Head of Junior School
This role will report to the Head of the Senior School.
Lead the future of education at Kent College Junior School and Garden Cottage Nursery. This role is perfect for a visionary leader who can inspire and manage a thriving educational community. As the Head of Junior School, you will play a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction and operational excellence of both the Junior School and Nursery, ensuring that every child receives an outstanding education in a nurturing environment.
What you will be doing
You will be responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the Junior School and Garden Cottage Nursery. This includes creating and delivering a clear vision in collaboration with the Governing Body, maintaining the school's reputation at various levels, and ensuring the delivery of excellent education. You will lead the Junior School leadership team and Nursery Manager, oversee pastoral care and safeguarding, and ensure effective communication across the school community. Additionally, you will manage resources, engage with stakeholders, and support the school's Methodist values.
What we are looking for
We seek an experienced and qualified professional with a strong academic background and Qualified Teacher Status. You should have significant experience in senior leadership, a proven track record of successful change management, and the ability to inspire and lead a school community. Essential attributes include strong decision-making skills, the ability to manage change, and a commitment to the Christian faith. Experience in dealing with challenging situations and a successful teaching career are also important.
About the team or department
You will lead a dedicated team at the Junior School and Nursery, working closely with the Senior School Head and the Governing Body. The team is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where staff and students can thrive.
What we offer
- Kent College offers a range of benefits, including:
-Workplace Pension Scheme
-Generous training and mentoring packages
-Private healthcare via Benenden Health
-Free lunches during term-time
-Tuition fee remission
Conditions apply to some benefits.
About the school
Kent College is a co-educational school with a Methodist foundation, located in Canterbury, just an hour from London. Known for its unique atmosphere and spirit, the school provides a happy and safe environment for students from diverse backgrounds. The Junior School has a long tradition of high achievement and was rated Excellent in all aspects by the Independent Schools Inspectorate in 2022.
Safer Recruitment statement
Kent College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references, qualifications, experience checks, medical clearance, enhanced DBS checks, social media checks, and documentary evidence showing your entitlement to work in the UK.
How to Apply
Applications must be made via Kent College’s online application system. CVs or details sent directly to us cannot be considered.
Equal Opportunities
Kent College staff and pupils are proud to be part of a welcoming international boarding community. We value diversity and promote equality at all levels and are passionate about attracting a diverse pool of applications through an inclusive appointment process. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of this process for any candidate with a disability. We warmly welcome applications from professionals of all backgrounds and ethnicities, and particularly encourage applicants who identify as black, Asian or minority ethnic groups, as these groups are currently underrepresented in our community.
Closing Date: Friday 26 June 2026
Kent College Canterbury is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Kent College staff and pupils are proud to be part of a welcoming international boarding community. We value diversity and promote equality at all levels, and we are passionate about attracting a diverse pool of applications through an inclusive appointment process. Reasonable adjustments will be made at each stage of this process for any candidate with a disability. We warmly welcome applications from professionals of all backgrounds and communities, regardless of ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion, and we particularly encourage applicants who identify as Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic groups as these groups are currently underrepresented in our community.
Please note that we may prioritise applications from current Kent College redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward
Applications must be made via Kent College's online application system; CVs or details sent directly to the department or via email cannot be considered.