviser David Stephens on 07739 457000 for a confidential discussion about their interest in and suitability for this role.

Further information about the school and the role, and an application form can be downloaded from the school’s website at www.wgprep.co.uk

Completed application forms should be sent by email to v.hurst@wgprep.co.uk titled “Head” with your name, as well as a cover letter FAO the Chair of Governors, Gillian Haddon, expressing your motivations and suitability for the position.

Early applications are encouraged and the school reserves the right to make an appointment at any time.

Closing date for applications is 12pm, Friday 27 January 2023.

Selected long listed candidates will be called for first interviews at the school on Wednesday 8 or Thursday 9 February 2023.

Final stage, shortlisted interviews will be scheduled for Tuesday 28 February 2023.

Woodford Green Prep School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the School is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.