Head of Section (Years 5-6) Application Pack for the Role ofSeptember 2026 Start DateCHEAM | Head of Section (Years 5-6)Role OverviewCheam School is seeking a candidate to lead the Years 5-6 Section of the school for September2026. This is a full time post and a new position, one that is an important part of the school's long-term strategy. The role is broadly pastoral and the Head of Section will represent Years 5-6 in theweekly Senior Management Team (SMT) meetings, the organisational structure that sits under theschool’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT). Applicants are likely to have had extensive pastoralexperience with pupils in Years 5-6. Each Section has up to four Forms per Year Group, led byForm Tutors, each Form has up to 18 boys and girls. The Head of Section will not be a Form Tutor.The successful candidate will have the personal qualities for leadership and, under the directionof the Deputy Head Pastoral & Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and SLT, will lead by example,commanding the respect of pupils, colleagues and parents. It is anticipated that the successfulcandidate will possibly be seeking Deputy Headship in the future and will join a school wherestaff development is important and ambition is encouraged.Applicants will be expected to show that they have relevant educational leadership andmanagement experience. There are no set criteria for this and potential is important. However,someone who has held a middle management role in a school would be well placed. Mostimportant perhaps is the ability to work, not just as a leader, but also as a team member. The SMTis constructed with members who are all experts in their own area but each is expected tocontribute ideas and solve problems, as well as challenge and support each other.About Cheam SchoolCheam was founded in 1645 and is one of the oldest prep schools in the world. Cheam is an IAPSboarding and day school with boys and girls from age 3-13 years. Cheam prides itself on itsexcellent all-round record academically, musically, artistically and on the sports field and isespecially highly regarded for its Character education. The facilities are outstanding. Oncompleting their education at Cheam, children move on to the top Public Schools in England,including but not limited to: Bradfield, Downe House, Eton, Marlborough, Radley, Sherborne,Wellington and Winchester. The school is non-selective yet achieves consistently high standardsacademically, through an inspirational and dedicated team of teachers. Cheam School is situated in a stunning rural location ten minutes from Newbury and fifteenminutes from Basingstoke, just off the A339. It is surrounded by smaller towns and villages fromwhich it draws many of its pupils. www.cheamschool.co.ukCheam School, Headley, Berkshire, RG19 8LD CHEAM | Head of Section (Years 5-6)Role SpecificationKey duties:Leading the Years 5-6 Section, including Form Tutors and pupilsResponsibility for the pastoral care of the pupils in Years 5-6 and to act as a Deputy DSLRepresenting the Years 5-6 Section in the weekly SMT, Designated Safeguarding Team(training can be provided) and Pastoral Committee meetingsThere is no specific subject specialism required from the applicants, finding the right personis the priority, however, an ability to teach one or more of the following subjects might be anadvantage: Computing, French and SportTeachers at Cheam are expected to:Teach subjects, specialising if necessary, as required to a class of pupils, and ensure thatplanning, preparation, recording, assessment and reporting meet their varying academic andpastoral needsAdminister both formative and summative assessments and monitor the progress of pupilsEnsure individual reports are written for each child in accordance with reporting guidelinesand ensuring relevant deadlines are metContribute to exciting and imaginative schemes of work to ensure that pupils areappropriately challenged, make strong progress and are inspired by their lessonsReport pastoral concerns and follow the school’s Behaviour Management PolicyLiaise with the Heads of Departments over standards expected and achieved in lessonsAttend Departmental Meetings when required and help to develop subject specificdocumentation when required by the Heads of DepartmentsProvide teaching cover as required throughout the schoolComplete appropriate levels of Continuing Professional DevelopmentFulfil duties and take part in the co-curricular programme as per a full-time member of staffSupport any trips including any residential visits as appropriateUndertake any reasonable additional task in respect of the needs of the school at the requestof the Headwww.cheamschool.co.ukCheam School, Headley, Berkshire, RG19 8LD CHEAM | Head of Section (Years 5-6)Candidate SpecificationCharacteristics:Being a flexible teacher with a good team ethic, prepared to be involved with the