Head of Hampton Pre-Prep and Prep

  • Hampton School
  • Feb 17, 2026
Full time Education

Job Description

Head of Hampton Pre-Prep and Prep School Hampton School London, United Kingdom Support

Company Description The Hampton School Trust includes Hampton (boys aged 11-18), Hampton Prep (boys aged 7-11) and Hampton Pre-Prep (girls and boys aged 3-7). Our Schools share a strong values-led ethos that encourages pupils to aspire for personal best while supporting those around them with kindness and respect. Hampton Prep provides an engaging, aspirational and well-rounded education in a warm and purposeful environment. Our bespoke curriculum inspires, supports and challenges our pupils, broadening their minds and understanding of the world. Boys at the Prep benefit from excellent pastoral care and an extensive co-curricular programme. From September 2026 onwards, Hampton and Hampton Prep will formally become a 7-18 All-through School, providing a seamless education for boys from Year 3 to Upper Sixth. Further information is available in our All-through School booklet linked here . This is an exciting development for the Trust, which will enhance our provision of an exceptional, values-led education from 7-18, while continuing to cherish the distinctiveness of Hampton Pre-Prep.

Hampton Pre-Prep provides our youngest children with a joyful, nurturing start to their education, fostering curiosity, confidence and strong early foundations. Girls will continue to progress to a range of leading schools at 7+ while boys will benefit from tailored preparation for our 7+ assessments, with the majority expected to move on to Hampton Prep, as is currently the case. Hampton Prep and Hampton Pre-Prep are located in a leafy suburb of South West London. The Prep benefits from state-of-the-art buildings, opened in 2016; the PrePrep occupies a charming Edwardian site on nearby Wensleydale Road. Pupils and staff have access to first-class facilities across all areas of School life, including a new STEM facility, The Engine Room, a purpose-build art room, alongside a library, music rooms and a spacious hall. Prep pupils also enjoy access to the exceptional facilities at Hampton, including a 3G sportsground, a large and well-appointed Sports Hall, and the remarkable Hammond Theatre for the Performing Arts.

'One of the most genuinely inclusive, diverse independent schools in the London area'. Good Schools Guide

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Position This is an exceptional opportunity for a positive, determined, dynamic individual who shares the Hampton School Trust's vision and aspirations.

The Governors of the Hampton School Trust welcome applications for the post of Head of Hampton Pre-Prep and Prep School ('Head of Hampton Prep') from September 2026. This important senior role within the Trust will suit an inspiring educational leader and strategic thinker, with a record of excellence in school leadership, and a commitment to the highest professional standards. The appointee must subscribe fully to the Trust's distinctive ethos, values and culture. Working closely with Governors, The Headmaster of the Hampton School Trust, the Trust-wide Senior Leadership Team (SLT), and in conjunction with the Head of Pre-Prep, the Head of Hampton Prep will play a role in the formulation of Trust-wide strategy. The successful candidate will lead Hampton Prep's development, sustaining and improving upon its excellent achievements to date.

The Head of Hampton Prep reports to The Headmaster (Hampton School Trust) via the Deputy Heads of Hampton School regarding safeguarding, compliance and HS Trust-wide decisions related to academic, pastoral and co-curricular provision. The Hampton Prep Senior Leadership Team (HP SLT) will comprise the following: Head of Prep, Head of Pre-Prep, Deputy Head (Academic), Deputy Head (Pastoral), and the Deputy Bursar of the Hampton School Trust. The role is based at Hampton Prep School. Remuneration will be commensurate with the seniority of the post and the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate. The Hampton School Trust reserves the right to commence or complete the interview process at any time.

