Interim Head of Prep

All Together Education Recruitment; St Albans; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

All Together Education Recruitment is partnering with an independent girls' school near St Albans to appoint an Interim Head of Prep. The role starts ASAP and runs initially until Christmas 2026, with potential extension, reporting to senior leaders and overseeing the prep provision.

The successful candidate will hold Qualified Teacher Status, have prior leadership in early years or primary, strong EYFS knowledge, safeguarding expertise, and capable staff management and parent communication.

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is essential.
• Experience leading in Early Years, pre-prep or primary settings.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS statutory framework.
• Excellent safeguarding knowledge.
• Confident staff management and communication with parents.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Staff management

Parent communication

EYFS knowledge

Safeguarding

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

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.

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.