Job Overview
Runnymede College is a prestigious British International school located in Spain, offering high-quality education following the British National Curriculum. We are currently seeking a full-time Pre-Prep School Deputy Head to join our dedicated team in September 2025 or January 2026.
Job Description
Responsible to: Pre-Prep School Head
Key Internal Relationships: Headmaster, Assistant Head, Head of Prep School, Prep School Deputy Heads, Deputy Head Timetable, SENCO, Heads of Department, Head of Staff Development
Responsibilities
1. Strategic direction
* Establish a consistent approach to pastoral care which unites the year groups within the Pre-Prep School
* Oversee Pre-Prep School curriculum which meets the needs of all Pre-Prep School pupils and equips them with the skills needed to make successful transitions between Year groups
* Develop, implement and regularly review pastoral and academic policies for the Pre-Prep School which meet British School Overseas minimum standards
* Work alongside other DSLs and Head of the Pre-Prep School to keep abreast of safeguarding changes and advise SLT on compliance
* Support the Headmaster in teacher recruitment
* Contribute to the School Development Plan
* Collaborate with the Deputy Head timetable and Head of Pre-Prep on timetable development
* Inform the School Leadership Team of current research, trends and issues relevant to the academic life and pastoral care in the Pre-Prep to facilitate future planning
1. Leadership & Management
* Line manage class teachers and teaching assistants, including monitoring performance, schemes of work and weekly meetings
* Participate in whole-school Senior Leadership meetings
* Assist the Head of Pre-Prep in inspection preparation
* Oversee induction of new Pre-Prep staff with Head of Staff Development
* Organise and manage the academic calendar in the Pre-Prep, including assessments, reporting and parents’ evenings
* Assist Head of Pre-Prep with staff duty rota and staff cover
* Take overall responsibility for pastoral provision for pupils
* Provide guidance for staff in planning trips and visits and ensure implementation of the Trips & Visits Policy
* Support school events including assemblies and parents’ evenings
2. Safeguarding
* Be a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the Pre-Prep School
* Support staff on safeguarding matters and maintain child protection procedures
* Manage referrals: liaise with schools, external agencies, the Police and other authorities
* Keep Headmaster and Deputy DSLs informed of safeguarding issues
* Undergo training in child protection (level 2 and 3) every two years
* Oversee safeguarding training of Pre-Prep staff and maintain training records
* Ensure accurate safeguarding records are logged on MyConcern
* Work with DSLs and SENCOs to maintain a register of vulnerable pupils and communicate as needed
* Include safeguarding training in new staff induction
3. Monitoring and reporting behaviour
* Oversee the Pre-Prep rewards system and celebrate pupil successes
* Maintain high standards of positive behaviour and safety on site and during school activities
* Lead pupil disciplinary procedures and policy across year groups
* Support staff in implementing individual support structures and target setting
4. Curriculum development
* Ensure Year group teams meet regularly to plan lessons
* Assist teachers in planning the curriculum and ensure consistency with the National Curriculum
* Coordinate with the Directora Técnica to meet educational and curriculum standards for international Spain schools
5. Assessment tracking & monitoring
* Develop systems for monitoring and evaluating pupil progress
* Work with SENCO and support staff to implement progress strategies
* Coordinate assessment within Pre-Prep including phonics assessment (Reception to Year 3)
* Develop a data-informed culture of individualized learning
* Plan interventions with teachers and the SENCO as needed
* Support staff in interpreting data about students
* Oversee pupil progress reporting to parents
6. Pupil recruitment and retention
* Collaborate with the Headmaster, Assistant Headmistress and Admissions to drive Pre-Prep recruitment
* Assist with marketing materials, website updates and social media engagement with parents
* Contribute to strategic plans for recruitment and retention
The successful candidate will lead a team across Pre- Nursery, Nursery, Reception, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3.
The role aims to provide a safe, secure and well-organised environment that enables children to thrive as independent learners and engaged, considerate members of the school community. You will work with a dedicated leadership team to tailor pastoral care for all Pre-Prep pupils.
The Successful Applicant Will Have
* A good honours degree from a British University
* A PGCE or equivalent qualified teacher status
* Substantial evidence of middle leadership or some evidence of senior leadership
* Familiarity with the English National Curriculum at Key Stage 1
* Native level of spoken and written English
* Experience as part of a senior safeguarding team (desirable)
* Proven experience leading teaching and learning
* Strong background in SEND and inclusion with potential to lead in Pre-Prep
* Experience in a UK-based Private School or British International Overseas School (desirable)
If you meet the above criteria and are enthusiastic about contributing to the growth and development of young learners at Runnymede College, apply with your CV and cover letter including referee contact details.
Final date for applications: rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted; first round interviews via Zoom, final round in Madrid. The School reserves the right to appoint before the closing date. If you have not heard within six weeks, please assume you were unsuccessful.
We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Hiring decisions are based on skills, experience and attributes required for the role. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. Runnymede is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children; applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and ACRO Criminal Records Office.
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