An independent day school for girls aged 4-18

Recruitment Pack

Head of Pre-Prep and Prep

The School
Pipers Corner is a Girls’ School Association Independent School for girls aged 4-18. Set in 96 acres of
beautiful Chiltern countryside, the school is four miles north of High Wycombe and two miles from Great
Missenden. In its most recent ISI inspection (March 2023) the school was graded as “excellent” in all
categories.

Founded in 1930, the school was established on its current site in 1945. The school now comprises of
approximately 600 students and employs more than 170 staff. There are currently around 25 students in
Pre-Prep (Reception  - Year 2) and 90 in Prep (Years 3  - 6). Demand for a place at Pipers has increased in
recent years, and we remain full.

Our site has incredible facilities to inspire the next generation, we have a 280 seat theatre, fully equipped
for our student technical team, with plenty of performances for our aspiring performers. Our Pipers Radio
studio broadcasts live every lunchtime.

Sporting facilities include the swimming pool, fitness suite, astro pitch and gymnasium. Forest school is
conducted in our on-site woodland, and to encourage environmental awareness we have two outdoor eco-
classrooms with wind turbines and water butts. Students of all ages benefit from outdoor lessons in our
wildflower meadow.

Welcome from the Head
At Pipers, there is no such thing as a typical ‘Pipers’ girl. All members of staff support the students to fulfil
their academic and personal potential, enabling them to emerge as mature, confident and independent
young adults. Investment in talented and inspirational teaching staff and professional support staff is at the
heart of our success, and our recent academic results and overall performance bear testament to this.

Every member of the Pipers community, both academic and support staff, play a vital role in maintaining
the excellent standard of education we provide. Underpinning everything that we do is a team of
enthusiastic and determined staff, with a willingness to think outside of the box.

Personal development is always encouraged and supported, and well-being is at the forefront for staff as
much as students.

I am incredibly proud of the Pipers community and it is a privilege to work alongside such talented staff and
positive students.

Mrs Helen Ness-Gifford

Why work at Pipers?
We have a strong community and pride ourselves on being a warm and supportive workplace. Visitors to
the school often comment on the positive atmosphere. Benefits for teaching and support staff include:

•  Competitive salaries and excellent pension schemes
•  Annual professional review and commitment to CPD for all
•  On-site car parking and the possibility of on-site single accommodation
•  Free lunch provided in term time, with numerous hot and cold options
•  Staffroom with free tea, coffee and fruit
•  Use of the fitness suite and swimming pool
•  Staff clubs such as yoga, running, football and choir
•  Cycle to work scheme
•  Access to a counselling service

The school is less than an hour from Central London and has excellent rail links and motorway connections.
It is four miles north from High Wycombe, which has a large shopping centre, two multiplex cinemas, a
sports centre and several out of town shopping areas.

Testimonials
“The students at Pipers Corner understand the importance of their own, and each other’s development,
making the classroom culture supportive and nurturing. But what makes Pipers special to work in is that
they appreciate this environment, as well as the staff, allowing them to grow as individuals and make
progress.”

“Since joining Pipers I have been impressed by the strong sense of community between colleagues and
the amount of trust and support shown by the parents.”

“Pipers Corner School is a great place to work. It has encouraged me to push myself to be the best
teacher I can be, allowing me to experiment with my teaching style and get to know pupils in a fun and
engaging way. The School has excellent facilities and is focused on helping students reach their highest
potential.”

“Pipers has a warm working environment, with friendly staff who will do all they can to support your
development and positive spirit.”

“I enjoy working at Pipers because of the great relationship between staff and students. Lessons have a
fun but productive atmosphere and classes of all ages are keen to learn.”

Job Advert

Head of Pre-Prep and Prep

Full time
To start September 2026
Salary | Competitive, dependent on experience

We are looking for an inspirational and forward-thinking Head of Pre-Prep and Prep to join our Senior
Leadership Team. This role is pivotal in terms of ensuring that our youngest students are able to thrive
academically, socially and emotionally.

An application form and job description can be obtained from the Human Resources Department, email
hr@piperscorner.co.uk, or downloaded from our website www.piperscorner.co.uk.

Completed application forms and a covering letter should be addressed to the Headmistress and returned
to the Human Resources Department via the email address above.

Closing date | Friday 14 November 2025
Interview date | TBC

Suitable candidates may be interviewed before the closing date and Pipers Corner School reserves the
right to withdraw the position if an early appointment is made.

