Interim Head of Prep

All Together Education Recruitment; Markyate; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

All Together Education Recruitment is seeking an experienced Interim Head of Prep for an independent girls school near St Albans. The role starts ASAP, is temporary until Christmas 2026 with potential extension, and requires strong EYFS knowledge and leadership.

The successful candidate will provide confident day-to-day leadership and must have strong knowledge of the EYFS framework, safeguarding, and staff-management and parent-communication skills.

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status.
• Leadership experience in EYFS/early years or primary.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS statutory framework.
• Excellent safeguarding knowledge.
• Staff-management and parent-communication skills.
• Ability to start immediately and lead from day one.

Responsibilities

• Lead the daily operation of the Prep provision.
• Ensure effective EYFS framework implementation.
• Maintain high standards of teaching, learning and pastoral care.
• Support, manage and develop teaching and support staff.
• Oversee safeguarding, pupil welfare and regulatory compliance.
• Communicate effectively with parents, staff and senior leaders.
• Maintain stability and continuity during the temporary appointment.

Skills

Staff management

Communication with parents

Leadership

Education

Qualified Teacher Status

Experience in EYFS/primary leadership

Job description

Interim Head of Prep Immediate Start

Location: St Albans, Hertfordshire
Contract: Temporary until Christmas 2026, with the possibility of extension
Start date: ASAP
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

An independent girls school near St Albans is seeking an experienced Interim Head of Prep to start as soon as possible.

The successful candidate will provide confident day-to-day leadership and must have strong knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework.

Key responsibilities:

• Leading the daily operation of the Prep provision
• Ensuring effective implementation of the EYFS framework
• Maintaining high standards of teaching, learning and pastoral care
• Supporting, managing and developing teaching and support staff
• Overseeing safeguarding, pupil welfare and regulatory compliance
• Communicating effectively with parents, staff and senior leaders
• Maintaining stability and continuity throughout the temporary appointment

The successful candidate should have:

• Qualified Teacher Status
• Previous leadership experience within an Early Years, pre-prep or primary setting
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS statutory framework
• Excellent safeguarding knowledge
• Confident staff-management and parent-communication skills
• The ability to start immediately and lead effectively from the outset

Independent-school experience and Designated Safeguarding Lead training would be advantageous.

This position is initially available until Christmas 2026, although it could continue for longer.

The school s identity will be disclosed to shortlisted applicants. Applicants will be subject to safeguarding checks, references and an enhanced DBS check.