Head of Junior School

St Margaret's School; Watford; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

St Margaret’s School in Bushey, near Watford, seeks an outstanding Head of Junior School to lead the primary section for children aged 2–11. You will shape the educational vision, ensure high standards of teaching, safeguarding and pupil well-being, and work closely with the Head, staff and Governors.

The role offers an exciting chance to influence the school's future within a thriving all-through environment, balancing tradition with innovative practice and strong parental partnerships.

Qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience in a junior/primary or preparatory setting.
• Strong understanding of teaching and learning in the primary years.
• Commitment to safeguarding and educational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Junior School and contribute to the wider life of St Margaret's.
• Shape the school's educational vision and strategic direction.
• Work in genuine partnership with the Head, colleagues, parents and Governors to shape the School's future.

Job description

# Head of Junior SchoolEmployer: St Margaret's School, BusheyLocation: Watford, HertfordshireContract Type: PermanentHours: Full TimeSalary: TBCPosted: 7th September 2026Expires: 4th October 2026 10:00 AMStart Date: To Be ConfirmedJob ID: 1571390Job Reference: HJS01* Share :* PrintThe Governors of St Margaret’s School, Bushey seek to appoint an outstanding Head of Junior School.St Margaret’s is a thriving independent co-educational school in Bushey, Hertfordshire, educating children from age 2 to 18. Proud of its heritage whilst firmly focused on the future, St Margaret’s offers a distinctive all-through educational journey that combines academic ambition with creativity, curiosity and character. Children are known as individuals, relationships sit at the heart of school life, and every pupil is encouraged to flourish and define their own path.This appointment comes at an exciting moment in the School’s history. With a new Head taking up post in August, St Margaret’s is entering an ambitious new chapter. The Head of Junior School will be a key partner in shaping the School’s educational vision and strategic direction, with the opportunity to influence the future of both the Junior School and St Margaret’s as a whole.The Junior School sits at the heart of the St Margaret’s experience. Combining the warmth and individual attention of a close-knit community with the facilities, opportunities and specialist teaching often associated with larger schools, it provides an exceptional foundation for children’s future success. The successful candidate will build on these strong foundations, while bringing the ambition, imagination and educational leadership to take the Junior School forward.The Governors are seeking an outstanding educational leader who is ambitious for children and generous with people, with significant senior leadership experience within a junior, primary or preparatory setting. They will be a visible, approachable and inspiring presence, with a strong understanding of teaching and learning in the primary years, a commitment to educational excellence and safeguarding, and the warmth, integrity and judgement to lead a thriving Junior School. Equally important will be their ability to contribute strategically to the wider life of St Margaret’s, working in genuine partnership with the Head, colleagues, parents and Governors to shape the School’s future.**The closing date for applications is Monday 5 October 2026 at 10.00am UK time.**We encourage candidates to apply well in advance of the closing date. The role requires strong organisational skills, effective planning and the ability to prioritise competing demands. Submitting your application early is one way to demonstrate these qualities and ensure sufficient time to present your experience effectively.**Applications should be made electronically to RSAcademics. To submit your application, please upload your documents according to the instructions provided on the RSAcademics website.**You should submit the following (both in PDF format):· A completed application form.· A covering letter addressed to Mr Ben Turner, Head, explaining your reasons for applying and your suitability for the role.St Margaret’s 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 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.