Assistant Head (Academic and Co-curricular) Candidate Information Pack

INTRODUCTION

The Woodlands Learning Centre at Hertford Prep is a nurturing, dynamic and enriching environment where children aged 5–11 are supported to thrive both academically and personally. As part of Hertford Prep’s vibrant school community— described as “a pocket sized school bulging with good things” with strong pastoral care and a commitment to outdoor education—Woodlands offers pupils a unique blend of tailored learning, nature‑based experiences, and holistic development.

Situated within the beautiful grounds of Hertingfordbury Park, including dedicated woodland used for outdoor learning, Hertford Prep provides an inspiring setting for both pupils and staff. The Woodlands Learning Centre is known for its nurturing ethos, supporting children as whole individuals and fostering confidence, creativity and curiosity through hands‑on learning in a supportive environment.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, compassionate and dedicated Assistant Head (Academic and Co‑curricular) to join this exceptional team—someone who believes in personalised learning, enjoys working in a child centred environment, and is committed to helping every child flourish.

Closing date for applications: 9.00am on Tuesday 12 May 2026
Interviews: Wednesday 20 May 2026

The School reserves the right to interview candidates ahead of the closing date and applications will be considered as they are received.

THE SCHOOL

A leading independent prep school and nursery, providing a nurturing and stimulating environment for girls and boys aged 3 to 11 years. Founded in 1898 and located on the edge of Hertford. The school sits within the beautiful grounds of Hertingfordbury Park, surrounded by fields and woodlands.

Utilising the school site for Forest School and Outdoor Learning, pupils benefit from this unique learning environment surrounded by nature, allowing teachers to bring learning to life through the adventure of education.

With a strong emphasis on academic excellence, the school also places great importance on the development of each child’s social, emotional and physical wellbeing. Happy children discover a love of independent learning, grow in confidence and are well prepared for secondary education.

The school has great success in gaining places for Year 6 pupils at their secondary school of choice with an excellent scholarship track record at prestigious independent secondary schools.

A part of the Mill Hill Education Group A charitable collection of independent schools. Our aim of instilling values and inspiring minds has been a key focus since the founding of Mill Hill School in 1807. All schools share an educational philosophy around developing thoughtful and responsible pupils with a global outlook. School life combines academic rigour with a breadth of opportunities to develop young people able to flourish in an ever-changing world

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Assistant Head will support the Head in providing strategic and professional leadership for the whole school as an integral member of the Senior Leadership Team. The role carries a significant academic remit. The post holder will contribute to the school’s vision, culture and future direction, with responsibility for safeguarding, academic and co-curricular provision. The Assistant Head will model ambitious leadership, ensuring that Hertford Prep continues to be a happy, safe and aspirational school where every pupil is known, valued and supported to flourish. They will be an inspirational practitioner, with a proven track record of excellence in academic rigour and act as DDSL.

In Line with the School’s Strategic Plan and Aims to:

Strategic and Academic Leadership

Under the direction of the Head, to lead, develop and maintain the highest academic standards across Hertford Prep by establishing and embedding clear academic policies, guiding staff and resources effectively, and rigorously monitoring pupil progress and attainment

To work in close partnership with the Head to provide professional leadership and management of teaching and learning throughout the School, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, inclusion and continuous improvement

To contribute strategically to the School Development Plan (SDP), ensuring priorities are clearly defined, implemented and rigorously evaluated

To ensure full compliance with all regulatory requirements, including Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) standards and to contribute to inspections readiness

To hold specific responsibility for the Hertford Prep curriculum, ensuring it is ambitious, engaging, well-sequenced and aligned with the EYFS, National Curriculum and 11+ preparation as appropriate

To lead and develop the Hertford Prep cocurriculum, ensuring a rich, balanced and inclusive programme that enhances pupils’ personal, social and academic development

To lead on specific whole-school projects as required, supporting the continued growth and success of Hertford Prep

Co-Curricular Leadership and Enrichment

To provide strategic oversight of a high-quality co-curricular programme, including clubs, enrichment activities, competitions, performances and special events

To provide strategic leadership of the after-school clubs programme, ensuring a varied offer that caters to pupils’ interests, talents and developmental needs, and supports pupil wellbeing and engagement

To oversee the planning, organisation and delivery of enrichment opportunities such as educational visits, workshops, visiting speakers and themed curriculum days

To lead on the organisation and educational value of residential trips and recital trips, ensuring they are safe, well-planned and managed, inclusive, enriching and aligned with the School’s educational aims and safeguarding procedures

To liaise effectively with staff, external providers and parents to ensure co-curricular activities are well communicated, well attended and of a consistently high standard and string engagement

Senior Leadership and Staff Collaboration

To be an active and visible member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), maintaining daily professional dialogue with the Head, Assistant Head (Pastoral) and staff to ensure effective communication and joined-up leadership

To liaise closely with Subject Heads, Head of EYFS and the SENDCo on academic and curriculum matters, providing guidance, ensuring coherence, progression and continuity across all key stages while reporting regularly to the Head

• To support Subject Heads in the creation, implementation and evaluation of annual Subject Development Plans

To support the recruitment, induction, appraisal and professional development of staff, including early Career Teachers (ECTs)

