Head of Reception

Inspired Education Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Wetherby School in London (Notting Hill) seeks a Head of Reception to lead four Reception classes for boys aged 4 to 8. The school is oversubscribed and aims for exceptional education and tradition through a forward-thinking curriculum.

The ideal candidate will join from January 2027, bringing EYFS knowledge, strong leadership, and excellent communication to drive standards, safeguarding, and engagement with parents and feeder schools.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the Reception and EYFS curriculum.
• Previous management experience in an educational setting.
• Excellent and innovative classroom practitioner.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with IT proficiency.
• Ability to plan, monitor, evaluate, audit and review.
• Capacity to lead change successfully.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation, implementation and review of Reception policies and procedures.
• Ensure consistency in teaching, learning and assessment across all four Reception classes.
• Monitor assessment processes (e.g. BASE and phonics), identify actions to raise standards and evaluate impact.
• Model excellent Reception practice and support staff through INSET and professional development.
• Develop new Reception strategies and write/implement the Reception development plan.
• Complete and review end-of-year APAR documentation with relevant stakeholders.
• Communicate Reception staffing, parental and other key issues to the Senior Management Team.
• Manage Reception indoor and outdoor environments, including resources, displays, books and equipment.
• Oversee ICT developments, website updates, Forest School and Reception trips, including EVOLVE risk assessments.
• Coordinate Reception events, social groups, pastoral assemblies and ensure consistent pastoral care.
• Maintain strong communication with parents and establish links with feeder nurseries/schools, including nursery visits for new joiners.
• Lead on safeguarding, health and safety, risk assessments and pastoral matters, including the role of Reception Safeguarding Lead and Wetherby School DDSL.

Skills

Curriculum knowledge

Leadership experience

Classroom practitioner

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Planning and evaluation

Meeting deadlines

Initiative

Change management

IT proficiency

Tools

IT skills

Job description

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Head of Reception

Location: London, GB

Date: 18 Sept 2026

Application closing date: Applications reviewed on a rolling basis

Inspired Education is the leading global group of premium schools, with a portfolio of 125 premium private schools spanning 6 continents which utilise proven educational practices from every corner of the globe, ensuring over 95,000 students receive a world-class learning experience from Kindergarten to Year 13.

In 28 countries, Inspired schools are individually developed and anchored in the vibrant cultures of their respective locations. They collectively form an international family of schools that nurtures each student's academic and personal development in a progressive, dynamic, and innovative learning environment.

By joining our award-winning team of over 14,000 employees, you can work in state-of-the-art facilities alongside industry-renowned educators and leaders in some of the world's most desirable locations. We invest heavily in our team members who enjoy industry-leading professional development, exceptional career opportunities, and mobility across our group.

ROLE SUMMARY:

Wetherby School is a thriving and highly successful non-selective, independent school in Notting Hill for boys aged 4 to 8. The school is heavily oversubscribed and extremely successful in securing pupils’ entry into the preparatory school of their choice.

Wetherby provides an environment that promotes educational excellence and tradition through a forward-thinking, holistic curriculum, which meets the needs of individual pupils. With our individualised learning strategies, each boy learns to challenge himself, pursue high standards, and seek accomplishment in all he does so that his talents shine through.

Wetherby School are now looking for a Head of Reception to join them from January 2027.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the preparation, implementation and review of Reception policies and procedures.
• Ensure consistency in teaching, learning and assessment across all four Reception classes.
• Monitor assessment processes (e.g. BASE and phonics), identify actions to raise standards and evaluate impact.
• Model excellent Reception practice and support staff through INSET and professional development.
• Develop new Reception strategies and write/implement the Reception development plan.
• Complete and review end-of-year APAR documentation with relevant stakeholders.
• Communicate Reception staffing, parental and other key issues to the Senior Management Team.
• Manage Reception indoor and outdoor environments, including resources, displays, books and equipment.
• Oversee ICT developments, website updates, Forest School and Reception trips, including EVOLVE risk assessments.
• Coordinate Reception events, social groups, pastoral assemblies and ensure consistent pastoral care.
• Maintain strong communication with parents and establish links with feeder nurseries/schools, including nursery visits for new joiners.
• Lead on safeguarding, health and safety, risk assessments and pastoral matters, including the role of Reception Safeguarding Lead and Wetherby School DDSL.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

• Have knowledge of the Reception and EYFS curriculum
• Have previous management experience either as a middle manager or senior leader
• Be an excellent and innovative classroom practitioner
• Have energy and commitment for the post and the ability to work in harmony with colleagues
• Have outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with a high level of IT skill
• Have excellent interpersonal, communication and organisational skills
• Be able to plan, monitor, evaluate, audit and review proactively
• Be able to work and meet deadlines
• Have high levels of initiative and lots of energy
• Be able to manage and lead change successfully

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT:

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.