Head of Dean Close St John’s

St John’s was, for almost a hundred years, a free-standing preparatory school. In 2015 it became part of the Dean Close group of schools, and this provides the financial security and operational support that enables the school to build on its historic strengths and embark on new developments with optimism and confidence. It is a small school with a close and friendly feel, but with the safety of a wider family around it.

St John’s has an excellent reputation for academic achievement for all, from potential scholars to those with additional needs, and offers a wealth of sport, music, drama, art and extensive extra-curricular activities for every child. The school is renowned for nurturing every individual and for its family atmosphere, which is appreciated and understood by pupils, parents and staff alike.

The school is fully coeducational and has a number of weekly and flexi-boarders. The school currently educates 130 pupils from 3 to 13, but has capacity for over 200; the aspiration is for the school to grow and strengthen in numbers over the coming years. Pupils move on to a range of senior schools including Monmouth, Clifton, King’s Gloucester and Dean Close, with many obtaining scholarships. While of course pupils are encouraged to consider Dean Close School, the focus is on advising families on the best school for their child, and the Head maintains links with a range of senior schools.

St John’s now looks to appoint a committed and inspirational Head who has conviction about the benefits of an all-round preparatory school education to draw in the new arrivals and offer their children outstanding education. They will be responsible for the success of the school, attracting and retaining pupils who will benefit from and contribute to the school, and for developing and enhancing the reputation of the school in the local area as an outstanding educational provider.

The successful candidate will be empathetic and enthusiastic, and bring extensive senior leadership experience, likely within a preparatory school setting and will demonstrate enthusiasm for coeducational, broad and aspirational preparatory education.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to The Dean Close Foundation on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference LBMKA. Alternatively +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Thursday 15th February.

For further details please see the attached Recruitment Pack below.

We will request references for all shortlisted candidates prior to interview.

Early applications are encouraged and applicants may be invited to interview prior to the closing date. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is appointed before the closing date.

Internal applicants

Please contact the Recruitment Team requesting the internal candidate application form link before starting your application.