To support staff wellbeing and promote sustainable workload practices in the implementation of academic systems

Assessment, Monitoring and Reporting

To oversee the management, analysis and effective use of assessment and academic data, ensuring it informs teaching, learning and strategic decision-making

To conduct and analyse tracking meetings with staff, providing termly reports to the Head on standards of achievement and progress across all year groups (Nursery to Year 6)

To manage termly book scrutinies and learning walks, facilitating constructive feedback and professional dialogue during staff meetings

• To ensure consistent implementation of the School’s Marking, Assessment and Homework Policies

To oversee the report-writing process, ensuring reports are of the highest quality and distributed to parents in a timely manner

To ensure that systems used by the School provide clear visibility for parents and pupils of attainment and progress

Operational and Compliance Responsibilities

To support the creation, development and management of the School timetable

To co-ordinate, manage and supervise all 11+ examinations held within the School, including the ordering of all relevant assessment materials

To oversee individual assessments for prospective pupils in consultation with the Admissions and Marketing Co-ordinator

To take responsibility for the regular review and updating of relevant academic and curriculum policies

To contribute to the School’s inspection readiness, including the maintenance of documentation and evidence

To ensure effective communication with parents on academic matters

To deputise for the Head in their absence

Teaching and Learning Responsibilities

To demonstrate excellent subject knowledge and a strong understanding of effective pedagogy across key stages

To remain fully up to date with educational developments, teaching innovations and statutory requirements, including EYFS, the National

Curriculum and 11+ preparation

To develop professional links with other schools within the Mill Hill Education Group to share best practice and contribute to group-wide initiatives

To enter pupils for appropriate competitions, festivals and events that enhance their learning and confidence

To prepare for and attend parent consultation evenings and contribute to pupil reports as required

To make highly effective use of ICT to support, enhance and extend learning

To work closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to promote safeguarding and pupil wellbeing throughout the School

To undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the Head

Safeguarding and Pastoral Responsibility

To be fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

To support the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and, where appropriate, act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)

To promote a strong culture of safeguarding, wellbeing and pastoral care throughout the School

General

To undertake any other duties reasonably required by the Head in support of the leadership and development of the School

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Education and Qualifications

Good honours degree

Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

DSL safeguarding training (or willingness to undertake)

Knowledge and Experience

Proven excellence in classroom practice, underpinned by a secure understanding of child development and effective primary pedagogy across all key phases

• Demonstrable experience of inspirational and successful curriculum design, development, and innovation • Secure understanding of safeguarding procedures and statutory requirements

Strong working knowledge of the Primary National Curriculum across all key stages

Confident and effective use of ICT to enhance teaching, learning, assessment, and administrative processes

Successful experience of supporting, motivating, and working collaboratively within teams

Experience of curriculum leadership and management, with clear evidence of measurable impact

Experience of leading assessment practices within a school, including the use of data to drive improvement

Desirable Experience

Teaching experience across more than one key stage or phase

Experience of preparing pupils for 11+ or selective assessments

Experience of supporting recruitment processes

Experience of contributing to the leadership, management, and professional development of staff

Skills, Abilities and Personal Attributes

Ability to build positive, professional relationships with pupils, colleagues, parents, and external stakeholders

Confident use of a wide range of age appropriate teaching, learning, and assessment strategies, including competent digital skills

Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to plan, prioritise, and meet deadlines effectively

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt communication style for different audiences

Proven ability to manage challenging conversations sensitively and effectively, including successful conflict resolution

High level of personal literacy and professional presentation

Confidence and competence in public speaking and representing the school

Commitment to inclusive practice and high expectations for all pupils

HOW TO APPLY

KEY DATES

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 9.00AM ON TUESDAY 12 MAY 2026

INTERVIEWS: WEDNESDAY 20 MAY 2026

Please note that we are unable to accept applications unless they are made on our own application form. Due to the number of applications the School receives shortlisted candidates will be contacted to be invited for an interview.

The Mill Hill Education Group reserves the right to interview candidates ahead of the closing date and applications will be considered as they are received.

The Mill Hill Education Group is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children. As part of our Recruitment Checks, the appointed candidate will be subject to a Social Media and Enhanced DBS Check. The schools apply for an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for all positions at the schools which amount to regulated activity. The role you are applying for meets the legal definition of regulated activity with children.

If you are successful in your application you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form. Employment with the schools is conditional upon the schools being satisfied with the result of the Enhanced DBS Disclosure. Any criminal records information that is disclosed to the schools will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or code of practice published by the DBS. It is an offence for person barred from working with children to apply for this post.

The Mill Hill Education Group is committed to Equal Opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Successful applicants will also be expected to keep up to date with annual safeguarding training, DfE guidance and School specific safeguarding information.

If this new opportunity sparks your enthusiasm and you wish to be part of our wonderful team, please click the button here to complete your Application Form.

APPLY

Hertford Prep
St Mary’s Lane Hertingfordbury Herts SG14 2LX
+44 (0)1992 513810
admissions@hertfordprep.org.uk

hertfordprep.org.uk

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A part of Mill Hill Education Group, the brand name for The Mill Hill School

Foundation: a company limited by guarantee

Registered in England: No 3404450 Registered office: Walker House,

The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London NW7 1AQ

Registered Charity No 1064758