Head of Pre-Prep

About Us

The Richard Pate School is owned and operated by Pate’s Grammar School Foundation. It is a successful co-ed independent day school (Monday - Friday) for 3-11year olds. The School is set in a beautiful 11-acre semi-rural site in Leckhampton on the outskirts of Cheltenham. We offer children a broad education in modern, purpose-built facilities, which includes music, sport, art, languages and drama and a varied extra-curricular programme. The School has an excellent record of admissions to both grammar and independent schools, with 52% moving on to grammar schools and a large number gaining scholarships to independent schools.

We are seeking an exceptional candidate to fill the role of Head of Pre-Prep and KS1 teacher from September 2026.

In summary the role is as follows:

• Full time permanent post
• Salary based on experience and qualifications
• Start date: 1 September 2026
• Responsibility for leading Pre-Prep (EYFS and KS1) and for teaching a KS1 class

To be successful in this role you must be:

• Qualified with QTS and have experience of teaching a range of subjects to KS1.
• An outstanding classroom practitioner focused on raising standards and supporting the pastoral care and individual needs of every pupil.
• Equipped with a knowledge and understanding of Early Years Education through EYFS and KS1, and how it links to KS2.
• Experienced in leading a team of professionals towards a shared vision and prepared to be immersed fully into school life.
• Conversant with the latest developments with tracking pupil progress, assessment procedures and curriculum development.
• Capable of communicating effectively with pupils, colleagues and parents.
• Willing to engage in pedagogical reflection and development, and to contribute to ongoing improvements in learning and curriculum design and delivery.
• Respectful of the School’s aims and values.

In return, we offer you:

• A positive working environment, with friendly and supportive colleagues.
• A strong commitment to on-going professional development and lifelong learning
• Children who are enthusiastic to learn, with outstanding behaviour
• A fee-remission scheme
• Free parking on site and subsidised lunches during term time.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a Cycle to Work Scheme.

To apply for this role:

Please download our Application Form and Information Pack from the school website by clicking on Apply Now.

Completed applications should be posted to:

Bursar
The Richard Pate School
Southern Road
Cheltenham GL53 9RP

Or emailed via the email address to the right of this advert.

Applications must be received by 12.00pm on Wednesday 18 March 2026.

NB CVs will not be accepted in place of an application form, but may be submitted as additional supporting documentation.

Our ‘Recruitment, Selection & Disclosure Policy & Procedure, including Policy on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders’ and Safeguarding Policy can be found on our website: www.richardpate.co.uk

Interviews: short-listed candidates will be invited for interview on Wednesday 25 March 2026.

Start Date: 1 September 2026

Pate’s Grammar School Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare or children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Safeguarding is underpinned by a range of policies and procedures which encourage and promote safe working practice across the School. We make sure that all our staff are trained and supervised to a high standard so they can provide safe, effective practice

All posts are subject to a safer recruitment process which includes the disclosure of criminal records and barring checks, scrutiny of employment history, robust referencing and other vetting checks. Due to the nature of the role, you will need to complete an enhanced criminal record disclosure (DBS check including Barred List check) and undergo our pre-employment screening. As a regulated sector we are required to undertake online checks and ask for references prior to interview, by applying for this role you are consenting for us to contact your referees. Please note that this role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 therefore you will be asked to disclose all previous convictions not exempt under amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

Pate’s Grammar School Foundation is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects our community. Applications are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates. We particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups.