Job Description

School

Cranleigh Prep School

Salary

Competitive, commensurate with experience.

Working hours

Full time

Application Deadline

Thursday, January 22, 2026

Job Summary

Are you an inspiring leader with a passion for early childhood education? We are seeking a dedicated, nurturing, and experienced Head of Pre-Prep to lead the exciting launch of our new Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) provision, who join the Key Stage 1 classes that opened in September 2025.

From September 2026, we will welcome our first cohort of pupils aged 3-5 into a beautifully designed, well-resourced setting. This is a rare opportunity to shape a department from the ground up while maintaining the high standards and warm ethos of our school.

The Role

This pivotal leadership position combines strategic oversight with a love for classroom teaching. You will:

Lead & Launch: Spearhead the opening of our EYFS setting, ensuring full compliance with statutory requirements and best practices.

Mentor & Develop: Inspire a high-calibre team of staff through coaching, professional development, and robust supervision.

Teach & Inspire: Maintain a 0.8 teaching commitment within a Reception class, modeling excellence in the classroom.

Collaborate: Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team, parents, and feeder nurseries to build a thriving community and a seamless transition to Year 3.

Safeguard: Act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) for the EYFS.

About You

The successful candidate will be a visionary educator who demonstrates imagination, an innate sense of fun, and a commitment to excellence. You should possess:

Qualifications: A good honours degree and QTS are essential.

Expertise: Deep knowledge of the EYFS Statutory Framework and a track record of outstanding teaching.

Leadership: Proven experience in managing teams, introducing new initiatives, and strategic planning.

Character: A positive, adaptable personality with the ability to engage parents, staff, and pupils alike.

Cranleigh offers a supportive community environment and also a wide range of benefits.

For further details about the role, please see the job description below.

To apply, please click on the yellow 'Apply Now' button in the top right corner.

Candidates are requested to submit a brief letter of application (no more than one side of A4), and as soon as possible and no later than 9:00 am Thursday 22nd January 2026.

Applications are considered as they are received and therefore the vacancy may close sooner than advertised.

Interviews will be held on 29th January 2026.

Cranleigh School recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds.

All applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post holder will be subject to a DBS check.

Job Profile

About us

Cranleigh aims to educate children in a truly holistic sense, providing every opportunity for pupils to discover and nurture their talents and passions. We want every pupil in our care to flourish. Above all, we want Cranleighans to go out into the world as Thinking, Being, Giving individuals.


Thinking: reflects our style of teaching which aims to provide pupils with a questioning mindset and the skills to think and problem solve. Being: is who we are and how we are. Our culture aims to nurture in pupils the core human qualities that enable communities to thrive and support one another Giving: is our hope that Cranleighans grow to recognise their privilege and go out into the world ready to give back and help to create meaningful change.





Our core values of service, leadership, relationships and excellence underpin all elements of boarding life and education. In the classroom, on the sports field, in the rehearsal studios and creative spaces, we uphold a desire to nurture students with a sense of self-belief supported by a strong moral compass.

SERVICE

We encourage an attitude of service to each other and to our wider community. We recognise our privileges and our responsibility to give back.

RELATIONSHIPS

We foster strong relationships in our inclusive boarding community. We believe children flourish in safe, supportive environments.

LEADERSHIP

We nurture a spirit of openness, integrity and thoroughness in everything we do, equipping Cranleighans with the knowledge and skills to make a mark on the world. We endeavour to be viewed as leaders in holistic boarding education.

EXCELLENCE

We strive for excellence in everything we do, and aspire to be recognised for our educational vision and the personal qualities of our students.

Contact Details

If you have any questions about this role, or wish to discuss please contact us by email at

recruiting@cranleigh.org

or by telephone on

01483 542128