Old Vicarage School

Old Vicarage School is Richmond’s only independent preparatory school for girls, currently educating just over 200 pupils in a warm, caring learning environment that gives OVS pupils the best possible start in life both socially and academically. OVS is non-selective, and girls benefit from small class sizes, superbly resourced classrooms, specialist teaching at all ages, and wraparound pastoral support to ensure pupils of all abilities can thrive. OVS strives to ensure that every pupil has a voice within the school, and girls are given opportunities to hold leadership roles, mentor younger pupils, and try new challenges to build responsibility and confidence. The school balances the best of tradition with ensuring pupils are prepared for the future, featuring comprehensive ICT facilities and an emphasis on building technology literacy alongside critical core skills. OVS pupils go on to a wide range of secondary destinations, including some of the country’s top day and boarding schools both in and out of London.

OVS now seeks an inspiring and dynamic leader to take up the post of Head. The Head will oversee the day-to-day running of the school as well as working closely with the Board of Governors to set the strategy for the school. They will be a visible presence within the school, monitoring performance and enabling professional development for all teaching and learning staff. The Head will determine the curriculum for the school, ensuring that pupil progress is monitored and that pupils are supported according to their needs. They will maintain good relationships with parents, particularly working as a close advisor on 11+ entry, and serve as an ambassador for the school.

The successful candidate will be a perceptive, creative leader with a management style which values the contributions of others and inspires staff to fulfil the school’s vision and strategic objectives. They will have significant leadership experience in a comparable environment with a strong knowledge of recent educational developments affecting the whole primary age range. The successful candidate will display a demonstrable commitment to maintaining a learning environment which is stimulating, rewarding and purposeful. They will be passionate about girls’ education and able to inspire pupils to be the best they can be.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Old Vicarage School on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference GYYIA. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Thursday, 3 March 2022.