Acting Head of Pre-Prep (Maternity Cover) 

Our mission is to develop happy, confident and successful children who are well prepared for their future.

Westbrook Hay

Founded in 1892, Westbrook Hay is a thriving co-educational independent Prep school with 370 pupils from 3-13 years who enjoy a broad curriculum, achieve excellent results and have the all-important confidence to succeed. There is a strong ethos to be a welcoming, all-inclusive family community that provides the best for, and expects the best from everyone. The school has recently been rated ‘Excellent’ by ISI and has grown to near capacity, waiting lists are in operation in most year groups and extra classes have recently been added. Our Nursery is oversubscribed and feeds our Reception year group which, like Year One and Year Two, consists of two parallel classes.

Acting Head of Pre-Prep Vacancy (Maternity Cover) 

We are seeking a candidate who has the experience and confidence to organise the day to day running of the Pre-Prep at Westbrook Hay and to lead our enthusiastic and talented team.

Those applying should have the personal qualities for leadership and, under the guidance of the Head, will lead by example, commanding the respect of pupils, colleagues and parents.

Applicants will be expected to show that they have relevant educational leadership and management experience. There are no set criteria for this, potential is important, however, someone who has held a responsibility in a Prep School or is an outstanding teacher with leadership potential would be well placed. A good understanding of, and a commitment to the ethos of, an independent school will be important but it is not essential to have worked in an independent school in the past.

This role will carry a greatly reduced teaching responsibility that will be based on timetable demands and the strengths of the successful candidate. The Acting Head of Pre-Prep will not have their own class but will teach some lessons to Pre-Prep classes.

What can we offer you?

  • A fantastic team of staff to work with and be a part of
  • A school that is rated ‘Excellent’ by ISI with waiting lists in operation in many year groups
  • A post that is currently pensionable under the Teachers’ Pension Scheme
  • A 50% fee remission is offered for children of school staff
  • A commitment to continuing professional development
  • A beautiful rural local boasting 26 acres of parkland overlooking the Bourne Valley, located just off A41, between Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire
  • Small class sizes
  • Charming mix of purpose built facilities, including Performing Arts Centre and historic surroundings and Outdoor Learning Facilities
  • A commitment to providing teachers with excellent resources and a supportive, friendly environment
  • Free school lunches

Safeguarding
The safety and well-being of the children in School is paramount at all times. Staff are responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children for whom they are responsible, or with whom they come into contact. Staff will adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Child Protection Policy at all times. If in the course of carrying out their duties, a member of staff becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School, it is their responsibility to report any concerns to the school’s Designated Senior Lead for Child Protection or the Headmaster.


Online Searches
As part of the shortlisting process, the School will carry out an online search on shortlisted candidates as part of its due diligence. This may help to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and are publicly available online, that the School may want to explore with an applicant at interview. This forms part of the School’s wider safeguarding due diligence which aims to prevent and/or deter individuals who may be unsuitable to work with children from working in a school environment.


Equality and Diversity
Westbrook Hay is committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees and pupils. This means that employees are treated fairly, irrespective of sexual orientation, ethnic origin, religion, disability, age, gender, marital status or other reason. Staff are expected to always comply with the provisions set out in law and school policies on equality and diversity.


Application Process

The deadline for the receipt of applications is 18:00 on Friday 13th October. To apply for this position, please complete an application via the TES website. Further information or any enquiries can be requested from our Bursar and Clerk to Governors, Miss Kelly Freeman (kelly_freeman@westbrookhay.co.uk). Unfortunately, we are unable to offer pre-application tours of the school.

It is anticipated that interviews will be held on the week beginning Monday 16th October. Although the programme is yet to be confirmed it will include an interview, the teaching of a lesson and other tasks. Candidates will be offered a tour of the school and lunch, if the timing is appropriate. Overnight accommodation is available on request.

This appointment is for January 2024 and is a fixed term contract for three terms (Spring 2024, Summer 2024 and Autumn 2024), finishing at the end of term in December 2024. Early applications are encouraged and the school reserves the right to make an appointment before the closing date.

Information Pack 

Application Form

Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form