Deputy Head Teacher

Small School. Big Expectations.

At Clarendon Cottage Preparatory School we believe children thrive when they are known, valued and inspired. We are a small independent preparatory school for children aged 2–11 with a genuine family atmosphere and all the warmth of a traditional village school. Relationships are at the heart of all we do and our close‑knit community ensures every child feels safe, happy and  combine traditional values with a modern, creative and ambitious curriculum designed to enable every child to flourish.

Established in 1991, Clarendon Cottage has built an excellent reputation for nurturing confident, curious and resilient learners. Small class sizes, strong pastoral care and high academic expectations support children to achieve their aspirations and successfully progress to their chosen secondary destinations.

We are seeking an outstanding Deputy Head to work alongside the Head in leading the next stage of our school's development. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and talented leader who is eager to develop their senior leadership career and play a significant role in shaping the future direction of our school.

The successful candidate will help maintain excellent standards, support delivery of the School Development Plan, and contribute strategically and operationally to the continued success of Clarendon Cottage.

• Support the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the School Development Plan and action priorities
• Contribute to school self‑evaluation and quality assurance processes
• Help ensure the school consistently meets the Independent School Standards
• Support inspection readiness and evidence gathering
• Assist in maintaining high standards of teaching, learning, behaviour and pupil wellbeing
• Support whole‑school policy development, review and implementation
• Help develop and communicate the school vision and strategic priorities
• Use assessment information and monitoring activities to drive improvement

• Lead by example as an excellent classroom practitioner
• Promote ambitious expectations and high‑quality teaching
• Support curriculum development across the school
• Foster innovation and creativity alongside academic rigour
• Support monitoring activities including learning walks, work scrutiny and lesson observations
• Coach and mentor colleagues where appropriate

• 2.5 days classroom teaching
• 2.5 days Deputy Head leadership and management allocation

The successful candidate will continue to maintain a strong classroom presence whilst contributing significantly to strategic leadership.

• Oversee identification, monitoring and provision for pupils with additional needs
• Coordinate support plans and interventions
• Liaise with families and external agencies
• Monitor progress and provision
• Ensure statutory responsibilities are met
• Promote an inclusive culture where every child can thrive

SENDCo qualification is desirable; candidates willing to undertake training are welcomed.

• Lead safeguarding practice and culture across the school
• Ensure safeguarding systems remain effective and compliant
• Maintain accurate and secure records
• Deliver safeguarding training and updates
• Support staff understanding of safeguarding responsibilities
• Liaise appropriately with external agencies
• Promote a culture where children feel safe, heard and supported

• Small classes and strong relationships
• Supportive and committed colleagues
• Happy children who love learning
• A creative and ambitious curriculum
• Strong pastoral care
• Opportunities for leadership growth
• The ability to shape future developments
• A school where children genuinely feel at home

• Provide a supporting statement outlining: your suitability for the role; leadership experience and aspirations; experience relevant to safeguarding and SEND; your educational philosophy and vision.
• Shortlisted candidates may be required to undertake a lesson observation, leadership task and interview process.
• References will be requested prior to interview where appropriate.

Closing Date: 12th June 2026

Interviews:…