Requirements The specific duties of the successful candidate within the Trust-wide SLT will depend on their strengths and aptitudes, but are expected to include the following:
  • Work closely and collegially with Governors, The Headmaster (Hampton School Trust), fellow members of HS Trust SLT, and the Head of Pre-Prep to review and refine the HS Trust's strategic priorities
  • Fulfil the key leadership role at Hampton Prep (HP), and implement the HS Trust-wide vision for academic, pastoral and co curricular provision in line with our values, aims and ethos
  • Act as Line Manager to Hampton Prep teaching and support staff, including the HP Deputy Head (Pastoral) and HP Deputy Head (Academic)
  • Close day-to-day professional collaboration with the Head of Pre-Prep
  • In conjunction with the Deputy Bursar, take responsibility for controlling HP budgets and expenditure
  • Take responsibility, in conjunction with fellow members of HS Trust SLT, for the recruitment and appointment of HP staff
  • Oversight of external and internal communications for HP, in conjunction with the relevant HS Trust senior colleagues
  • Communicate frequently and effectively with parents, formally and informally, to maintain a prominent profile both in the School community and the local/regional educational landscape
  • Promote HP to current and prospective pupils and parents; participate in Visitors' presentations, Open Mornings and other admissions and marketing events
  • Provide oversight of HP admissions and marketing, following the decision that HP and Hampton will be an All-through 7-18 School from September 2026
  • Work collaboratively with HS Trust senior colleagues to ensure consistency of messaging, strong brand alignment, and a clear, well communicated progression pathway, while respecting HP's distinct identity and purpose
  • In close collaboration with members of the Hampton School Trust Marketing Committee, lead on HP's marketing and communications strategy
  • Play a key role in HP pupil recruitment and retention via leadership, advocacy and relationship building
  • Maintain an 'open door' philosophy, ensuring HP parents know they are welcome to discuss their child's academic and all round development and progress
  • Oversee reporting to parents on HP pupils, ensuring they support the continuing development of our pupils' progress and personal development
  • Carry out regular academic and pastoral reviews on a cycle agreed with the HP Deputy Heads and HS Trust SLT members.
  • Regular informal observation/sampling of learning and teaching at HP via 'drop in' visits to lessons and discussions with staff and pupils
  • Responsibility, in partnership with HS Trust SLT colleagues, for ensuring that the School is fully prepared for ISI inspections ('inspection ready')
  • Conducting teaching staff professional development reviews, capability and disciplinary procedures as required
  • Planning and organisation of staff INSET days, in conjunction with fellow HS Trust SLT members
  • Any other reasonable tasks required by The Headmaster (Hampton School Trust) associated with a HS Trust SLT role
  • Attendance and participation, as/when required, at Hampton School Trust SLT meetings chaired by The Headmaster (Hampton School Trust)
  • Attendance and participation at annual Hampton School Trust strategy meetings of Governors and SLT
  • Membership of IAPS and engagement/ networking with fellow Prep Heads.
Please note that this list of responsibilities is non exhaustive and the Head of Prep job description is subject to periodic review by The Headmaster (Hampton School Trust).

A limited teaching timetable (details to be discussed upon appointment) is envisaged and no specific specialist subject is sought. The above responsibilities are in addition to the responsibilities and duties outlined in the School's standard job description for a Teacher. These responsibilities are also subject to the general duties and responsibilities contained in the employment contract and letter of appointment.

The Pre Prep and Prep Head is responsible to The Headmaster (Hampton School Trust) and is involved in the formulation of HS Trust wide strategy in conjunction with the Board of Governors.

The successful candidate is likely to be able to demonstrate the following skills, qualifications and experience:
  • Personal commitment to the paramount importance of the safeguarding and wellbeing of pupils
  • An inspirational educational leader with a strong moral compass and an ability to lead as a role model in the School community
  • A strategic thinker with an excellent academic record and strong honours degree in a relevant academic discipline
  • The ability to build constructive relationships with parents, pupils, staff and Governors, as well as other local partners and contacts who are important to the School
  • Demonstrable and sustained success as a member of a senior leadership team
  • A strong, proven track record of initiative and innovation
  • Willingness to work effectively as part of SLT, whose members are mutually supportive and complement each other through their diverse skills and abilities
  • Capacity for expressing an independent view while working loyally as part of a team
  • Ability to make a significant contribution to strategic planning; to debate and discuss issues constructively; to subscribe to the principle of collective responsibility for key decisions; and to show interest in all areas of School leadership . click apply for full job details