Pipers Corner School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to
an Enhanced DBS check.

Registered Charity No. 310635

Recruitment Pack | Head of Pre-Prep and PrepJob Title

Salary

Working hours

Head of Pre-Prep and Prep

Line managing (direct)

Prep Department Deputy Heads (Academic and
Pastoral) and the Deputy Head of Pre-Prep, plus
oversight of all staff working within Pre-Prep and
Prep.

Job Purpose

Full time

Competitive,
dependent on
experience

Reporting to

Headmistress

The Head of Pre-Prep and Prep plays a pivotal role in shaping the experience of our youngest students
at Pipers Corner School. Working in close partnership with the Headmistress and as a key member of
the Senior Leadership Team, they will provide inspiring and forward-thinking leadership across all areas
of the Pre-Prep and Prep curriculum.

Their purpose is to ensure that every student thrives academically, socially and emotionally in line with
the ethos and values of the School, laying strong foundations for lifelong learning and confidence.
This role is about more than management: it is about creating an environment where students feel
valued, staff feel empowered and families feel engaged in a vibrant and innovative community.

There are currently around 25 students in Pre-Prep and 90 in Prep.

Recruitment Pack | Head of Pre-Prep and PrepSpecific Responsibilities

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1. Vision, Strategy and School Development

•  Provide dynamic and positive leadership that inspires students and staff to achieve

their best

•  Shape the strategic direction of the Pre-Prep and Prep, ensuring alignment with the

whole School development plan

•  Champion innovation in teaching, learning and pastoral care, drawing on best

practice and research, to maintain the school’s reputation for excellence

•  Foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion and aspiration across the Department

2. Teaching and Learning

•  Ensure an engaging, ambitious and coherent curriculum from EYFS to Year 6
•  Model and promote outstanding classroom practice, rooted in high expectations

and professional curiosity

•  Support staff in developing teaching methods that stretch, inspire and support

every learner

•  Oversee assessment, recording and reporting arrangements that support progress

and wellbeing

3. Pastoral Care and Safeguarding

•  Uphold the highest standards of pastoral care, safeguarding and student wellbeing,

embedding a culture of respect, kindness and responsibility

•  Work closely with colleagues to support smooth transitions into and beyond Pre-

Prep and Prep

•  Promote student voice and ensure that children feel safe, listened to and valued
•  Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young persons for whom you

are responsible and with whom you come into contact

4. Leadership and Staff Development

•  Build and nurture a high-performing, motivated and professional team
•  Lead by example with integrity, vision and presence
•  Provide clarity of expectations while encouraging initiative and creativity
•  Invest in the growth of colleagues through coaching, mentoring and professional

development opportunities

5. Partnerships, Community and External Profile

•  Act as a visible ambassador for the Pre-Prep and Prep departments within the

School and beyond

•  Develop strong and positive partnerships with parents and families, ensuring clear

communication and shared commitment to each child’s journey

•  Build meaningful links with local nurseries, schools and community organisations

to strengthen the Department’s reputation and outreach

•  Support admissions by engaging warmly with prospective families and presenting

the ethos of the School with conviction and pride

Recruitment Pack | Head of Pre-Prep and Prep

6. Co-curricular and Enrichment

•  Ensure that every student has access to a rich, varied and inspiring programme of

extra-curricular activities

•  Promote creativity, leadership and service through opportunities beyond the

classroom

7. Resources, Organisation and Compliance

•  Oversee effective use of budgets, timetables, staffing and resources to support

high quality provision

•  Ensure that all practices meet the highest standards of compliance, health and

safety and inspection readiness

•  Champion the vision, values and aims of the School in all aspects of their work
•  Model high standards of professionalism, conduct and commitment to the school

community

•  Promote equality, diversity and inclusion for students and staff alike
•  Contribute to the wider leadership of the School, supporting colleagues across all

departments

Review and Development

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This job description is intended to be enabling and aspirational, reflecting the values
of Pipers Corner School. It will be subject to regular review to ensure it continues to
capture the vision and strategic direction of the School.

October 2025

This job description will be reviewed annually and may be subject to amendment or modification at
any time after consultation with the post holder. It is not a comprehensive statement of procedures
and tasks but sets out the main expectations of the School in relation to the post holder’s professional
responsibilities and duties

Recruitment Pack | Head of Pre-Prep and Prep