manyopportunities available to the pupilsBeing up to date on teaching practices and approachesRespecting that all staff share the responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare ofchildren and must adhere to, and comply with, the school’s Child Protection & SafeguardingPolicyPromoting their subjects throughout the school in the organisation of suitable trips andexcursions and through other initiativesUpholding Cheam School’s values and ethosWilling to be fully involved in the life of a busy prep schoolSkills:Coaching a variety of sports to different age groups (if applicable)Being creative and innovative across our broad curriculumCommunicating effectively with parents, pupils and colleaguesMaintaining high levels of organisation and motivationDemonstrating proficient use of technologyQualifications:University degree or equivalent from a recognised educational institutionTeaching qualification and QTSCharacter Education at CheamAt Cheam, we believe education goes beyond academic success. Central to our approach isCharacter Education, which nurtures well‑rounded, compassionate, and robust young people. Weaim to develop values such as respect, responsibility, reflectiveness, resilience, andresourcefulness, empowering pupils to become confident, capable, and kind individuals who areready to contribute positively to society. Character development is embedded throughout school life – in the classroom, boarding, andco‑curricular activities. Supported by the Cheam community, pupils are encouraged to embracechallenges, learn from setbacks, and grow into thoughtful, responsible citizens..www.cheamschool.co.ukCheam School, Headley, Berkshire, RG19 8LDwww.cheamschool.co.ukCheam School, Headley, Berkshire, RG19 8LDCHEAM | Head of Section (Years 5-6)Hours and SalaryThe salary will be competitive, according to experience and qualifications. Cheam operates fromMonday to Saturday and our teachers work across all six days with one day being a half day. Holidays, Days Off and BenefitsSchool holidays are usually three weeks at Christmas, three weeks at Easter, eight weeks in thesummer, one week for February and May half terms and two weeks for October half term. Thereare regular staff meetings and INSET days before the start of each term and all staff are expectedto attend these.Benefits include:Generous pension scheme Professional development and a variety of training opportunitiesSchool lunches, snacks and refreshments provided during term timeUse of the school gym and Cheam’s facilitiesWellbeing focus with access to physio, counsellors, and regular team socialsFree onsite parkingAccommodation may be available on site for the right candidatewww.cheamschool.co.ukCheam School, Headley, Berkshire, RG19 8LDCHEAM | Head of Section (Years 5-6)Working at CheamOur staff are Cheam’s greatest asset. From the inspiring and experienced teachers to the efficientand friendly support teams, everyone contributes to the special environment at Cheam. It is theperfect place for staff to thrive and grow.Click on the logos below to read our wonderful reviews and listings“Having worked in a number of schools, when I found Cheam, itfelt the most like home. The team, the amazing site and thepositive, can-do attitudes are what makes it a great place to workand live.”“It’s a privilege to work in such a beautiful setting, with abrilliant group of colleagues who make coming to workworthwhile.”“The feeling of camaraderie amongst the staff and being partof the Cheam team. It’s a very special community.” CHEAM | Head of Section (Years 5-6)How to Apply To apply, please complete the application form and equal opportunities form found on ourwebsite at www.cheamschool.co.uk and please include a covering letter. Unfortunately we areunable to accept applications without a completed application form.Covering letters and application forms should be submitted via email to Siobhan Branch,branchs@cheamschool.co.uk - alternatively you can post your application to the address below.Key Dates Closing date for applications: Wednesday 4 February 2026 at 17:00thInterviews will be held from: Monday 9 FebruarythStart date: September 2026The school reserves the right to call someone to interview before the application closing dateSafeguarding, Equality, Diversity and InclusionCheam School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and youngpeople and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must undergo child protectionscreening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.We are also committed to a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion. If you believe yourpersonal values would fit with the Cheam values and ethos we would love to hear from you.Whatever your background, if you lead by example, show resilience, kindness and seek always tointegrate and share, please get in touch.www.cheamschool.co.ukCheam School, Headley, Berkshire, RG19 8LD