Head of Pre-Prep (Pre-Preparatory)

Are you an inspiring, innovative educational leader ready to bring fresh ideas, strategic foresight, and dynamic vision to a thriving Pre-Prep community?

An exciting leadership opportunity has arisen at The English School (TES), Kuwait, a non-profit, independent, co-educational school built on over 70 years of Tradition, Excellence, and Success. Long recognised as a beacon of educational excellence in the Gulf region, TES combines high academic ambition with exceptional pastoral care and emotional wellbeing in early childhood.

We are seeking an outstanding Head of Pre-Prep to lead our Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 with professionalism, creativity, and educational distinction. Supported by the Principal and working alongside our Deputy Heads and senior colleagues, this role combines strategic planning, innovative early childhood pedagogy, pupil admissions oversight, and active pastoral leadership to deliver an education rooted in our long-standing values.

2. Role Profile and Core Responsibilities

The Head of Pre-Prep leads with vision and professionalism, ensuring the smooth running of daily routines while overseeing EYFS and KS1 curriculum progression, pastoral care, pupil admissions, staffing, and parental communication.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership and Vision: Drive strategic planning for the Pre-Prep section, establishing a culture of academic ambition, emotional wellbeing, and personal growth aligned with TES core values.
• Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum Oversight: Lead on EYFS and KS1 curriculum planning, progression, continuity, and differentiation in liaison with the Deputy Head Academic and Phase Leaders. Monitor teaching standards through lesson observations, planning reviews, work sampling, KS1 testing, and data analysis to foster a future-focused curriculum.
• Pupil Admissions and Progress: Assess prospective Pre-Prep pupils in coordination with the Head of Admissions, ensuring appropriate class placements, smooth transition programmes for new children and families, and ongoing academic tracking.
• Student Wellbeing, Development, and Behaviour: Champion holistic early childhood development in partnership with the Deputy Head Pastoral and Head of Learning Support. Oversee pastoral mentoring, student leadership, assemblies, Extra Curricular Activities (ECA), and serve as Phase Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL).
• Staff Leadership and Professional Growth: Guide and mentor teaching staff through continuous professional development (CPD) and performance reviews. Model exemplary classroom practice, assist with recruitment and induction, and oversee daily cover planning and staff wellbeing.
• Operational Management and Administration: Coordinate phase resources, budgets, and major supply orders in liaison with the DFO and Principal. Manage logistics for key Pre-Prep events, performances, educational visits, and term schedules.
• Communication and Parent Engagement: Act as a visible, approachable, and transparent leader for families, approving correspondence and fostering harmonious, trusting relationships across the wider school community.

3. Candidate Specification

We invite applications from educational leaders who offer a blend of strategic foresight, early childhood expertise, and empathetic leadership:

• Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent British-recognised teaching qualification with specialisation in Early Years or Primary education. Further leadership qualifications are desirable.
• Leadership Experience: Proven track record in senior or middle leadership within a British independent pre-prep, primary, or high-performing international school.
• Pedagogical Expertise: Deep knowledge of the EYFS framework and Key Stage 1 curriculum, modern play-based and foundational learning strategies, KS1 assessment tracking, and future-focused teaching practices.
• Pastoral and Safeguarding Commitment: Dedicated focus on early childhood mental health, social-emotional wellbeing, and safeguarding, ideally with safeguarding/DDSL background.
• Personal Attributes: Exemplary professionalism, discreet conduct, exceptional communication skills, and an approachable manner that builds trust with young pupils, parents, and staff.

4. About The English School (TES), Kuwait

TES is a leading non-profit British curriculum school in Kuwait catering for children aged 3 to 16. Our school is renowned for its welcoming culture, high academic standards, strong discipline, and vibrant international community.

5. Living and Working in Kuwait

Whether considering your first overseas appointment or bringing extensive international experience, Kuwait offers an enriching lifestyle and career progression. Working at TES offers a uniquely rewarding experience set within a hospitable and vibrant culture.

Important Residency Notice for Female Applicants:

Please note an important point regarding residency and sponsorship in Kuwait. Under current local regulations, female employees are not permitted to sponsor dependents (husband or children) for residency. Conversely, if a candidate's husband secures independent employment in Kuwait, he would be able to obtain his own residency and sponsor dependents. We share this transparently to support candidates in their planning.

6. Safeguarding Statement

The English School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. As per our Safer Recruitment Policy, all applicants must be prepared to undergo stringent child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and criminal record checks (ACRO, DBS, or international equivalents).

7. Application Procedure

Applications should include a completed application form and a letter of application outlining your leadership philosophy and vision for bringing innovative, future-focused ideas to the Pre-Prep School.