The School is looking to appoint a Head of the Prep Department to join our successful academic team.
Tring Park is one of the country’s leading vocational and academic schools, situated in glorious Hertfordshire countryside, under an hour from London. The School has 350 boarding and day pupils, aged 7 to 19.
Tring Park offers a wide range of benefits including a pension scheme, cycle to work scheme, free school lunches during term time, an employee assistance programme, free onsite parking and enhanced maternity and paternity schemes.
About the role
The role combines departmental leadership with teaching responsibilities and requires a dynamic, forward-thinking educational leader committed to achieving the highest standards of academic and personal development. Significant experience in a prep/primary setting is essential. The role is not suitable for ECTs.
The contract is 1 FTE, Monday to Friday from 8:30am – 4:30pm. Salary £35,866 to £44,785 + an allowance of £2,866 per annum. Interviews will take place W/C 16 March 2026, however we will be shortlisting on an ongoing basis and may interview/appoint before the closing date, so encourage early applications.
Main Duties
Strategic Leadership & Department Management
- Provide clear strategic direction for the Prep Department, ensuring alignment with whole-school priorities.
- Lead curriculum planning, implementation and review across Years 3–6.
- Monitor and evaluate pupil progress, attainment and wellbeing, implementing timely and effective interventions where required.
- Use assessment data to inform departmental improvement planning and drive measurable outcomes.
- Support and develop colleagues through subject expertise, coaching and professional guidance.
- Manage the Prep Department budget effectively to ensure optimal resource allocation.
- Ensure the department is inspection-ready, preparing all required documentation and evidence.
- Oversee induction arrangements for new pupils.
- Work closely with the Head of Lower School to ensure smooth transition at key entry and exit points.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of educational developments and ensure compliance with school policies and procedures.
- Undertake additional duties as reasonably requested by the Academic Director, Deputy Principal or Principal.
Teaching & Learning
- Deliver high-quality, engaging and appropriately differentiated teaching across the Prep age range (Years 3–6), including mixed-age and mixed-ability classes.
- Plan, assess, monitor and evaluate pupil learning to ensure strong academic progress.
- Deliver a broad, balanced and enriching curriculum.
- Create an inspiring and stimulating classroom environment that promotes independence and curiosity.
- Identify underperformance promptly and coordinate targeted support in collaboration with subject teachers, Learning Support and pastoral staff.
- Contribute to and implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
- Manage and deploy support staff effectively within lessons.
- Organise and lead educational trips and enrichment activities.
- Coordinate distance learning provision for pupils engaged in professional performance work, ensuring continuity of learning through effective communication and use of digital platforms.
- Attend staff meetings, professional development sessions and relevant training to maintain professional excellence.
Pastoral Care & Wellbeing
- Foster a culture in which every pupil is known, valued and supported to thrive both academically and personally.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for parents regarding pupils’ academic progress and overall experience.
- Communicate effectively with parents through meetings, consultations and regular correspondence.
- Maintain accurate and accessible records of pupil progress and wellbeing.
- Oversee day-to-day discipline within the Prep Department, including attendance, punctuality and uniform standards, escalating serious matters appropriately.
- Promote and model the school’s values, cultivating a culture of high expectations, kindness, inclusivity and mutual respect.
- Undertake break and lunchtime supervision duties as required.
- Act as a visible and positive role model for pupils and staff.
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of safeguarding responsibilities.
- Implement school safeguarding policies rigorously.
Person Specification
Essential
Qualifications
- Degree-level education.
- Recognised teaching qualification (QTS or equivalent).
Experience
- Proven teaching experience, ideally within an independent or performing arts context.
- Significant experience in a prep/primary setting.
- Experience of curriculum leadership and monitoring pupil progress.
- Demonstrated success in raising standards and improving outcomes.
Skills & Attributes
- Strong strategic leadership and organisational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to build positive relationships with pupils, parents and colleagues.
- Commitment to high standards of teaching, learning and pastoral care.
- Enthusiastic, resilient and solution-focused.
Additional Information
Tring Park School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. It is an offence to apply for a role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity with children. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a self-declaration form relating to any criminal record or information that would make them unsuitable to work with children.
Tring Park School aims to create an inclusive culture that encourages and values diversity within its workforce, building on the differences individuals bring, enabling the School’s ongoing success. We seek to embrace diversity drawing on a wide range of views and experiences to provide equality, fairness and respect for all in our employment whilst observing our commitment and responsibility to current legislation.
Please note: for information on how we will use your personal information during the recruitment process, please see the Staff Privacy Notice on the School website.
Apply
Step 1. Complete Application Form
Step 2. Apply via email
If you would like to apply for this role, please email us the Application Form along with a cover letter.
Tring Park School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and the successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check. It is an offence to apply for a role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity with children. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a self-declaration form relating to any criminal record or information that would make them unsuitable to work with children.
Tring Park School aims to create an inclusive culture that encourages and values diversity within its workforce, building on the differences individuals bring, enabling the School’s ongoing success.
We seek to embrace diversity drawing on a wide range of views and experiences to provide equality, fairness and respect for all in our employment whilst observing our commitment and responsibility to current legislation.
For information on how we will use your personal information during the recruitment process, please see the Recruitment Privacy Notice.