Deputy Head – Woodford Green Preparatory School

St Paul's Girls' School; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in the UK is seeking to appoint a Deputy Head who excels in strategic leadership and teaching excellence. The role involves supporting the Head of School in implementing a clear development plan while ensuring high standards in teaching and learning. The ideal candidate will have significant educational leadership experience and a commitment to safeguarding and child welfare.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Private medical insurance

Fee remission for children

Qualifications

• Proven experience in an educational leadership role.
• Ability to inspire and motivate staff and students.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and child welfare.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of the School Development Plan.
• Support the Head of School in strategic leadership.
• Ensure high standards of teaching and learning.

Skills

Leadership

Curriculum development

Exceptional communication

Strategic planning

Education

Qualified teacher status

Master's degree in education or relevant field

Job description

Woodford Green Preparatory School is seeking to appoint an outstanding educational leader who shares the belief that excellence in teaching transforms lives.

Woodford Green is a highly successful, 3-11 co-educational day school with around 370 pupils. Known locally as ‘The Red School’ because of its distinctive scarlet uniform, it was founded in 1932 to provide a non-denominational Christian education for both boys and girls, a tradition that has been maintained throughout its history. The school celebrates being a diverse community attracting pupils of all faiths and none. At the heart of this community lies a shared belief that every child should be known, nurtured and inspired to achieve their very best. This is a school where pupils, staff and families form a close-knit community, united by their core values of Nurture, Curiosity, Creativity and Excellence.

The new Deputy Head will be excited by the opportunity to become a part of this remarkable, forward‑thinking school with its proud history and an ambitious, exciting future. The Governors and Head will be looking for an educationalist who can be both strategist and coach, someone who can inspire others, model exceptional practice and lead with courage, creativity and care. They will be flexible and positive, with the ability to approach their busy and responsible role with sensitivity, kindness and a sense of humour.

This role will also be pivotal in shaping the next chapter of the school – ensuring that the teaching and learning remain both rigorous and responsive to the world the pupils are growing into. The successful candidate will support the Head in implementing the School Development Plan (2024–2029) which sets out a clear and exciting vision across eight strategic areas, from Excellence in Learning and Inclusion & Wellbeing to Digital & AI Innovation and Site Development.

Woodford Green’s strong reputation and exceptional pastoral care means that demand for places remains high. The academic outcomes speak for themselves. Each year, the pupils achieve outstanding 11+ results, securing a wealth of places and scholarships at leading independent and grammar schools. Yet success is measured not only in outcomes but in the confidence, compassion and curiosity the pupils show along the way.

Located on the border of north‑east London and Essex, the school has easy access to Epping Forest and the wider countryside, as well as being only a 5‑minute walk from the nearest London Underground station.

A competitive remuneration package is available with a salary commensurate with the seniority of the post and the experience of the successful candidate. Private medical insurance and fee remission for the successful candidate’s children is offered (subject to suitable places being available in the school).

Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics in the first instance to arrange a confidential discussion with:

The closing date for applications is Monday 5 January 2026 at 12.00pm.

Applications should be made electronically to RSAcademics. To submit your application, please click on “Apply Now” and upload your documents according to the instructions provided.

You should submit the following (both in PDF format):

• A completed Application Form.
• A covering letter addressed to Ms Jenny Maslen, Head of School. The letter should be a maximum of two pages and should explain your reasons for applying and outline your suitability for the role.

If you have any questions about uploading your application documents, please contact Laura Cave, Project Coordinator, at [e-mail]. Laura can also be reached by calling our Head Office on [phone].

N.B. Safer recruitment checks will be made at all stages in the recruitment process.

• Woodford Green Preparatory School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service.
• This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
• The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure.
• RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.

The deadline for receipt of the application is 12.00pm on Monday 5 January 2026.

Preliminary Interviews will take place with RSAcademics in the week commencing 5 January 2026.

Long List interviews with the Governors’ selection panel will take place at the school on Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 January 2026.

Short List interviews with the full Governing Body will take place at the school on Monday 19 January to Friday 23 January 2025.